Professional Issues Seminar Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Advantages to Joining Professional Associations James L. Silva, PE Jason Waterbury, PE Thomas J. Roy, PE

Who We Are… James L. Silva Thomas J. Roy President of CSCE Owner of Silva Engineering LLC, Structural Engineering Firm in Willimantic UConn Graduate - class of 1981!!! Thomas J. Roy Past President of CSCE, currently Director II Principal Engineer at the Metropolitan District Commission, Hartford UConn Graduate – class of 1995!!! Jason Waterbury, Secretary of CSCE Secretary CSCE, former chair of Younger Members Project Engineer at the Metropolitan District Commission, Hartford

What is CSCE Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE), is a local Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers 1,800 members in the state of Connecticut Founded over 150 years ago Mission is to serve the civil engineering community in the state of Connecticut

Why Join a Professional Organization? Together We Are Stronger” AMA Web Site Professional organizations benefit the entire profession. Examples of strong professional organizations include: The American Medical Association – regulates the industry. The Bar Association protects the law profession. The Bar Association is responsible for accreditation of law schools… These strong organizations highlight the ability of a professional organization to “protect a profession” i.e. maintain high standards of practice and YES high standards of PAY $$$. Ask your self, could a nurse diagnose chicken pox? Could a Pharmacist prescribe prescription medicine for poison ivy?

The Benefits to CSCE Professional development Contacts / Networking Continuing education courses (both technical and non-technical) Contacts / Networking Technical resources Job opportunities Industry insight Leadership Opportunities Run a committee or event Political Action Civil Engineering and Politics are inevitably linked; we work on public projects, funded by tax dollars… Protection of the profession – what is “engineering”, licensure, etc. Outreach to students, build a better tomorrow… Benefits to the Engineering profession – you win if we all win!

What Other Organizations Are There?

Why so many organizations? Is this a good thing? Engineering has many specialties – and organizations continue to splinter off… Advantage is specialized, focused groups Disadvantage is far less political influence

What are the Benefits to Young Engineers? The sooner you develop your professional network, the better your chances for a successful career more opportunities, faster profession development. Network of colleges in the industry, that work for other companies, in other field of practice, leads to more exposure to what the profession has to offer. Opportunities to be mentored by older, successful professionals

What are the Benefits to Individuals? Different Benefits for Different Perspectives: Small Business Owner Networking Prestige Project Manager Industry Recognition / Company Recognition Young Professional Employment Opportunities

Questions???