TEN YEARS AND A MILLION LESSONS
location was. Creating and maintain- ing a support network in my company, but also with professional organizations like AIPG, helped me find like-minded individuals with similar experiences and challenges, and advice about how to turn those challenges into triumphs.
My company has provided me oppor- tunities and allowed me to create my own. I love Alaska, and DOWL has paid me to visit places in Alaska that oth- ers save for their whole lives to visit. I drive around Anchorage and can point out to my kids the buildings I have helped design—buildings in which they might shop, live, and work if they stay here. And the atmosphere at DOWL is open and friendly—I have gotten to know many good people with interest- ing things to talk about and made some life-long friends.
When it comes down to it, I made the job I got into the job I love. All it took was the right attitude and enthusiasm for even the most mundane task to suc- ceed at any job. I had to realize, and you will too, that it won’t always be 60 degrees and sunny, and to prepare for cold, rain, and snow, both physically and metaphorically. Everyone has to take on some unpleasant projects to earn a shot at the amazing ones. We all have to enter the profession knowing that we need to earn our experience, worth, and place. No one knows it all, especially right out of school – your classes prepared you for the technical, but once you start your career, embrace the opportunity to turn the office and field into your classroom to learn the practical aspects of your profes-
sion. Don’t be afraid of the uncomfortable and new experiences, because they will lead to more experiences and you will be that much more comfortable accepting the next challenge.
You will make mistakes, and probably at least one big one; if you don’t, you’re not stretching yourself. Learn from your mistakes, and listen to the advice of oth- ers. Be polite, respectful, and humble, but remain confident in your abilities. Realize that the opportunities are there and if you can just say yes to at least one, more will follow. If there is one thing that you can start off your career with and carry on through with you, is to just say “yes!”
*Geotechnical engineering is the subdiscipline of civil engineering that involves natural materials found close to the surface of the earth. It includes the application of the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to the design of foundations, retaining struc- tures, and earth structures (Braja M. Das, Principles of Geotechnical Engineering, Third Edition).
Keri Nutter, CPG-11579, (knutter@
dowl.com) is a Certified Professional Geologist in the State of Alaska. Over the past 10 years, she has travelled all over Alaska completing geotechnical investigation for DOWL, a local engi- neering consulting firm. She is currently serving as the AIPG Alaska Section Vice President and as an Advisory Board Representative of the AIPG National Executive Committee.
INSURANCE PROGRAMS Available to
AIPG MEMBERS
GeoCare Benefits Program For information:
Life, Dental, Disability, Supplemental Insurance, and Cancer Expense GeoCare Benefits Insurance Plan
http://www.geocarebenefits.com/ Phone: 800-337-3140 or
805-566-9191
Liberty Mutual Insurance Auto and Home Insurance
http://www.libertymutual.com/lm/ aipg
Phone: 1-800-524-9400 Please mention client #111397 when you contact Liberty Mutual.
The Wright Group
Professional Liability Insurance General Liability Insurance
http://www.thewrightgroupinc.com Phone: 303-863-7788
Make plans now to attend the 2015 AIPG National Conference
September 19-22, 2015 Anchorage, Alaska Hilton Anchorage Hotel
500 West Third Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 Hotel: 1-800-HILTONS - Room Rate: 137
www.hiltonanchorage.com
Hosted by AIPG National and Co-hosted by AIPG Alaska Section
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - submit online. To have your abstract considered for a presentation please go to
http://www.aipg.org/abstract/ to submit an abstract online by May 4, 2015.
Financial Services The Consulting Group at RBC Wealth Management David Rhode, Senior Investment Management Specialist/Financial Advisor
http://rbcfc.com/david.rhode/ dave.rhode@rbc.com
Phone: 1-800-365-3246 Fax: 303-488-3636
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