ACE MENTOR AUSTIN – CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Last week. (November 17), I had the honor of being an “expert” on the panel, Career Development, sponsored by ACE Mentor Program of Austin. Specifically, I addressed the topic, Careers in Architecture. What made it most special was the moderator, Allison Wilson, AIA, LEED AP BDC. Allison was a student at the University of Maryland more than a few years ago when I was on staff with the School of Architecture.
Also, the presentation was my first on ZOOM. Technically, all went well. It took me a few moments to determine how to advance my slides. All in all, about 24 students attended the presentation; it was strange NOT being able to see the audience.
Below were the “experts” on the presentation. As shared on the ACE Mentor Program of Austin Facebook page.
Our 4th Live ACE WEBINAR series will take place TONIGHT. Everybody is welcomed to join!
Our experts for tonight @archcareersguide @dciengineers and @skanskausa will present different ways in which you can succeed and keep growing professionally in the field of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering.
Moderator: Allison Wilson, Senior Associate, Sustainability Director, Ayers Saint Gross
Janki DePalma, Associate, Business Development Mgr., DCI Engineers
Nadine Mireles, Senior Project Engineer, Skanska USA Building (almost 3 years)
Lee W. Waldrep, Ph.D., Founder, ARCHCareersGuide.com
Janki DePalma addressed her work in Business Development. Connection, authenticity & empathy are the values that drive everything she does. After a decade later, her work has grown to include business development in both Texas and Colorado markets and training our engineers to nurture their own relationships.
Nadine Mireles spoke of her direct experience in Construction Management. For high school, she attended the Construction Career Academy; after a few years in the field, she attended Texas A&M University with a BS Construction Science professional experience.
Representing ARCHCareersGuide.com, I shared Careers in Architecture. Starting, I discussed “traditional” roles in architecture – primarily working in an architecture firm and the different roles one can pursue. Next, I relayed careers outside traditional practice, namely government, corporations, and education / research. Lastly, I highlighted careers beyond architecture – engineering & technical, construction, art & design, and other. The quote below sums up my presentation.
“As a profession, architecture offers a myriad of possibilities for rewarding careers” — Irene Dumas Tyson
After our presentations, the students asked questions of us.
For those not familiar, The ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc. (ACE) helps mentor high school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction.