TCEP 246: Why Civil Engineering Diversity is Essential for a Better Future

In this episode, I talk with Michele Heyward, EIT, the founder and CEO of PositiveHire, about the current state of civil engineering diversity, the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the industry, and retention strategies for keeping diverse talent in engineering construction.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michele:

Given the benefits of having a P.E. license, even though it's not always required in construction, do you also plan to pursue it?

How did your journey from coding enthusiast to tech startup CEO begin?

How would you assess the current state of diversity in the construction industry?

What challenges do underrepresented groups face in the engineering construction industry?

How can we retain talent, especially underrepresented groups and women, in the engineering construction industry?

What other specific actions can construction management firms take to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry?

What is your outlook for increased civil engineering diversity in the coming years, and what trends or initiatives do you see that could lead to a more inclusive future?

What advice would you give to young women interested in a career in engineering construction?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Why Civil Engineering Diversity is Essential for a Better Future:

For construction engineers with transient lifestyles, it can be difficult to find the time to study for the P.E. exam. However, strong communication skills are essential for success in this field, and the experience gained from managing and communicating with people can be more valuable than the P.E. license itself.

Michele is a civil engineer who became the founder and CEO of a tech startup. She believes that her engineering background has helped her in her new role, particularly her ability to understand and communicate with software developers. She also emphasizes the importance of being able to think about the user experience and design solutions that are both effective and efficient.

The construction industry still has a lot of work to do to improve diversity and inclusion. Some organizations are doing better than others, but overall, there is a lack of focus on this important issue. This is a problem because civil engineering diversity and inclusion are essential for building infrastructure that serves the public. Civil engineers have a responsibility to lead the way in promoting diversity and inclusion in their industry.

The engineering construction industry faces several challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion. One major challenge is the educational gap, which prevents many underrepresented groups from even entering the field. Another challenge is the lack of focus on retaining women and other underrepresented groups in the workplace. Organizations need to understand and address the policies and practices that hinder diversity and inclusion, such as unfair promotion and training practices.

To retain talent, especially underrepresented groups and women, in the engineering construction industry, organizations need to create a more inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. This can be achieved by helping individuals understand their own biases and blind spots, reviewing and revising policies, practices, and procedures to reduce bias, and looking beyond HR to see how diversity and inclusion impact products, customers, and the overall organization.

Construction management firms can increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry by taking steps to address the unique needs of women on the job site. This includes providing gear that is designed for w...