In this episode, Erik Petersen PE, a civil engineer, shares his thoughts for college seniors and early career engineers. He graduated from The University of Arizona in 2019. Erik works at a structural consulting firm in Orange County, California, specializing in entertainment and themed entertainment projects. Petersen initially became interested in engineering because he was fascinated with roller coasters and their structural aspects. When asked about the challenges he faced during his career, Petersen talks about the pressure he felt as a senior in college. Petersen learned that it’s okay to let go of certain goals and avoid the sunk cost fallacy. He emphasizes that success is not a linear progression and that it’s essential to choose a path that works for you. Petersen shared how a challenging situation at his company changed his responsibilities and forced him to think more about the business-side aspect of civil engineering. He also shares his advice for new engineers, including the importance of finding a company culture that fits, developing communication skills, and not just focusing on salary when choosing a job.