Discussion slides for ArE class, 2002

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(No Transcript)
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Discussion slides for ArE class, 2002

• By Ken Rigsbee, PE
• Dr. Fowler's introductory class

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Introduction

• We want to talk about Architectural Engineering
• Who is this guy? Who is Ken Rigsbee, and why was
  he asked to talk to our class?
• BSArE 1967 employee of Phillips 66 for 36 years!
  Retired September 13, 2002 long time friend of
  Dr. Fowler
• worked in design, construction, the gas and gas
  liquids business,
• worked in public affairs, human resources, and
  ultimately, LOBBYING!

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How did all this happen?

• Started in structural design in Bartlesville, OK
  then went to construction in Raleigh, NC, and
  Kenai, AK
• Then, back to HQ at Bartlesville, OK to study,
  analyze the credit card office
• Then back to the Gas Gas Liquids Department in
  Bartlesville, OK
• Then to Corporate Affairs and Human Resources in
  Bartlesville, OK
• Then back to the Gas Gas Liquids Department in
  Bartlesville, OK
• Then to the gas company in Houston, TX
• Then to Corporate Affairs, and then the Office of
  the General Counsel in Austin, TX
• Then, retired at the merger (ConocoPhillips)
  announcement

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What does all this mean to me?

• You are entering a top-of-the-line professional
  school that will cause you to think you can only
  go to work with an engineering firm or as a
  structural designer or construction manager. ArE
  at UT- Austin is a top-of-the-line program - in
  most cases, among the best in the country. (if
  necessary, Ill discuss my experiences
  accrediting all of the ArE programs in the
  country).
• Those are not your only options, if you dont
  want them to be.
• Corporate America is out there.needing
  talentand, depending upon what you want.

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How does this affect me?

• Youre going to endure a 5-year experience
  gaining a 4-year baccalaureate degree
• Your parents, friends are going to ask you,
  WHY?
• The educational experience youll enjoy will
  prepare you to compete worldwide, in virtually
  any field you want.

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What This Means to You.

• I want to mention the characteristics that I
  think really count IF you choose to compete in
  Corporate America - all of which youll be
  exposed to at UT-Austin
• Meet People - and build Relationships
• Go the extra mile
• Plan your future
• Recognize your unique talents

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What else, Ken?

• Join and become ACTIVE in a technical society
  AND a professional society
• Why? For the first few years of your career,
  THIS is where you get your job advancement
  opportunities.
• Its something worth doing. All of the
  activities of such societies do good for society
  and for those less fortunate
• Balance your time commitment

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Meet People

• You will be amazed that the people with whom you
  went to school will often be in a position to
  help or assist you.
• Keep, and update the names, addresses of the
  people you meet - perhaps your most valuable
  asset. This is serious - keep an address book or
  Palm Pilot, and update.

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And, what else?

• In order to grow professionally, you need to be
  a member of
• your Professional Society - Thats the Texas
  Society of Professional Engineers, and
• your Technical Society - Thats the Architectural
  Engineering Institute of the American Society of
  Civil Engineers.

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Go the extra mile

• Do a little bit MORE than is actually expected of
  you - your competitors typically will not.
• If you do this, you will be recognized internally
  as a performer
• Its not that hard, or that much - its
  perception, which is the bottom line on
  recognition

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Is that all?

• No, theres one more matter - and this one is
  IMPORTANT!
• You need to work on your professional licensure
• Take your Fundamentals examination while you are
  in school - I recommend in your junior year.
• Take your professional exam as soon as youre
  eligible

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Take time to Plan Your Future

• Sit down and draw out a matrix showing the years
  and expected accomplishments - in all areas,
  personal and employment
• Establish a way to review this chart periodically
  - like whenever you receive a check
• Feel free to mark out objectives over time, but
  refer to it regularly

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Acknowledge and Recognize what you have to bring
to the table.

• You will have a degree from The University of
  Texas at Austin
• That is recognized, worldwide!
• While continuing to be humble, just perform like
  you did in school
• Unalike most of your competitors you will have
  survived competing in a world class institution
  with more people than in most towns.

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Take advantage of ALL of the benefits that are
offered to you.

• Typically, in a corporate scenario as a young
  employee you will be offered social or
  extracurricular opportunities.
• Take advantage of all of these and do what is
  required.
• Only a few of your engineering competitors will
  participate, and you will be in the front seat.

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Attack new challenges - and be involved in your
community and profession.

• Devote the time to participate in civic or
  extracurricular activities - but BALANCE it with
  your employer assignments.
• Become as visible and active in the early part of
  your career as is possible - visibility and
  perception affects promotability
• Weigh outside assignments as to importance and
  devotion of time

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Good Luck to each of you.and, Hook Em Horns!

• Compete - and enjoy your well-earned professional
  life

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Questions ?

• Personal or professional

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People will remember what you do here.
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And, whatever you say or do.will be
remembered!