Engineering Inc. - November/December 2008 - (Page 19)

o clients face projects driven by firm schedules, Peacock says that when a talent gap occurs, Parametrix might enter a subcontracting arrangement with a peer firm to address the immediate need. Firms also are careful not to overburden staff. “We have great people on our team, and they are more than willing to step up in the short and intermediate term,” says Barrett. But, he adds, this additional work can diminish job satisfaction. “It makes it very difficult to maintain what, for us, is very important: the best work environment we can provide for our existing staff,” he explains. “The last thing you want to do is put so much stress on the other people that they get frustrated and leave. We don’t have big mills that we invest millions of dollars in, so the scary thing is that on any given day our capital—the human capital—can make a choice to walk out the door.” ur culture just has not stressed the importance or excitement of an engineer’s or a scientist’s role in shaping society and the world around us. Jeff PeaCOCk PaRameTRix “Greening” the Future sense of purpose greater than just individual accomplishment. Indeed, the burgeoning “green” movement might be one of the biggest recruiting tools to come along in years. Environmentally conscious firms are emphasizing to the next generation how engineers and scientists will be needed to solve environmental threats and improve the quality of life in communities grappling with pollution and other industrial hazards. “It’s rare for engineers to come into the industry expecting to become wealthy,” notes Peacock. “Especially for the younger professionals, we are communicating to them a strong sense of purpose as to why we are engineers and scientists, and that seems to be a pretty attractive message for that generation of people.” n Alan Joch is a business writer based in Francestown, N.H. Many firms are turning to another, somewhat more amorphous inducement for attracting and retaining employees—a Succeed. Train Develop Advance At Terracon, we value our people. From diverse, challenging projects to individual growth and development to employee ownership, we support employees so they experience fulfilling careers. Consider opportunities with Terracon in one of our offices nationwide. Nearly 100 Offices Nationwide Employee-Owned [800] 593 7777 w w w. t e r r a c o n . j o b s NovEmbER / DECEmbER 2008 ENGINEERING INC. 19

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Engineering Inc. - September/October 2008 Contents From ACEC to You News & Notes Market Watch Legislative Action Engineering Goes Back to School Winning the Talent War Mastering A Hard-Luck Economy Education Makes the Grade in Green Construction 2008 Young Professionals of the Year 2008 Fall Conference Highlights Technology Members in the News One On One

Engineering Inc. - November/December 2008

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