ZACH HUDSON BUILDING SCIENCE & RESTORATION TECHNOLOGGIST

Is there anything you would have wished you asked your instructors while you were still at school?

I don’t recall having any regrets about unasked questions while in school, but with the perspective I have now, I would have inquired for more information about authorities having jurisdiction.

When you think back on everything that you learned at NAIT, what was one of the most valuable things you learned during your time?

When I look back on applicable skills that I use regularly, I think the theme of attention to detail, exactnes s in creating and filing documents, and the organization of time and self that it takes to succeed in the program is useful to me daily and universally applicable wherever the other graduates end up.

If you could do your CON ENG diploma over again, is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have got a locker in a more central location. Established and organized personal electronic file nomen clature early then renamed documents to submit. Checked moodle more often. Never used Microsoft Onenote and kept everything PDF. Learned to use a PDF editor early. And I would have backed-up my computer to a hard drive often.

What is your best memory of the CON Eng. pr ogram?

My best social memories are of the bridge-building activity and student club bowling, my best academic memories are of becoming friends with those classmates I worked on projects with.

What advice would you give to the first-year students, is that any different than the advice you'd give to the second-year students?

To first year students I would say, spend some time and energy meeting and establish ing relationships with others in the program and industry. Meet people in your class, in your year, mingle with second years if you can manage it, talk with your teachers, and meet industry players.

To second year students I would say stay organized and use the resources you have been given. You have notes from first year, moodle, textbooks, teachers, and each other as great resources. You are smart enough t o do the first year, take courage that you’re up to the challenge of the second year.

Considering the pace of the program, is there anything you would suggest to help keep students focused?

It may sound counterintuitive but good sleep habits, exercise routine, and deliberate planned time off to relax. You know the demands of the program; make sure you’re giving yourself the best shot to meet them. Study c ycles that include breaks to exercise, eat, and generally take care of yourself, in my opinion, allow you to come back and remain productive. I think the woodchopping analogy is a good one. Sharpening the axe, now and then, will allow you to keep chopping wood effectively. A dull axe is more dangerous and less effective. Don’t take too much time away from your work, but do take care of yourself.

Would you recommend the Con Eng. program to students still considering their career path?

As long as their career desires are construction related, yes. It’s a big industry. You’ll find somewhere to be if you like construction management.

What is the most interesting or important thing you learned coming out of the program?

No one thing stands out. It’s probably a set of skills, something related to the confidence to go find an an swer for yourself. The program informs you of many resources and gives you general skills to utilize in solving real-world problems.

What are your thoughts on time management? Any tips?

This is highly individual but I’ll weigh in. I think this is one of the most important and untaught skills there is. Con Eng is unforgiving to those who haven’t given this thought.

Number one tip is to use a calendar if you’re not already. You’re an adult, you should know when things are. Most people won’t be able to remember all their tasks and commitments. Even if you could, you could be using that mental real-estate for something else.

If your savvy, a digital calendar combined with a task manager would be my recommendation. Examples are Outlook and MS to-do or Google Calendar and Google tasks. These are great because they also incorporate email. If you like your time management to be analog then bullet jo urnal or Daytimer is the way to go in my opinion. Put apps on your phone or carry your book with you and be the person who inputs new things as soon as a new event or task appears in your life. Plan for 10 mins a night. Input new tasks from the current day that you missed and look ahead to the next day or two. As with any skill this comes with time so set your expectations low enough that you can improve in crementally, but high enough to make some change and form a new habit.

Would you ever consider mentoring a CON Eng. Grad? Are you a member of the Con Eng LinkedIn Mentorships Group? I would. I currently am not.

What would be the most valuable behavioral and personality traits a con Eng. student should establish to be a valued candidate for a role?

That would depend on what role you seek. I think in general people expect you to be mentally engaged and process information precisely and effectively. Whether the information input is numbers, scheduling, networking with people, or paperwork you have to output something meaningful to add value. A high capacity for attentiveness and organization would help in most of those areas. See my previous answers o n valuable lessons learned and time management.

In the teams you've been a part of, what makes you want to work with someone again?

When they take full responsibility for themselves and everything they can control.

When they do what is in their power to meet the expectations that were set out at the beginning.

When they are clear, concise, and honest in their communication and dealings.

Ownership of problems that arise in the work.

There is a lot of group work in the CON ENG program, any suggestions on creating an effective team? or suggestions on how to make it more productive?

Meet a lot of people. For some it takes a bit of courage, but remember not very many people will dislike you