My 2c On Fast Trains: A One-Act Play
Our protagonist enters a scene where she must explain why high speed rail makes sense economically, without stepping on political land mines.
Our protagonist enters a scene where she must explain why high speed rail makes sense economically, without stepping on political land mines.
Ten years ago, I was often tasked with search assignments which required identifying a “rainkmaker.” Were these capable folk making rain or catching it skillfully?
Upon first recognizing the gravity of the STEM shortage and what it means to the civil engineering industry, I wondered why other countries produce so many students interested in studying engineering in the U.S. After an informal survey and some anecdotal discussions, I concluded that the supply issue has a lot to do with demand. Young people in the U.S. want to run after what we have taught them to value: the glamour of obscene internet riches, Wall Street largess, professional sports paychecks, and the superstardom of Hollywood and reality-TV.
Your value today, and your ability to contribute to any organization, is best defined by the parts in your greater body of work. If we’ve ever spoken, you know I call this your professional toolbox, and in it you hold a number of different -- often lateral -- experiences which are technical, organizational, and sales related. Your objective in this modern-day game of life is to collect the right tools which provide you the foundation for the job that you have set your sights upon.
Today, I really don’t have to worry about shotgun offers so much. (Those of you who know what a supreme understatement this is are chuckling at this moment.) I do, however, continue to counsel EMPLOYERS that nothing worth getting is had easily.