STRUCTURE published a series of three articles in 2017 written by the Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) Committee of the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC). These articles presented the results of a 2016 nationwide survey of engineers on the current conditions in the workplace about both engagement (broadly defined as satisfaction) and equity (broadly defined as fairness) and offered ideas for improved career development, retention, pay and benefits, access to opportunities, and work-life-balance. STRUCTURE has also published articles on the importance of mentoring and how to do it effectively (see Anderson, April 2018, and Grogan and Anesta, May 2014). …
I am quite honored to have been selected as the next Chair of the STRUCTURE Editorial Board. I joined the Board four years ago and have been privileged to serve under past Chairs Jon Schmidt and Barry Arnold, and to work alongside our dedicated, volunteer Board members. …
25 Years On
In the early morning of January 17, 1994, the ground shook hard in the northern San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. The structural engineering profession was shaken hard too. That was 25 years ago, and how have things changed! …
Are You Taking Full Advantage of CEU Opportunities?
Are you investing in your future or wasting your time and money on CEUs? CEUs are an investment in your future and, like all significant purchases, should be taken seriously. …
Fundamental to every engineering degree is the requirement for advanced mathematics courses. Far beyond basic arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry, the engineering curriculum requires, at a minimum, courses in differential, integral, and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. With such stringent requirements with respect to mathematical principles and problem-solving tools, it is interesting that counting structural and professional engineers is difficult for so many. …
Is our Code of Ethics relevant today, or has its strength faded with time? Is our Code of Ethics a powerful tool to assist and guide the engineer in being a professional and in making good and right decisions, or is it outdated dogma?
Recently, an engineer with animated gestures and passion in his voice proclaimed, “We, as professionals, are duty bound and morally obligated to understand, live by, and enforce the Code of Ethics.” With equal commitment, another engineer stated “The Code of Ethics is an outdated albatross that hangs around the neck of the profession and limits opportunities.” …
Theft, and Fraud – Do You Know the Difference?
Stealing is bad. From a young age and throughout life, this principle is reinforced and emphasized. Regardless of whether it is petty theft or grand theft, and regardless of whether it involves burglary, embezzlement, larceny, looting, robbery, shoplifting, library theft, or fraud – stealing is bad. …
Have you heard or read about engineers becoming dissatisfied with the profession, their employer, or their career and pursuing employment in other occupations? Some suggest the source of dissatisfaction is a result of a conflict between the work the engineer is engaged in and their values and passions. In his book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, author Jim Collins encouraged companies to ask themselves, “What do we stand for and why do we exist?” …
I have never been concerned that three organizations represent structural engineers. So, while attending a recent engineering conference, when one of my tablemates spoke up in an agitated tone and said: “I don’t understand why there are three organizations representing structural engineers! They’re like oil and water – they don’t mix well,” I was taken aback. It is a question and a simile I have heard before, but his tone and abruptness caused me to pause and reflect. …
Jon Schmidt, and the past and present editorial board, did an excellent job of building STRUCTURE magazine into a high-quality, sought-after publication. Under Jon’s leadership and the talent and commitment of the editorial board, STRUCTURE magazine has become a widely-read and well-respected publication. The profession owes Jon, those who served with him, and those who have contributed content to the magazine, our sincere appreciation. …