Florida Engineering Society (FES): How We Can Connect to More Communities

By David Cowan, Jr. PE., ENV SP and Bradley Brown P.E.David Cowan, Jr., P.E., ENV SP, is a senior engineer at CMA in the West Palm Beach office.

Bradley Brown, P.E. is a water/wastewater engineer at AECOM in D.C. Metro Area.

Connection with others is part of the human experience. Although it can seem intimidating, connecting with others plays an important role in our growth not only as individuals, but also within our careers.

My start in the engineering field came when I attended an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) luncheon in pursuit of simply meeting engineers. After a few introductions, I asked one of the engineers if she knew of any opportunities in the area. She connected me with David. Since then, the relationship that David and I developed over the years has benefited us in many ways.

Through strategic investments in social capital, active networking and committed volunteering, we can create vibrant and inclusive spaces that nurture diversity and drive progress. By understanding and using the resources and relationships within our communities, we can collectively address challenges, celebrate achievements and pave the way for future generations.

Social Capital

Social capital refers to the networks, relationships and norms that shape the value of a society's social interactions. It is spent through personal interactions where trust, mutual agreements and shared values facilitate cooperative behavior.

Creating and spending social capital wisely involves building and maintaining trustworthy relationships. It fosters community and collective problem-solving, which is crucial for addressing complex societal challenges. Effectively building social capital requires time and effort to nurture genuine connections and engage in community activities. It enhances personal and professional growth, providing a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration. Throughout the journey, it is important to build our network and share this value with the next generation.

Networking

Effective networking involves knowing and using the resources you have, which means utilizing your current connections to gain new insight, including opportunities. Fostering existing relationships is crucial as they provide support systems, stability and collaboration opportunities.

As we grow in our careers, the need to find new and diverse talent broadens our perspective and introduces innovative ideas and viewpoints. This is critical in adapting to this rapidly changing world.

Most of the time, networking includes participating in industry events, conferences and online forums, which can expand your professional circle and open doors to new opportunities. Building a strong personal brand, on and offline, through consistent engagement and adding value to these networks is essential.

When we attend these events, we need to maintain our relationships but also grow new and diverse ones. Look for the person in the corner struggling to find a way into a conversation. Look for a person who is different from you in some way and strike up a conversation. We all have some short-term plans, vacations, trips or other personal events on which we can find common ground.

Mentoring is vital when it comes to networking, facilitating mutual growth and knowledge exchange. It helps career advancement and personal development by gaining insights from experienced professionals, guiding emerging talent, and sharing new prospects.

Increasing Diversity In Our Profession

The engineering profession has historically been dominated by men and non-minorities, with little change over the past 40 years. White men still make up about 75% of the engineering workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics.

This disparity in engineering often results from systemic barriers such as unconscious bias and limited support networks. Addressing these barriers is crucial for creating an inclusive environment that encourages diverse participation.

Promoting diversity in engineering can be achieved through targeted recruitment starting at an early age through STEM outreach programs. Support systems throughout the education process can ensure that no unnecessary barriers exist for women and minorities as they earn their STEM degrees.

As leaders in organizations, we need a conscious effort to be more equitable in our talent recruitment and profession and to enhance the overall quality of engineering solutions.

The Next Generation Of Engineers Needs Diversity In People And Ideas

To thrive in a global economy, the next generation of engineers must embrace diversity in people and ideas. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives and creative solutions, which are essential for tackling complex problems and driving progress in engineering. Encouraging diverse educational backgrounds and interdisciplinary approaches enriches the engineering profession. It leads to innovative solutions by integrating different methodologies and knowledge bases.

Mentorship programs and inclusive educational initiatives can nurture diverse talent early, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled engineers from different backgrounds. These programs provide guidance, resources and inspiration for underrepresented groups to pursue engineering careers.

What We Can Do

Volunteering in K-12 outreach programs helps inspire and educate the next generation of engineers. Participating in initiatives like Habitat for Humanity or Sleep in Heavenly Peace allows engineers to give back to the community while highlighting the impact of engineering skills. Engaging in local and state STEM activities and career days promotes the engineering profession and encourages young students or all groups to pursue careers in this field.

Volunteering also strengthens community ties and builds social capital, reinforcing the value of collaborative efforts. It provides opportunities for professional development and personal fulfillment through meaningful contributions.

Corporate volunteering programs can enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, fostering a culture of social responsibility within engineering firms. When engaged by all levels of the company, these programs benefit communities and promote the company's commitment to where we work.

What FES Does

The Florida Engineering Society (FES) supports the engineering community through initiatives like the Florida Engineering Foundation (FEF) Scholarships, which financially assist aspiring engineers. FES also organizes MATHCOUNTS®, a competition that fosters mathematical skills among middle school students, preparing them for future engineering challenges.

Through professional development programs, conferences and local chapter events offered by FES, engineers stay current with industry trends and find opportunities to network, mentor and give back to the community. Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse engineering profession.

Investing in social capital, actively networking with new people, addressing the lack of diversity, and volunteering our time and expertise pave a path to connect the past, future and our communities. Let's support FES and its initiatives and work collectively to inspire and develop the next generation of engineers. To learn more, visit www.fleng.org.