SEAONC SE3
2020 Summer Speed Mentorship Event Recap
Written by: Jennifer Alviso, SEAONC SE3 Committee member, and Co-Lead of SE3 DEI Subcommittee
On August 25, 2020, SEAONC SE3 Speed Mentorship went virtual for the first time, trading physical conference spaces for Zoom breakout rooms. Over a brisk series of three Q&A sessions, participants engaged with structural engineering mentors throughout the Bay Area.
It was an impressive turnout: 11 mentors and 43 participants that ranged from students to mid-level engineers. SEAONC SE3 Chair Tiffany Hwang kicked off the evening along with the SEAONC SE3 Mentorship task group Brenna Marcoux, Brooke Lipsey, Jen Ton, Jennifer Alviso and Natalie Tse.
It was an impressive turnout: 11 mentors and 43 participants that ranged from students to mid-level engineers. SEAONC SE3 Chair Tiffany Hwang kicked off the evening along with the SEAONC SE3 Mentorship task group Brenna Marcoux, Brooke Lipsey, Jen Ton, Jennifer Alviso and Natalie Tse.
Though nothing could have prepared them for the challenges of 2020, mentors were ready to offer timeless perspectives on how to find a job, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. A big thank you to our mentors, Angie Sommer of ZFA, Benjamin Mohr of HOK, David Strandberg of Strandberg Engineering, Dick Dreyer and Erik Kneer of Holmes Structures, Holly Razzano of Degenkolb Engineers, Kevin Moore of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Mark Gilligan, Nick Bucci of Tipping Structural, Susan LaFore of Forell/Elsesser, and Tiffany Hwang of COWI.
Be flexible
Find a company that matches your values. Instead of setting up rigid boundaries, revise expectations. Focus on showing dedication and commitment rather than blindly pouring in long hours.
Be proactive
Mentees were encouraged to reach out when they need help. It’s a great way to keep in touch with colleagues or get to know them.
Be patient
There’s a lot of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment once a project is completed, but following a project from design through construction can take a long time. Enjoy the journey of learning a lot of new things along the way.
Special thanks to Yesenia Garcia and Giuliana Tragitt of the SEAONC office for guiding us through the virtual logistics. SEAONC SE3 looks forward to hosting another speed mentorship soon, virtual or otherwise.
Find a company that matches your values. Instead of setting up rigid boundaries, revise expectations. Focus on showing dedication and commitment rather than blindly pouring in long hours.
Be proactive
Mentees were encouraged to reach out when they need help. It’s a great way to keep in touch with colleagues or get to know them.
Be patient
There’s a lot of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment once a project is completed, but following a project from design through construction can take a long time. Enjoy the journey of learning a lot of new things along the way.
Special thanks to Yesenia Garcia and Giuliana Tragitt of the SEAONC office for guiding us through the virtual logistics. SEAONC SE3 looks forward to hosting another speed mentorship soon, virtual or otherwise.
