Mechanical Engineering – Career, Pathways, & Leadership
Nancy Kohout, Principal Mechanical Engineer at Smith Group, shares her journey from studying mechanical engineering to becoming a leader in the industry. She discusses the different paths within mechanical engineering and the importance of gaining practical experience. Nancy also talks about the transition from a smaller firm to a larger integrated firm and the benefits of collaboration and teamwork. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness and vulnerability as a leader and provides advice on delegation, managing up and down, and effective communication.
Nancy Kohout emphasizes the importance of effective communication in management and teamwork. She highlights the need to understand the preferred communication styles of different individuals and adjust accordingly. Nancy also discusses the evolving landscape for women in engineering and encourages women to believe in themselves, take a seat at the table, and make their voices heard. She shares her involvement with ASHRAE and the importance of professional societies in career development. Nancy also provides insights into her role on the board of directors at Smith Group and the value of finding mentors and sponsors.
Takeaways
· Mechanical engineering offers a broad range of career paths, from HVAC design to equipment design.
· Transitioning from a smaller firm to a larger integrated firm can provide more opportunities for leadership and impact.
· Effective leadership involves self-awareness, vulnerability, and creating a safe and collaborative environment.
· Delegation is important for growth and efficiency, but it requires clear communication and trust.
· Managing up and down involves empathy, understanding, and effective communication.
· Leaders should prioritize what requires their time and delegate tasks that can be done by others. Effective communication is
crucial in management and teamwork, and it’s important to understand and adapt to the preferred communication styles of different individuals.
· Women in engineering should believe in themselves, take a seat at the table, and make their voices heard. They should also seek out mentors and sponsors for guidance and support.
· Involvement in professional societies, such as ASHRAE, can provide valuable networking and career development opportunities.
· Being a part of the board of directors at a company offers insights into how the organization operates and makes strategic decisions.
· Finding mentors and sponsors, as well as connecting with peers, can help young professionals navigate their career paths and gain valuable input and support.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-kohout-p-e-leed-ap-151b9822/
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Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal
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Hello, I’m Katelyn Rossier!
A licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I help early and mid-career design professionals have the technical knowledge, professional development skills, and resources they need to not only have successful projects but also be able to step into leadership roles with confidence! The AEC industry doesn’t have to be sink or swim!
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