Off to Work We GoOff to Work We GoThe TransitionThe Transition

David Markley, P.E.Transportation Solutions, Inc.

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Where Will It Take Me?Where Will It Take Me? (Where Will You Take It?)(Where Will You Take It?)

I. Get a Running StartII. What Should You Expect?III. Leveraging Your Career?

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

I. Get a Running StartI. Get a Running Start

Prepare Yourself Figure Yourself

Out Select Your

Employer

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Prepare YourselfPrepare Yourself Education

• BSCE is Basic• Get More If You Can

Experience• Emotional Intelligence• Street Smarts• School of Hard Knocks

Examples of Work• Sole Source Examples• Written Work

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Who am I?Who am I?

What Rings Your Bell?

How am I Wired? How am I Unique?

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Select Your EmployerSelect Your Employer(Don’t only let them select you)(Don’t only let them select you)

Big or Small Private or Public

Prepare and Investigate Ask Them Questions

Private Public

Self Supporting Institutional Stability

Fluctuates with Economy Fluctuates with Legislature

Rewards for Good Work Rewards are More Prescribed

Leading Edge Learning Broad-Based Learning

Focused Clientele Public and Elected Officials

Select Type of Work You Do More Limited Variety

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

II. What Should I Expect?II. What Should I Expect?(What is Around the Corner?)(What is Around the Corner?)

Reversed Roles Finding Answers versus Solving

Problems The Balancing Act You are Playing for Keeps

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Reversed RolesReversed RolesAttribute College Working World

Compensation You Pay You Get Paid

Producers Professors for You You for Client or Public

Relative Position Seniors Entry-Level

Experience Know the Ropes New Learning Environment

Knowledge Little About a Lot A Lot About a Specialty

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Finding Answers versusFinding Answers versusSolving ProblemsSolving Problems

Attribute College Working World

Problem Statement Inputs / Givens

Provided for You You Need to Determine

Assumptions Limited Number Many Assumptions

Approach Single Method Multiple Methods

Answers vs. Solutions

Single Correct Answer Multiple Answers to a Solution

Considerations/ Context

Mostly Technical Multi-Dimensional

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

The Balancing ActThe Balancing Act

Quality Schedule Budget Value

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

You are Playing for KeepsYou are Playing for Keeps

It Counts Recurring Mistakes

equals Loss of Confidence

Poor Judgment equals Loss of Responsibility

Failure equals Slower Advancement (Fired, Sued)

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

III. Leveraging Your Career?III. Leveraging Your Career?(A Job or A Career?)(A Job or A Career?)

You Must be Present to Win Communication is the Key The Answer is in the Questions Distinguish Yourself Do the Right Thing Build Relationships

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

You Must be Present to WinYou Must be Present to Win

Show Up On or Ahead of Time

Ask to Be Involved (Even if You Don’t Get Paid)

Be The “Go To” person (Go the Extra Yard)

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Communication is the AnswerCommunication is the Answer Listen and Hear Observe and Understand Ask Relevant Questions Speak Carefully Write Clearly & Concisely Become Self-Critical Understand Context Platinum Rule

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

The Answer is in the QuestionsThe Answer is in the Questions What? Why? When? Who? Where? How? How Much? So What?

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Distinguish YourselfDistinguish Yourself(The Right Way)(The Right Way)

Be Polite and Dress the Part Continuous Learning (Invest Early) Professional Engineering Registration

(Critical to Advancement) Professional Organization Participation Keep Up on Current Events

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Do The Right ThingDo The Right Thing(Ethics for Dummies)(Ethics for Dummies)

Is it the TRUTH?Is it FAIR to ALL Concerned?Will it Build GOODWILL and

BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?Will it be BENEFICIAL to ALL

Concerned?

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Build RelationshipsBuild Relationships Within Your Firm,

Team, Profession Multiply Your

Knowledge Base

Golden Rule Platinum Rule Take a Genuine

Interest

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

SummarySummary Big Challenges

and Big Changes Ahead

Unlimited Opportunity

Stick to the Basics Look for the Right

Fit

Transportation Solutions,

Inc.

Off to Work We GoOff to Work We GoThe TransitionThe Transition

David Markley, P.E.Transportation Solutions, Inc.

(425) 883-4134