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Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life

Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life

By: Helping you leverage your unique skills for career success
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 Luis Duque from Engineering our Future provides meaningful and educational conversations with some of the best and brightest engineers and professionals worldwide so you can stay ahead of the curve in your career. Learn what the best engineers are working on, creating, and teaching so you can develop the skills needed to maintain your role as a critical member of society. Since 2018, Luis has been volunteering, working, and creating content inspiring and empowers thousands of people. His career experience is broad for his relatively few years out of school

engineeringourfuture.substack.comLuis Duque Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Engineering Career Paths: Beyond Technical Roles

    Engineering Career Paths: Beyond Technical Roles
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of the Engineering our Future Podcast, Nicolai and I pull back the curtain on something they don't teach you in engineering school - just how wildly diverse your career path can become! Remember when we all thought we'd spend our lives buried in calculations? That narrow view quickly changes once you're in the field. We explore everything from the technical specialist route to project management, sales, operations, and even unexpected paths like what I'm doing now - podcasting and entrepreneurship.Nicolai shares some fascinating stories about engineers who made complete career 180s (including one that had me thinking "why didn't I try that?"), proving that it's never too late to pivot if something sparks your interest. We dig into which skills actually open doors - both technical foundations and those crucial "soft skills" that engineering programs barely mention. If you've ever felt stuck in your career or wondered what other options exist beyond your current role, this conversation might just be the permission slip you need to explore new territory. Press play to discover how your engineering degree could take you places you never imagined!Timestamps:* 00:00:00 - Welcome* 00:01:27 - Exploring common career paths: Technical roles, project management, sales, operations, and more in engineering.* 00:03:23 - Personal gravitations and early career insights: Luis on shifting toward project management.* 00:05:43 - Beyond traditional paths: Opportunities in teaching, government, business ownership, content creation, and leveraging engineering skills creatively.* 00:06:05 - Strategies for career progression: The importance of early focus, observing mentors, and navigating the challenging 7-12 year transition.* 00:08:03 - Stories of career pivots: Examples of switching from operations to project management later in one’s career.* 00:10:07 - Trying different paths: The value of internships, curiosity, and exposure without full responsibility.* 00:13:26 - Building T-shaped knowledge: Depth in your specialty with breadth across disciplines, inspired by the book ‘Range.’* 00:16:15 - The role of experts vs. generalists: Balancing specialized technical skills with wider project awareness.* 00:18:30 - Key skills for success: Communication, time management, humility, curiosity, and planning ahead.* 00:21:18 - Embracing lifelong learning and flexibility: Committing to daily discoveries and adapting to new interests.* 00:23:50 - Closing thoughts and resourcesKey Lessons Learned:* Challenge early misconceptions: Many enter engineering thinking it’s all calculations, but paths like project management offer client interaction and team leadership—reflect on what excites you beyond the technical.* Embrace pivots at any stage: Careers aren’t linear; observe mentors and gain exposure early to identify passions, as seen in stories of mid-career shifts from operations to client-focused roles.* Develop T-shaped knowledge: Build deep expertise in your niche (e.g., bridge design) while gaining broad awareness of related fields like hydraulics or construction to communicate effectively and contribute holistically.* Prioritize curiosity and humility: Ask questions in meetings, seek mentorship, and be a sponge—learning without full responsibility accelerates growth and helps spot opportunities.* Commit to lifelong learning: The real education begins after graduation; focus on skills like communication, time management, and adaptability to navigate transitions and stay fulfilled.* Plan with flexibility: In your first 5-7 years, solidify technical foundations, then zoom out to see how projects interconnect—humility in curiosity can lead to unexpected, rewarding directions.Resources Mentioned:* Book: ‘Range’ by David Epstein – Explores why generalists thrive in a specialized world, perfect for understanding the value of broad skills in engineering.* Newsletter – Subscribe at luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter for episode insights, action items, and career reflections.* Contact and Connect – Have questions or suggestions? Reach out at luisfelipeduque.com/contact to continue the conversation.* Music Credit – Thanks to Jack Winders for the episode’s music.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Engineering our Future Podcast for more on engineering careers and growth. Let’s continue engineering our future! Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    25 mins
  • Silent Signals: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication as a Young Engineer

    Silent Signals: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication as a Young Engineer
    Jun 20 2025
    OverviewNicolai and I dive deep into the subtle art of non-verbal communication in this episode of Engineering Our Future. Beyond words, we explore how body language, tone, and virtual presence shape how we’re perceived at work. Whether you’re in a boardroom or on a Zoom call, these practical tips will help you project respect, confidence, and engagement. Tune in to elevate your professional communication game!Key TakeawaysBody Language as a Silent Speaker:Eye contact and attentive posture signal respect and focus.Avoid distractions like phones or slouching to maintain credibility.Leaning in during conversations shows interest and builds rapport.Tone - The Unseen Influencer:Your tone can amplify or undermine your message—master the balance.A smile or relaxed demeanor enhances positivity, while a harsh tone can derail relationships.Misunderstandings often stem from tone, not intent—clarify when needed.Virtual Communication Mastery:Keep your camera on for respect and engagement, except in quick huddles.Look at the camera lens to simulate eye contact, using tools like centered webcams.Ditch multitasking (e.g., phone scrolling, email checks) to stay present and avoid negative perceptions.Respect Drives Connection:Non-verbal cues are about honoring the person you’re communicating with.Small adjustments (posture, camera use) can transform how others feel about your engagement.Timestamps[00:00]* Welcome*[00:32]* Topic Introduction*We set the stage for non-verbal communication beyond spoken words.[01:25]* Body Language Basics*Eye contact, posture, and avoiding casual habits like feet on the table.[02:57]* Phone Down Rule*Inspired by Simon Sinek, we discuss keeping phones out of sight for full presence.[04:30]* The Role of a Smile*Balancing friendliness with professionalism in meetings and calls.[05:53]* Tone Tales*Real-life examples of tone missteps at home and work.[07:05]* Perception Impact*How recipients interpret tone based on their context.[08:42]* Real-World Example*A harsh-toned boss and its effect on business relationships.[10:13]* Leaning In*Using body language to show interest and respect in meetings.[10:58]* Virtual Communication Tips*Camera placement and focus tricks for virtual engagement.[12:44]* Camera On Debate*Pros and cons of camera use, emphasizing respect in key meetings.[15:36]* Multitasking Traps*Avoiding distractions like email pops or phone scrolling during calls.[18:14]* Summary: Communication as Respect*Nicolai’s key insight on presence as a sign of respect.[19:32]* Closing Thoughts*Luis reflects on engaging communication for engineers.[20:41]* Outro & Newsletter Plug*Wrap-up with resources and connection details.https://youtu.be/RoNUmgQyNTA?si=2DmGZwLbDaeTV7mtResources MentionedSimon Sinek’s WorkExplore his insights on presence and communication.ASCE MeetingsPerfect for practicing non-verbal skills in a professional setting.Listener ChallengeThis week, pick one non-verbal tip to practice:Keep your phone out of sight during a meeting.Smile while greeting on a call or in person.Look at the camera lens during your next virtual meeting. Share your experience and results in the comments or on social media with #EngineeringOurFuture. Let’s build a community of better communicators!Stay ConnectedNewsletter:Subscribe for weekly insights, action items, and episode deep dives at luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter.Contact Us:Got questions or topic ideas? Reach out at luisfelipeduque.com/contact.Rate & Review:Help us grow on Apple Podcasts—leave a review, to support new engineers joining the conversation! Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    22 mins
  • Engineering Growth: From Feedback to Promotion

    Engineering Growth: From Feedback to Promotion
    Apr 16 2025
    Episode at a Glance[01:10] – Our take on titles: It’s about impact, not labels[03:00] – The power of feedback: A 30% promotion boost[05:06] – KPIs and timelines: Clarity over subjectivity[10:32] – The PE reality: Milestone, not magic[13:00] – Advice for young engineers: Advocate for yourself[19:34] – Pitfalls: Don’t just show up—be proactive[24:42] – Wrap-up: Start with a conversationKey Takeaways* Feedback Fuels Growth: You’re 30% more likely to get promoted with regular feedback. Ask your manager what’s working and what isn’t—monthly.* KPIs Need Clarity: Know the expectations for the next level. Aim to hit most, not all, and get opportunities to prove yourself.* PE Isn’t a Magic Wand: It’s a milestone, not a promotion. Embrace the responsibility to show you’re ready for more.* Avoid the Bubble: Don’t just show up—go the extra mile, be visible, and set realistic expectations.Hey everyone! In today's episode, we're diving into something that's close to my heart - engineering promotions. This isn't just about getting a fancy new title or a bigger paycheck. It's about growing as a professional and making a real impact in our field.The Game-Changer: Feedback That Gets ResultsLet me share something powerful with you: you're 30% more likely to get promoted if you actively seek feedback. As my friend Nicolai puts it, "You don't need to be perfect to get promoted." It's all about showing you're ready to take on bigger responsibilities.Look, I get it. As engineers, we often hesitate to ask for feedback. We're perfectionists by nature, and nobody likes having their work questioned. But here's what I've learned: it's not about being perfect - it's about progress. Feedback helps you understand where you stand and where you're heading.Making Sense of KPIsLet's talk about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Nicolai has a great approach with his team. He tells them: "Here are the tasks for the next level - what can you start doing now?" I love how practical this is - you don't need to hit every single target, just show you're ready for more responsibility.I'll be honest with you - my journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. In previous roles, I felt like I wasn't getting opportunities to develop new skills. But now at Jacobs, seven months in, I have a clear roadmap. My supervisor has laid out exactly what I need: diversify my projects and strengthen my technical foundation. That clarity makes all the difference.The PE License Reality CheckGetting my PE was a huge milestone, but let me tell you - it's not a golden ticket. When Nicolai shared how his new boss barely acknowledged his PE, I felt that. When I passed mine, I recorded an episode saying something that really resonated with our listeners: "Pass or not, I became a better engineer just by studying."Here's the truth: your PE license doesn't automatically make you a project manager. You're still you the day after you pass. As Nicolai wisely points out, "Until you can win projects and put your name on a proposal, you're not a true project manager." It's about what you do with that credential that matters.Common Pitfalls to Watch Out ForNicolai shared three key insights from his team experiences.First, just showing up isn't enough. As he says, "I've never met somebody who becomes an expert in a 40-hour week." The best engineers - like those OpenRoads wizards - invest extra time learning and growing.Second, don't assume people notice your hard work. Nicolai told me about a young engineer burning out because nobody noticed their late nights. The lesson? Speak up! I learned this one the hard way - being quiet about your efforts doesn't help anyone.Third, keep your expectations in check. While Nicolai loves his team's enthusiasm, he warns against expecting too much too soon. A PE doesn't instantly make you a project manager. You need to understand what it really takes to advance.Your Next StepsHere's what I want you to take away: promotions start with you. Nicolai put it perfectly: "Reach out to your supervisor and share your aspirations." When I started at Jacobs, my manager and I had a great conversation about my path to becoming a task leader. That chat gave me more than goals - it gave me direction. If you're feeling stuck or unsure, speak up. You can't control your manager, but you can control your voice.This conversation energized me, and we've only scratched the surface! We'll definitely revisit promotions soon to talk more about timelines, networking, and skill-building. For now, remember: advocate for yourself, seek feedback, and focus on the growth that makes you promotion-ready. Keep engineering your future! Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    29 mins
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