How Collaboration Has Influenced an Engineer II's Career at Kleinfelder
Alan's significant career lesson centers on the crucial importance of teamwork in engineering, stating that "it's impossible to know everything," and highlighting the necessity of collaboration, "working really well with others" to overcome knowledge gaps and achieve project success, much like a well-oiled "mechanical system made up of a bunch of gears".
Teamwork, Communication, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, Professional Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alan Iannaccone
Engineer II
Kleinfelder Inc
University of Portland 2018
N/A
Engineering - Mechanical
Energy & Utilities
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Teamwork is crucial in engineering: Alan emphasizes that engineering relies heavily on teamwork because no single person can know everything. He uses the analogy of a mechanical system with gears; if one gear is stuck, the whole system fails. This highlights the importance of collaboration and communication.
2. Seek out knowledge from others: Alan stresses the value of learning from more experienced engineers. He notes that there's always someone who knows more, and actively seeking their knowledge is vital for professional growth and development.
3. Continuous learning is essential: The sheer volume of information in engineering (like the extensive national regulatory code mentioned) necessitates continuous learning. This isn't just about memorizing everything, but about developing strategies and understanding how to find and utilize the expertise of others within a team.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One significant lesson I've learned is that if there's something you don't know, chances are someone else does. This is especially true in engineering, where much of the work is team-related.
There's a reason you don't often see solo engineers. Most engineering roles are collaborative because it's impossible for one person to know everything. This applies to many jobs, as the sheer volume of information makes it impossible to master every detail.
In my current position, and in my job generally, natural gas utilities operate based on a national regulatory code. This code, also known as the CFR, is a large book. Even if I tried, it would be impossible to memorize everything within it.
Therefore, the most important lesson is to learn to work with others, and to work well with them. In engineering, collaborating with a team is like working with a mechanical system of gears. If one gear is stuck, the rest won't function properly.
You really need to communicate effectively, maintain an open mind, and approach senior engineers for their knowledge. This helps you learn and grow. Ultimately, working well with a team is key. The most important lesson is learning to be a good teammate and a good leader, and collaborating effectively with others.