november 16, 2015 the early years – successfully transitioning from college to the workforce 2015...
TRANSCRIPT
November 16, 2015
The Early Years – Successfully Transitioning from College to the
Workforce
2015 Annual Conference Raleigh, NC
Eric Smith – CDM Smith
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Agenda
Introduction Who Am I? Why This Topic?
Building a Solid Foundation – Four Phases Assessment Planning Preparation Implementation
Recap Questions
INTRODUCTION
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Who Am I?
Eric Smith Project Engineer at CDM Smith
Graduated from University of Central Florida – 2010 B.S. Civil Engineering B.S. Environmental Engineering
Work Experience Groundwater remediation work with small firm in FL (1 year) 3.5 total years with CDM Smith
1 year in FL 2.5 years in NC
Work Focus Water/wastewater with emphasis in hydraulics and pumping
Young professional
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Why This Topic?
Transitioning to the workforce can be tricky waters to navigate Lots of unknowns Job market is ever-changing
Transition is filled with change Trade summer vacation for Paid Time Off Trade 15 credit hour semesters for 40+ hour work weeks Trade loan accumulation for loan payment plans Trade semester exams for client deliverables Trade grades for end of year appraisals Mistakes in college = bad grade…Mistakes in work = $
Principles discussed here are applicable to all stages of your career
Key To Making a Successful Transition – Building a Solid Foundation
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Building A Solid Foundation
Early success is critical to a long and healthy career Average Age at Graduation:
Bachelors – 22 to 24 years old Masters – 24 to 26 years old
Retirement Age: 65 to 67 years old
39 to 45 year career! Anything worth building needs a solid foundation
Relatively small investment to ensure the rest of the building will last
Opinion – Foundation is built during the first 5 years in the industry
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Building A Solid Foundation
Plenty of real-world examples on the importance of building a solid foundation. House School Pump Station Treatment Plant Shopping Mall Etc.
Four phases of building a solid foundation Assessment Planning Preparation Implementation
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Phase I – Assessment
Pump Station Foundation: Site Assessment Geotechnical Investigation Research
Career Foundation: Assess where you are
To get where you are going…you have to know where you are starting
Know the job market/industry Know your strengths and areas of growth
potential Set realistic expectations
Be a lifelong learner Embrace all tasks that come your way…even the
menial ones Be adaptable
Getting a Handle on the Situation
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Phase II – Planning
Pump Station Foundation: Determine client needs Perform survey Develop site plans Submit permits Create design documents for bidding
Career Foundation: Identify a mentor Set short-term and long-term goals
Professionally Personally
Find ways to utilize your skills
Looking Ahead at What Could be
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Phase III – Preparation
Pump Station Foundation: Clear and grub site Site grading Excavate as required
Career Foundation: Set a trajectory to achieve short
and long term goals Join professional organizations and
network Teamwork makes the dream work
Get to know your co-workers Develop a positive reputation
Setting a Solid Course
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Phase IV – Implementation
Pump Station Foundation: Construct foundation Build the pump station Develop an operations and
maintenance plan
Career Foundation: Get outside of your comfort zone
and say “Yes!” Ask to go to client meetings Try to get out to construction sites Find a healthy work/life balance Recognize that hard work pays off Remember…first things first
Putting into Practice
Recap
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SummaryBuilding a solid foundation is the key
to successfully transitioning from college to the workforce
Focus on the four phases of building a strong foundation Assessment – “Getting a handle on
the situation” Planning – “Looking ahead to what
could be” Preparation – “Setting a solid
course” Implementation – “Putting into
practice”
Questions?