Advice from Rudolph A. Wolfson, P.E.

-- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 12/1/2000

Known as much as a great mentor as a great engineer, Rudolph A. Wolfson, P.E., offered key advice for his employees and young friends at critical moments in their careers. From a recent interview, here are a few sage suggestions from the engineer:

•   Speak out. "Engineers should always be willing to express themselves and offer their input on jobs," Wolfson believes. "It takes a certain amount of aggressiveness to be successful. It's personality and attitude; it isn't always just intelligence and technical knowledge."

•   Consider design alternatives. "The time element involved in projects has been reduced dramatically-by 50 percent or more-and we're expected to produce in that time frame. But it's important to be able to consider alternatives in the planning stage."

•   Engineer a sustainable future. "We have to stand up for what we think is correct," says Wolfson, "especially with regards to the environment."

•   Keep trying. "I've had as many failures as I've had successes, but you learn from those, too.

We're here to listen and to learn."