Episodes

In this episode Nicolai Oliden, a roadway engineer based in Phoenix, Arizona, shares insights into the diverse projects and career paths available in the field. From childhood experiences on construction sites with his father to his current role as a regional supervisor at Jacobs. Through personal anecdotes and professional lessons learned, Nicolai provides practical advice for early-career engineers, touching on topics such as communication skills, personal finance, professional development, and the power of owning mistakes. Nicolai imparts his perspective on differences between small engineering firms and large international ones, while noting the challenges and opportunities each environment presents.

In this episode, Erin Lansey shares her journey from studying environmental science to pursuing a career in environmental engineering. Growing up with a civil engineer father, Erin initially shied away from the field but found herself drawn to it as she discovered a passion for solving environmental challenges. Erin discusses the critical issues surrounding water management in the desert southwest and her role in ensuring clean water for the community. Reflecting on her career trajectory, Erin emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities and being open to pivoting within the field of engineering. She shares personal anecdotes of transitioning from hydrology to remediation engineering and eventually delving into data science and analytics. Through these experiences, Erin highlights the value of adaptability and continuous learning in shaping a successful engineering career. The conversation also delves into professional challenges, including learning from mistakes, the importance of networking, and relationship-building in the engineering industry. Erin offers valuable advice to those starting their careers, stressing the significance of participating in networking opportunities, and staying open to new experiences.

n this episode Jeanne Jensen , Director of Engineering at RMCI, has worked for more than a decade in the public service sector from building project delivery, infrastructure planning, and water resilience programs. As a fourth-generation engineer, Jeanne shares insightful anecdotes about her family’s engineering legacy and the personal journey that led her to choose a career in chemical engineering over medicine. From discussing the significance of water resources, especially in arid regions like the desert Southwest, to reflecting on the unsung heroes ensuring clean, safe drinking water, Jeanne sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of her profession. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication and relationship building in engineering, stressing the need to bridge the gap between technical expertise and public understanding. Jeanne shares a compelling narrative about a challenging professional project involving complex technical information, diverse stakeholders, and the necessity of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Through her experiences, she highlights the rewarding nature of addressing challenges and finding solutions that positively impact communities.