In this episode, I speak with Rose McClure, a structural engineer at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger. Rose specializes in the analysis and design of foundation systems, and the repair and rehabilitation of existing structures.
Rose is also a co-founder of the Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity Committee (SE3), which was established in 2015 with the mission to study and work to improve engagement and equity in the structural engineering profession. The SE3 Project aims to advance the profession by engaging all structural engineers regardless of gender, age, experience, job title, firm, size, or location. In this episode, we discuss all things SE3, and how work-life balance, flexibility in the workplace, and equity aren't just a "women's issues".
Check out the SE3 website to find out more about their initiatives.
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LIGHTNING ROUND Q&A
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THEIR CAREER?
Speak up for yourself. Whenever there's anything going on that you don't enjoy or appreciate, you really need to speak up. Especially if it's something that's affecting your personal life.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FEEL UNFOCUSED OR OVERWHELMED?
One of my coping mechanisms is to make lists and endless lists. It's just so satisfying to write down a list of things - and sometimes I'll write down something that I just finished just so I can cross it off. I really like to have a handle on all the tasks ahead of me for every project that I'm working on. I really like to keep an orderly thought process in how I approach our work.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU FIND REALLY INSPIRING?
I just had a site visit this morning for a new [historic preservation] project that we're starting in San Francisco. My company does a lot of historic preservation, but those projects aren't that readily offered all the time. There's the seismic retrofit, which is very common, but you don't always have a building that is beautiful and historically significant. I just went to one this morning from 1911 - and they're going to convert it to luxury condos...
WHAT'S A FUNNY OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
This is one that probably drives people mad - and I'm working on it - but I talk really quickly and finish people's sentences for them. I try not to anymore!
MENTOR SHOUT OUT! WHO IS SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN A GREAT MENTOR TO YOU?
This is a really great question. I've had so many mentors in my career and they've all served different purposes. I would say that the one that I'm going to shout out to is my direct boss, who I've worked for for the last four and a half years. He has taught me so much about seismic rehab, about foundations, about you name it. I can honestly say everything I've learned in the last five years is due to him. He's a great guy.