Advice from Rudolph A. Wolfson, P.E.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 12/01/2000

Known as much as a great mentor as a great engineer, Rudolph A. Wolfson, P.E., offered key advice for his employees and young friends at critical moments in their careers. From a recent interview, here are a few sage suggestions from the engineer:

Speak out. "Engineers should always be willing to express themselves and offer their input on jobs," Wolfson believes. "It takes a certain amount of aggressiveness to be successful. It's personality and attitude; it isn't always just intelligence and technical knowledge."

Consider design alternatives. "The time element involved in projects has been reduced dramatically-by 50 percent or more-and we're expected to produce in that time frame. But it's important to be able to consider alternatives in the planning stage."

Engineer a sustainable future. "We have to stand up for what we think is correct," says Wolfson, "especially with regards to the environment."

Keep trying. "I've had as many failures as I've had successes, but you learn from those, too.

We're here to listen and to learn."

Reprinted with permission

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