SHPE - Conference 2008 - (Page 28)

C O V E R S T O RY system and highway expansion – all of which require water infrastructure. In the two years that Carlos Lopez, Process Engineer, has been with Carollo Engineers, he has done treatment plant design and detailed evaluations of treatment processes using specialized computer modeling programs. “The variety of project demands has presented many opportunities for professional growth,” he said. “The company is very project-driven, which allows its engineers exposure to a variety of engineering challenges.” Lopez believes that Carollo Engineers’ employees reflect a diverse organization. “Carollo is constantly looking for ways to enhance diversity to meet organizational needs,” he said. The firm’s participation in the SHPE Conference and other specialty conferences reflects the firm’s interest in attracting talent while increasing diversity in the work force. High Tech: Thriving, Striving to Meet Demand for IT Intel Corporation, based in Santa Clara, California, is a global company with more than 85,000 employees in 60 countries. Intel has a considerable presence in the Phoenix area. While industry analysts at both Forrester Research and IDC forecast fewer U.S. purchases of technology goods and services and slower worldwide IT market growth in 2008, Intel posted record second-quarter revenues of $9.5 billion, with a net income of $1.6 billion. With revenues up 9 percent year over year, Intel continues to be a strong performer in the high technology industry. More than 35 percent of Intel’s work force comprises engineers who design, develop and manufacture some of the world’s most technologically advanced products, according to Ernesto Felix, Hispanic Initiatives and Employee Group Program Manager in Intel’s Corporate Diversity organization. Felix noted that Intel employs a wide range of engineers across many disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, chemical, computer science, manufacturing, applications and industrial as well as hardware and software. Intel is focused on several initiatives and programs to ensure Hispanic engineers’ successful integration and career development at the company. The Intel Latino Network hosts events and networking opportunities, and the Intel Hispanic Leadership Council provides mentoring and coaching to Hispanic employees. Jose Avalos, General Manager of the Ultra Wideband SHPE ❘ Conference 2008 Carollo Engineers’ has left its mark on Phoenix with projects such as the award-winning Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant. Phoenix has seen economic growth in a number of industries, including the hightech markets in biosciences, micro-electronics and telecommunications. “Architectural engineering design professionals continue to be challenged to provide the critical environments required to support these emerging high-tech markets,” he said. SmithGroup’s success is closely aligned to diversity and inclusion. “The company’s practice requires that we include different opinions, perspectives and values in serving our clients and society,” Kirkland said. “Moreover, diversity has emerged as a critical business and cultural issue for us.” As a result, the firm’s fledgling Diversity Working Group is surveying needs and developing a plan that will include developing recruitment and retention strategies for minorities. Ricardo Baca, Senior Electrical Designer, has participated in SmithGroup’s diversity focus groups, which gather input from employees to help improve relations. “There is diversity at all levels, with minority representation in management positions,” he commented. Baca designs electrical plans for buildings under construction, including hospitals and high-rise offices. “SmithGroup has a portfolio of prominent projects having delivered on a number of high-profile downtown projects, which along with the variety and scale of projects makes for interesting and challenging work,” he said. According to Baca, “Phoenix is one of the best markets for consulting engineer28 ing, with the region’s building infrastructure expanding to meet the needs of a rising population. It’s a young city; you can make your mark in this environment.” Carollo Engineers, the largest consulting engineering firm in the United States specializing exclusively in water and wastewater treatment planning, design and construction, made its mark in Phoenix when it was founded 75 years ago. Today, Carollo’s share of the municipal water market in Arizona is about 20 percent. “Our market is driven by population growth and regulations,” said Steve Wirtel, Director of Carollo National Client Services. Half of its work force, or approximately 400 employees, are engineers who plan and design pipelines, pump stations and treatment plants. Wirtel describes Carollo as a “flat organization” which gives engineers an opportunity to immerse themselves in real project work. “We grow from the bottom up by hiring talented graduates, then giving them the tools and training to succeed,” he said. Wirtel predicts that the industry will be flat for the next couple of years, reflecting the current state of the economy. While Wirtel sees some growth in other areas, he believes that the Arizona market is slowing. “We’ve had a run of good years in winning new work, but with the turmoil in the financial markets, clients are delaying projects until the situation stabilizes,” he said. Wirtel pointed out that the Greater Phoenix Area is still building new office buildings and hotels, as well as a light rail Courtesy of Carollo Engineers

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Conference 2008

SHPE - Conference 2008 President’s Letter From the Vice President News of Particular Interest to Society Members Calendar Making the Most of the Career Fair Grupos de Afinidad Phoenix Rising Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (AHETEMS) 2008 SHPE Conference Program Guide Welcome Letters Highlights Conference Schedule STAR Awards Company of the Year Chapter of the Year Awards Speakers Entertainment Hospitality Suites Advisor Program Professional Program Quick Guide Business Proposal Competition Professional Workshop Descriptions Technical Paper and Poster Competitions AHETEMS Design Competition Extreme Engineering Challenge National Academic Olympiad AHETEMS Teacher Program AHETEMS Pre-College Symposia Corporate Tours AHETEMS Graduate Program AHETEMS Distinguished Lecture Series AHETEMS Deans’ Summit Undergraduate Workshops Quick Guide Undergraduate Workshops Descriptions MUST Scholars Symposium Career Fair Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel and Convention Center Maps Regional Roundup Inner Circle Employer Profiles Advertisers Index

SHPE - Conference 2008

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