The Most Overlooked Skills Engineers Need for a Thriving Career with Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE (Associate Teaching Professor at Notre Dame)
In this episode, Kevin Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, shares his journey through academia and the structural engineering industry, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the profession. We explore the evolving role of technology, including AI, the importance of community impact, and the need to inspire the next generation.
We discuss retention issues, the complexities of historic construction, and the emotional resilience required in the field. Kevin also highlights the responsibility of engineers toward sustainability, the influence of financial drivers, and the critical role of interpersonal skills in professional growth. We reflect on the legacy of engineers and advocate for a shift in how the profession is perceived.
We’re joined by Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, Associate Teaching Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Director, Master of Engineering (MEng).
Kevin Walsh’s primary areas of research interest are sustainable and resilient infrastructure, pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural framing, inventory and seismic assessment of masonry and concrete buildings, large-scale experimental testing including the testing of in situ structures, unbonded post-tensioning strand/anchorage systems, modern masonry construction materials, and the professional practice of structural engineering.
Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kqwalsh/
Keywords
Engineering, academia, youth engagement, infrastructure, career growth, mentorship, built environment, AI in engineering, community impact, retention issues, historic construction, materials, risk management, environmental responsibility, legacy, interpersonal skills, career purpose
Chapters
03:09 Journey into Engineering
06:10 The Role of Academia in Engineering
09:08 Challenges in Attracting Youth to Engineering
12:11 The Importance of Community and Fulfillment in Engineering
15:03 The Future of Engineering and AI
18:02 The Art and Science of Engineering
20:59 Retention Issues in Engineering
23:55 Infrastructure and Its Impact
27:02 Opportunities in the Built Environment
31:02 Curiosity and Specialization in Engineering
32:26 Historic Construction and Material Challenges
34:51 Teaching Fundamentals and Emotional Resilience
37:30 Navigating Risk and Litigation in Engineering
40:37 Financial Drivers in Engineering Decisions
43:21 The Role of Engineers in Environmental Responsibility
48:15 Legacy and Purpose in Engineering
51:25 Interpersonal Skills and Professional Growth
56:35 Finding Purpose in Engineering Careers
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