Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life – Details, episodes & analysis

Hey everyone,

This week, I’m sharing my experience moving from a small firm to a big one—and what that’s meant for my career and growth over the last year nine months. This year had a lot of ups and downs (this episode was recorded in June and I am just getting it out…). I am happy for Nicolai’s support through this and I look forward to many more episodes coming out.

What would you like to see more of?

Personal takeaways:

* Flexibility: Turns out, the big company isn’t as slow-moving as I thought. Milestones and structure actually bring freedom to explore, innovate, and make mistakes.

* Expanded toolbox: The more people you connect with—across disciplines—the better you get at your job. Every new conversation and collaboration adds a new tool.

* Resources: There’s more access to technical codes, sample projects, and experts, but also space to build my own reusable tools, like spreadsheets for designs.

* Soft skills: Volunteering and joining internal networks (like Enlace for Hispanic engineers) have grown my network and boosted my confidence. These bigger companies have endless training resources.

* Endless career pivots: You can chart new paths, propose new ideas, and switch directions—all without leaving the company.

Action items for you:

* If you’re thinking of switching firm sizes or career tracks, connect with someone who’s done it. Be curious, not cautious.

* Start a conversation with colleagues outside your “bubble.” There’s wisdom everywhere.

* Volunteer, join an internal group, or attend a conference—don’t wait for permission, but do learn the process for asking.

* Reflect on whether your workflows and resources are making you more effective—and start building (or sharing) something reusable.

As always, keep an open mind. If your current job isn’t sparking joy, experiment with new options before making a leap. We’re here to help you navigate challenges!

If you’ve got questions, feedback, or just want to chat, reply to this email or visit luisfelipeduque.com/contact.

Thanks for tuning in. Let’s continue to engineer our future!

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we sit down with Danny to explore the powerful link between creativity and engineering. Danny explains how skills from music—attention to detail, organizing projects, and pushing boundaries—enhance his success as an engineer. The conversation also covers the challenges of balancing demanding work schedules with creative hobbies, and why setting boundaries is vital for long-term passion.

Key Topics:

• How artistic pursuits improve technical skills

• Balancing engineering projects and creative work

• Building confidence by stepping out of your comfort zone

• Personal advice on maintaining motivation and preventing burnout

• The connection between technical expertise and fulfilling personal passions

Watch the episode: [insert video link]

Connect with Danny/Rayo Lejano: [insert music or social link]

Share your thoughts!

What creative outlets help you succeed in your career? Send us your stories and questions!

5 Key Takeaways:

• Creativity boosts problem-solving and inspires innovation.

• Musical training supports project management and quality control.

• Work-life boundaries sustain motivation and passion.

• Trying new creative activities leads to growth and confidence.

• Combining creative and technical skills leads to a richer professional and personal life.

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

## What’s Inside This Episode

- Your Planning System Needs to Grow Up Too Luis and Nicolai get real about how their planning habits have evolved—and why sticking to one rigid method might be holding you back.

- Paper vs. Digital: The Ultimate Showdown Handwriting for brainpower (Nicolai's nostalgic for it) or digital for efficiency (Luis is Team Notion)? They break down the pros, cons, and why you don’t have to pick a side.

- The “Home Base” Game-Changer Tired of losing that one critical note? They’ll convince you to set up a central hub for all your project info.

- Journaling 101: Start Small, Win Big New to journaling? Five minutes a day is all it takes—Luis and Nicolai share how to build the habit without losing your mind.

- Never Repeat Dumb Questions A slick trick to track your questions and lessons learned. It’s so simple you’ll wish you’d started years ago.

# Timestamps

00:00 – Engineering journaling. 00:30 – Planning habits over time 02:30 – Paper vs. digital. Quick pros and cons. 05:00 – Our tools (Notion, OneNote) 08:00 – Central hub for notes 11:00 – Journaling for beginners. Easy starting tips. 14:00 – Track questions & lessons. Build your knowledge base. 17:00 – Find your system 20:00 – Journaling benefits 23:00 – Wrap-up & connect

## Why You Should Listen

This isn’t just another productivity rant. Luis and Nicolai bring their engineering street cred to the table, sharing real-world stories and practical tips you can steal today. From juggling complex projects to figuring out what tool fits your vibe, they’ve got your back. Plus, they’re hilarious about it—think less lecture, more “chat with your smart engineer buddies.”

## Let’s Talk About

It What’s your secret weapon for staying organized? Are you scribbling in a Moleskine, tapping away in Trello, or just winging it with Post-its? Hit the comments and tell us—what works for you? We’re dying to know!

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Full show notes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/060

Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible:
PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass
Policygenius: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/policygeniuslife

Learn more about the podcast sponsors and how to support the show -
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Partners

In a previous episode
[https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/becoming-a-nasa-engineer-with-joan-melendez-misner],
you learned that there are many roles at NASA and its contractors that don't
require you to be a "rocket scientist". However, if you do have an aerospace
engineering degree or background, there's probably a position for you as well.
In this episode, you'll hear from Kate Gunderson, the woman from a small town
who got one of these positions herself.
What You'll Learn:
* How She Got Her Dream Job at NASA Even Though She's Been Told She Couldn't Do
It
* Why Her Desire to Work at NASA Led Her to Pursue an Engineering Degree
* How She Managed to Go From a Small Town to Being Accepted into Renowned
Schools
* The Work She's Been Doing in the Aircraft Operations Division Since 2018
* What a Flight Science Officer Does―And What You Need to Become One
* How She Applies Her Structural Engineering Education to NASA's Aircrafts
* Why She Started Her Famous Instagram Account Helping Women Thrive in STEM
* The #1 Challenge She's Faced in Her Career That You Need to Be Aware of.

Music by Jack Winders
Intro: Midwest Folks
Outro: Southern Skies
Website: https://www.jackwinders.com [https://www.jackwinders.com/]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackWindersMusic
Follow him on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0msfukZWdVoUHIvpFvanTU?si=U5jKEdjfSTOetL12ispLcg
Connect With Me
Sign up to my weekly email newsletter //
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Newsletter
My website & blog // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com
[https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/]
Instagram // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Instagram
Twitter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Twitter
LinkedIn // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/LinkedIn
Facebook // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Facebook
YouTube // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/YouTube
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Full show notes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/059

Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible:
PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass
Policygenius: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/policygeniuslife

Learn more about the podcast sponsors and how to support the show -
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Partners

Engineers have the technical expertise to make big changes in society and help
many communities that may lack some basic needs. In today's episode, you'll
learn why you should volunteer, as well as the many ways you can benefit from
it. It's not complicated to get started. Nor does it need to be fancy.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
* Seven Benefits of Volunteering That Help With Other Areas of Your Life
* Four Super Easy Ways to Find Volunteering Opportunities
* Different Types of Volunteering Work―And Why It's Simpler Than You Think
* Why Should You Do it?
* How Volunteering Makes You Feel Like You Have More Time―Even If You Don't
* The Important Skills You'll Develop While Volunteering
* How It Helps You Sharpen Your Mind and Body
* How You'll Grow as a Person If You Volunteer

Music by Jack Winders
Intro: Midwest Folks
Outro: Southern Skies
Website: https://www.jackwinders.com [https://www.jackwinders.com/]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackWindersMusic
Follow him on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0msfukZWdVoUHIvpFvanTU?si=U5jKEdjfSTOetL12ispLcg
Connect With Me
Sign up to my weekly email newsletter //
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Newsletter
My website & blog // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com
[https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/]
Instagram // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Instagram
Twitter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Twitter
LinkedIn // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/LinkedIn
Facebook // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Facebook
YouTube // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/YouTube
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Full show notes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/058



Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible:

PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass

Policygenius: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/policygeniuslife



Learn more about the podcast sponsors and how to support the show - https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Partners



Professional licensure is your passport to a professional career. It not only allows you to add initials after your name (PE, SE, etc.), but it’s also a step forward in your professional life. Today, you’ll sit in the first row and learn about the path to licensure for civil engineers, whether you want to be a PE, SE, or even if you’re an international student coming into the US after college.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Andrea’s Work at NCEES Developing the Professional Exams You Take


• Chun’s Position and Job at the SEI Licensure Committee


• Three Reasons Why You Should Get Your Professional License


• The Difference Between the PE and SE Licenses---And Why You Should Care


• How Do You Get the SE License? Do You Need the PE License First?


• Are There any States That Allow You to Sit for the SE Exam Before Taking the PE?


• What Should You Do to Determine Which License You’ll Need?


• How Exam Decoupling Really Works


• What Areas of Practice Usually Require the SE License as a Minimum?


• Insights on the PE Exam Going CBT Next Year---And Why the SE Exam is Next


• How to Prepare for the SE Exam When it Switches to CBT


• What is the Structural Engineering Licensing Coalition?


• What are the Basic Requirements to a Professional License?


• How Can International Students Get Licensure in the US?


• Do You Need to Take the PE Again if You Want---or Need---to Practice in Another State?


• The Importance of Continuing Education (PDHs) to Your Competence as an Engineer


• What to Do If You Can’t Find Enough People to Sign Your Professional Reference When Applying for Licensure?

Music by Jack Winders

Intro: Midwest Folks

Outro: Southern Skies

Website: https://www.jackwinders.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackWindersMusic

Follow him on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0msfukZWdVoUHIvpFvanTU?si=U5jKEdjfSTOetL12ispLcg

Connect With Me

Sign up to my weekly email newsletter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Newsletter

My website & blog // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com

Instagram // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Instagram

Twitter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Twitter

LinkedIn // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/LinkedIn

Facebook // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Facebook

YouTube // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/YouTube

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Full show notes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/057



Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible:

PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass

Policygenius: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/policygeniuslife



Learn more about the podcast sponsors and how to support the show - https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Partners



As an engineer, you already possess the traits to become a successful manager. But being a true leader is a matter of having certain skills and traits that go beyond those of a manager. And since no engineer is taught that in school, it’s up to you to go after that knowledge.

Today’s episode will give you a great starting point. Luis lists some of the key traits of a true leader, dissects the best strategies you can use to learn about real leadership, and how you can effectively start applying this knowledge at your workplace to take your career to the next level.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Higher-Ranked Positions Do NOT Always Mean Good Leadership Skills


• The Real Difference Between a Leader and a Manager


• 5 Crucial Skills an Engineer Needs to Become a Great Leader


• Leadership Traits and Skills of a True Leader―And How to Spot One


• The Traits of Manager


• How Entrepreneurial Skills Can Help Engineers in Their Careers


• The “Engineers are Introverts” Stereotype is Not Necessarily True


• The Transition From a Technical Engineer to a Leader at an Organization


• The Best Ways to Learn These Leadership Skills―And How to Apply Them

Music by Jack Winders

Intro: Midwest Folks

Outro: Southern Skies

Website: https://www.jackwinders.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackWindersMusic

Follow him on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0msfukZWdVoUHIvpFvanTU?si=U5jKEdjfSTOetL12ispLcg

Connect With Me

Sign up to my weekly email newsletter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Newsletter

My website & blog // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com

Instagram // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Instagram

Twitter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Twitter

LinkedIn // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/LinkedIn

Facebook // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Facebook

YouTube // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/YouTube

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Full show notes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/056

Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible:
PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass
Policygenius: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/policygeniuslife

Learn more about the podcast sponsors and how to support the show -
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Partners

Throughout this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, you've learned a lot from
different latinos and latinas in STEM. These hispanics are not only doing
amazing work in their own areas, but also empowering and helping other hispanic
professionals in the field. In this "miniseries finale", you'll learn the
biggest takeaways from each one of the episodes celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
* A SEI Live Event Happening Today at 10:30 a.m. (MT) You Cannot Miss!
* How Girls in Civil is Helping Hispanic Women in STEM
* Girls in Civil's #1 Piece of Advice for You if You Truly Want Something in
Life
* Why You Should Always Go After Something Bigger in Your Career
* Why Taking Care of Yourself First, According to Andrea Martin
* The Power of Morning Routines―And Why You Should Have One
* The Prioritization Question You Need to Ask Yourself Every Day
* Andrea's Advice on How Hispanics Can Break Free from Diminishing Themselves
* The Ugly Side of Achievement with Joan Melendez
* Why Your Degree Doesn't Define Your Career―And How You Can Change Paths
* Joan Explains Why Space Exploration is Beneficial―And How Much it Really
Costs

Music by Jack Winders
Intro: Midwest Folks
Outro: Southern Skies
Website: https://www.jackwinders.com [https://www.jackwinders.com/]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackWindersMusic
Follow him on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0msfukZWdVoUHIvpFvanTU?si=U5jKEdjfSTOetL12ispLcg
Connect With Me
Sign up to my weekly email newsletter //
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Newsletter
My website & blog // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com
[https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/]
Instagram // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Instagram
Twitter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Twitter
LinkedIn // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/LinkedIn
Facebook // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Facebook
YouTube // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/YouTube
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

In this transformative episode, we explore the fundamental reasons why traditional New Year's resolutions consistently fall short and introduce a paradigm-shifting approach to goal-setting. By extending our vision from yearly milestones to decade-long achievements, we unlock unprecedented potential for growth and success. Hosts Nicolai and Luis draw from their extensive experience to demonstrate how this expanded time horizon creates space for compound growth, allowing achievements that might seem impossible within a shorter timeframe.

Through real-world examples and practical insights, they illustrate how this longer-term perspective helps overcome common pitfalls of short-term thinking, while fostering resilience and strategic patience. The conversation reveals how extending your planning horizon beyond the conventional annual cycle can lead to exponential growth and achievements that transcend ordinary expectations.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[00:00] Introduction & New Year Reflections

[02:53] Vision Casting & Long-term Planning

[05:35] Understanding Time Perspective

[08:50] The Power of Small Actions

[13:31] Real-world Success Stories

[16:55] Building Systems for Success

[19:47] The Compound Effect

[21:42] Grace in Goal Setting

Lessons Learned

Your baseline can shift dramatically over time - what seems impossible today could become your new normal

The compound effect of small, consistent actions is more powerful than sporadic big efforts

Having grace for "bad days" is crucial for long-term success

Starting somewhere, even if imperfect, is better than waiting for perfect conditions

Progress isn't linear - expect and embrace the natural ups and downs of growth

Your environment and systems matter more than willpower or motivation

Regular review and adjustment of your approach keeps you on track for long-term success

https://youtu.be/Hq7T6QJXGI0

Main Takeaways

Think in decades, not just years. As Nicolai shares, "I hope that 10 years from now, I'm going to look back at 39 and be like, hey, you were okay at 39, but look how much farther you have come now."

Focus on systems over goals. Build daily habits that compound over time rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Allow yourself to dream bigger. Many of us underestimate what we can achieve in a decade while overestimating what we can do in a year.

Create accountability structures that support your long-term vision

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Full show notes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/055
Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible:
PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass
Skillshare: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Skillshare
Learn more about the podcast sponsors and how to support the show -
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Partners
With all the space travel and exploration missions currently going on, you've
probably wondered what it takes to work on some of them. However, if you're not
an aerospace engineer, you may be skeptical about this since you don't have the
"required" credentials. If that's the case, this episode brings you good news.
Today, Latina engineer Joan Melendez Misner elaborates on how her career
progressed until she finally got her dream job at NASA after 13 failed attempts.
With a chemical engineering background, she explains the many other roles
available at NASA and its subcontractors that don't require you to be a rocket
scientist to work on space exploration. In addition, she lays out the steps you
can take to change career paths and get into the space sector, or any other
sector, regardless of your degree.
What You'll Learn:
* Her Work Experience in the Aviation Industry―And How It Helps Her at NASA
* How NASA Socials Allowed Her to Network With and Learn From NASA Engineers
* How She Managed to Get Her Job at NASA After 13 Failed Attempts
* What She Did After Each Rejection That Allowed Her to Succeed Later on
* Pandemic-Related Challenges She Faced Right After Joining NASA
* Joan's Past and Current Missions at NASA
* One of Her Life Principles: "Network to get work"
* Do You Need to Be a Rocket Scientist to Work at NASA?
* Roles Available at NASA and its Subcontractors You Didn't Know You Could Get
* How She Uses Her Chemical Engineering Background at NASA
* Your Degree Doesn't Define You. You Willingness to Learn Does.
* How You Can Switch Career Paths if You Want to―Regardless of Your Degree
* Why Do Countries Spend Billions of Dollars to Send Things into Space?
* The Unnoticed Benefits Society Gets From the Space Sector
* Her All-Time Favorite Moments and Tasks as a NASA Engineer
* Her Struggles as a Hispanic Woman Engineer
* Why She Started Her Highly Successful Instagram Page With 40k+ Followers
* Her Top Two Tips on How to Pursue a Career in STEM―And Succeed

Music by Jack Winders
Intro: Midwest Folks
Outro: Southern Skies
Website: https://www.jackwinders.com [https://www.jackwinders.com/]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackWindersMusic
Follow him on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0msfukZWdVoUHIvpFvanTU?si=U5jKEdjfSTOetL12ispLcg
Connect With Me
Sign up to my weekly email newsletter //
https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Newsletter
My website & blog // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com
[https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/]
Instagram // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Instagram
Twitter // https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/Twitter



--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engou

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/engourfuture/message

Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe