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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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!

6. What Other Organizations Are There?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Questions???