TGEP 109: The Impact of Professional Services in Geotechnical Engineering

In this episode, we talk with Kristin M. Sample-Lord, Ph.D., P.E., associate professor and assistant department chair at Villanova University, about the importance of professional services. She explains how getting involved in these activities can create new opportunities, enhance your skills, and boost your professional reputation. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Kristin: What professional services and leadership roles do you have in geotechnical organizations? How important is sponsorship from senior colleagues for advancing a career in geotechnical engineering? What significant benefits have you gained from being involved in professional services? How has your involvement in professional organizations helped you grow your network and gain recognition within the geotechnical community? Can you share a specific opportunity or project that came your way because of your involvement in professional services? How do you navigate getting support from your workplace for your active involvement in professional services? What advice would you give to others trying to balance professional services, work responsibilities, family, and personal hobbies? Can you share some memorable experiences from your involvement in outreach and teaching workshops? What final piece of advice would you give to encourage students, professionals, and professors to consider getting involved in professional services? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About The Impact of Professional Services in Geotechnical Engineering: Getting involved in professional organizations outside your institution is a great way to meet people, discover opportunities, and make an impact. Many organizations are excited to welcome new members and offer opportunities for growth, often leading to leadership roles over time. Sponsorship from senior colleagues is crucial for securing leadership roles and opportunities in professional services. Their support and encouragement help overcome barriers and build confidence, making it easier to take on new challenges and grow. Significant benefits from being involved in professional services include expanding one’s network and name recognition, generating new opportunities for research and collaboration, and increasing one's impact on the field and society. Involvement in professional organizations has helped grow one's network by connecting with a diverse range of professionals and broadened name recognition through increased visibility in service roles and activities. This expanded network and visibility can lead to valuable career opportunities and collaborations within the geotechnical community. Involvement in professional committees often leads to unexpected opportunities for collaboration through informal interactions. These chance conversations can result in significant projects, such as joint research efforts and publications. To get support for professional services, work at an institution that values service alongside teaching and research. Having colleagues and supervisors who understand and support this balance is key. To balance professional services, work, family, and personal hobbies, schedule dedicated times for each and communicate openly with those around you about your commitments. This helps manage stress and maintain clear priorities. A memorable experience from outreach and teaching workshops was leading a national geotech faculty workshop just before the shift to remote learning, which proved incredibly timely and impactful. Additionally, engaging with students during outreach activities is always rewarding, especially when their curiosity and enthusiasm for the field are evident.