A Former National Coordinator of Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Student Affiliates, Engr Felix Nwankwo has urged younger engineers to be focused on their goals and invest in in themselves while acquiring knowledge regardless of their academic background. He made this advise during the recent Technical Summit organised by Rivers State University Civil Engineering Students, writes, Isqil Najim.
Drawing from his experience as a former Student leader, Nwankwo stated that adventure in civil engineering can be challenging but nevertheless highly rewarding. However, one must go extra mile to reap those rewards.
He outlined various opportunities available for young civil engineers in the industries from design to construction, physical and built industry, to sewerage system, pipelines, roads, dams canals, railway and other structural components of buildings.
He said Civil engineers derive their work satisfaction from creating and making the villages, towns and cities better for people. He urged the aspiring engineers to aim towards becoming professionally recognized and dwelled on the pathway to achieve this goal after their academic qualifications has been assured.
Nwankwo, who is also a Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers, Port Harcourt chapter, and currently Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Port Harcourt Chapter, highlighted the importance of experience and sound technical knowledge in the journey to becoming a professional engineer. He added that young engineers must also begin to invest in knowledge that expand that technical knowledge as well as soft skills. Noting that all of these will aid their progression in the system.
Highlighting the requisite skills, he listed: Leadership Skills, Team Work, Negotiation Skills, Business and Management Skills as some of the needed skills .
He advised the students to have a definite goal and stay focused on their vision: Saying challenges will come here and there but they must persevere. Quoting Carlton Fisk, he said “It’s not what you achieve but what you overcome that defines your engineering career”. He urged the students to watch out for opportunities and learn to Seize every opportunity that comes their way as they will become the stepping stone to the top.
Continuing, he admonished the students to be open minded and be ready to listen, learn and understand other perspectives from colleagues and other professionals. The gain in this will outweigh the stress they may experience. He added that they should also be willing to Contribute to the success of every organization and team they find themselves. saying this will serve them in long run even after they have departed that organization or the team.
Concluding, he said that the world of engineering today is advancing at a very fast rate in technology, materials, systems and manufacturing and the engineers will need to be up-to-date and at the front of the curve in his/her chosen field or industry and be at par with his or her global counterpart. As young and aspiring professionals, you will need be focused on your set goals, be ‘hungry’ for knowledge and invest in yourself if you aim to benefits from the evolving changes in engineering profession.
A new NICESA executive led by Mr. Nathan Timothy, NICE SA RSU was inaugurated same day with distinguished engineers and staff in attendance. Mr. Timothy takes over from the outgoing President Mr. Ochor Patrick prince.
Dignitaries present at the event are: Engr. V.C Ezugu, Deputy National Chairman, NICE, Engr. Prof. Y. O. Beredugo, OFR, MVE, Engr. T.J Isokariari,r epresented by Engr. Etionosa Osadolor, MNSE and Pst. Mrs. Victoria Sam- Kalagbor.
Staff members present at the event are: Engr. Dr. E. A. IGWE, HOD Civil Engineering Department, Engr. Dr. C. G. OTTO, STAFF ADVISER, Engr. Godfrey JAJA, Exams and Record Officer
Engr. Felix Nwankwo is a civil engineer and an expert in Geosynthetic engineering. He is currently the Senior Technical Engineer at ACE Geosynthetics, a company that offers geotechnical and civil engineering solutions based on Geosynthetics with designs and installation support to consultants and contractors in the built environment. He is also a Former National Coordinator of NICESA. NICESA is student wing of Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, NICE.
Report compiled by isqil Najim (Isqilnajim )
