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August 26, 2019






The need for man to invent new technologies is as old as humanity itself. The labors and achievements of the following engineers have made enormous impacts on society and the world we live in today. We thank you. Join us as we explore some of the 20 greatest engineers.


Archimedes


First and foremost the great Archimedes. Universally recognized as the greatest of all classical engineers, he has influenced the fields of mathematics, physics, engineering, and astronomy for millennia. Little is known about the details of his life, but his discoveries and inventions are still well-known to this day. From his screw pump to compound pulley systems and defensive mechanisms for his home island of Syracuse, Archimedes is truly one of the greatest engineers.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel


I am a little biased, being a Brit, but the Isambard Kingdom Brunel's addition here is well founded. Described as one of the most ingenious and prolific figures in engineering history and one of the engineering giants of the 19th century. It is difficult to exaggerate Brunel's impact on the infrastructure of the UK. His memory is also honored by giving his name to a University, Brunel. One of his greatest achievements was the Great Western Railway, which still operates today.

Leonardo da Vinci


Not content with being a great artist Da Vinci turned his hand at architecture, science, music, maths, engineering and much more. His discoveries and inventions at the time were unfathomable to his contemporaries. Some still seem a little "magical" today. His inventions included flying machines, armored vehicle, concentrated solar power, the adding machine, and a double hull. Most were alien concepts at the time but are common practice today.


George Stephenson

Again, the entry of another notable Brit is purely coincidental, honest. Mr. Stephenson's son, Robert, carries the honorific of the greatest engineers of the 19th Century. He is buried in Westminster Abbey. George was also one of the all-time greatest engineers in his own right. Called the "Father of the Railway", he built the first public inter-city railway line between Liverpool and Manchester in 1830. The Stephenson railway gauge is still widely used around the world.





Robert Stephenson


Since we've included his father it would be rude not to mention Robert Stephenson. Robert built on the achievements of his father with a prolific expansion of the railway network in the UK. His more notable projects included The Rocket, London and Birmingham Railway, High-Level Bridge, Royal Border Bridge, Britannia Bridge and Victoria Bridge (Montreal) to name but a few. The Rocket, though not the first steam locomotive, was the first to bring together several innovations to produce the most advanced locomotive of its day.

Elon Musk





South African born, Canadian engineer, businessman, and inventor Elon Musk is the founder of SpaceX, Tesla Motors and SolarCity. His achievements are impressive and qualify him on our list of greatest engineers. The potential of his ambitious projects, once achieved, will be of great importance for the future of our species.

Burt Rutan






Burt Rutan is one of the most original modern engineers. His aircraft designs are often peculiar but have been proven light, strong and efficient. His most notable achievements include Voyager (the first plane to fly non-stop around the world) and SpaceShipOne (the first privately funded spacecraft). Burt is also honored at the National Air and Space Museum.

Fazlur Rahman Khan



Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh when it was under British rule, Fazlur can claim the title of father of the modern skyscraper. His innovation of tubular design has allowed easier construction of high rises. He was one of the first structural engineers and architects to use CAD. His gifts to the American people include the Willis Tower and John Hancock Centre.

Nikola Tesla



Mr. Tesla's achievements are without doubt. This Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and physicist had to be included on our list. His contributions to the design of modern AC electrical supply has made an enormous impact on all humanity.

Nikolaus Otto
A German-born engineer whose labors have led to the creation of compressed charge internal combustion engines. These, fuelled by petroleum gas, resulted in the creation of the modern internal combustion engine. Pollution effects aside, this technology has been one of the most important technologies for humanity.





Charles Babbage



Charles Babbage was an English polymath. A mathematician, philosopher, inventor, and mechanical engineer. Babbage is best known for his concept of a programmable computer.


George Westinghouse Jr.



Westinghouse Jr. was an American entrepreneur and engineer who invented the railway air brake and was a pioneer of the electrical industry. He gained his first patent at the tender age of 19.

Thomas Edison


Since we've mentioned George Westinghouse and Tesla we would be negligent not to mention Thomas Alva Edison. He was an American inventor and businessman, who has been described as America’s greatest inventor. Edison developed many devices that have influenced life all over the world. These include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting, practical electric light bulb.

Gottlieb Daimler



Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler was an engineer, industrial designer, and industrialist born in Schorndorf, in what is now Germany. He was a pioneer of internal-combustion engines and automobile development.

Lee de Forest



Self-described as the "Father of Radio", de Forest was an American inventor. He was a pioneer in the development of sound-on-film recording used for motion pictures. Thanks de Forest.

Frank Whittle

Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle is credited with single-handedly inventing the turbojet engine. He was an English Air Force engineer air officer and one of the greatest engineers.



Tommy Flowers

It can be argued that without Tommy Flowers' labors during WW2 the world would look very different today. Flower designed Colossus, the world's first programmable electronic computer. This device helped to decrypt German messages during the war and ultimately saved countless lives.

Gustave Eiffel


Name sound familiar? I'm sure it is. Gustave Eiffel was a French-born civil engineer and architect. He graduated from Ecole Centrale Paris and cut his teeth on the French Railway Network. His most notable achievements include the Garabit Viaduct and work on the Statue of Liberty. The famous tower in Paris is named in honor of his company, who designed and built it. He is also known for his involvement in the Panama Canal scandal.

Alexander Graham Bell

The Scottish-born scientist, inventor, engineer, and innovator Bell is credited with patenting the first practical telephone. He also did important work in communication for the deaf and held more than 18 patents.





James Watt



Last, but by no means least, James Watt is definitely one of the greatest engineers of all time. He was a Scottish inventor, mechanical engineer, and chemist who improved on Thomas Newcomen's 1712 Newcomen steam engine. His Watt steam engine was fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution in both his native Great Britain and the rest of the world.
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August 26, 2019

Have you ever wondered in which countries engineers make the most money? A fair question and one that's not a simple one to answer. 
From the off engineers tend to benefit from some of the highest wages of any career choice out there. But could you be underselling yourself by staying and working in your nation of origin? 
Of course, it's not all about money and some feel more comfortable staying and working in their home nation. After all, it's very difficult to leave your family and friends for long periods of time.
But if you are brave enough you could find your money making potential is considerably higher further afield.
In the following article, we'll see if engineering careers are worth all the hard work, which disciplines tend to make the most and in which countries engineers tend to make the most money. 
Is an Engineering Degree worth it?
In short yes, and some. Engineering positions tend to always feature in the top ten highest paying careers. 
This is good news as all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears during your undergraduate and postgraduate studies had better pay off. And now is a good time to be getting into engineering-related career paths as the job market is pretty healthy. 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, Mining, Construction, and Manufacturing industries are currently enjoying a period of strong growth. 415,000 positions were added in 2016 in the Healthcare industry alone in the U.S. 
Engineering graduates also enjoy very high recruitment levels post graduation which is in stark contrast to many humanities graduates. But is pursuing a career in Engineering actually worth all the hassle?
Much like driving a car your degree is just the first test. Once you've graduated you will need to bolster your courage for a lifetime of stress, steep learning curves but, ultimately, one of the most rewarding careers one could choose. 
But, of course, like any career, there will be highs and lows. Although many Engineers tend to love what they do working conditions can get on top of them.
On the whole, most disgruntled engineers report that they have, or are tempted to, quit their job because of a few common issues. These include not getting on with the boss, long commutes, stupid working hours, not potential for advancement.
Which Engineers earn the most?
Before we look into the countries that tend to offer the most money for engineers, we thought it might be useful to explore those disciplines of engineering that tend to pay the most.
After all, engineering is something of an umbrella term that encompasses many different industries, specializations and, of course, competition for employment. 
The following are the top twenty highest paid engineering jobs. This data comes courtesy of typeofengineering.com .
The website compiled data from the US. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics data compiled with self-reported data from Universities, Forbes Magazine, US News & World Report, and reputable Engineering associations, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Rank
Occupation
Average Annual Salary
Projected % growth in jobs between 2012 and 2022
Projected growth in jobs between 2012 and 2022
1
Petroleum Engineers
$147,520
25.50%
20,000
2
Architectural & Engineering Managers
$138,720
6.70%
61,000
3
Airline Pilots & Flight Engineers
$131,760
-6.60%
19,000
4
Computer Hardware Engineers
$110,650
7.40%
24,000
5
Aerospace Engineers
$107,700
7.30%
25,000
6
Sales Engineers
$104,660
8.90%
17,000
7
Nuclear Engineers
$104,630
9.30%
7,000
8
Chemical Engineers
$103,590
4.50%
9,000
9
Engineering Professors
$102,000
11.80%
11,000
10
Mining & Geological Engineers
$100,970
12%
3,000
11
Electronics Engineers
$99,660
3.40%
35,000
12
Marine Engineers
$99,160
10.30%
3,000
13
Engineers, All Other
$96,350
3.80%
30,000
14
Electrical Engineers
$95,780
4.70%
44,000
15
Biomedical Engineers
$91,760
26.60%
10,000
16
Materials Engineers
$91,150
0.90%
8,000
17
Mechanical Engineers
$87,140
4.50%
100,000
18
Civil Engineers
$87,130
19.70%
120,000
19
Environmental Engineers
$86,340
15.30%
21,000
20
Industrial Engineers
$85,100
4.5%
75,000
As interesting as this is, it must be borne in mind that these figures are just a snapshot in time. They don't, for example, capture potentially future trends in their respective industries. 
Some disciplines, like Petroleum Engineering, are highly paid at present but future employment could be affected by changes in the supply and demand of hydrocarbons around the world.
So long as consumption remains at least comparable to today, as well as reserves, this should be a lucrative choice for the near future.
But there is another interesting consideration with fields like Petroleum Engineering. It is predicted that many current employees are set to retire over the next ten years.
 This will certainly affect the demand for 'new blood', likely inflating offered salaries far in excess of current rates. 
Computer engineering is another field that might not be fairly represented in this data. It is a relatively new discipline in engineering with some claiming it is currently under-supplied with labor.
Of course, the future could see a dramatic reduction in wages as more and more new graduates flood the market over the next few years given its current popularity for undergraduates.
It should also be noted the quickest growing area is computer software engineering rather computer hardware.
That's before we even begin to consider the potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence over the next few decades. But just like the Industrial Revolution as old jobs are destroyed but new forms of employment rush in to fill the void.
Which countries pay Engineers the most?
As we have seen incomes for Engineers vary depending on what field of expertise they pursue.
Petroleum Engineering, for example, is generally the best paid with Civil and Mechanical Engineers roughly equatable but paid 1.7 times less then Petroleum Engineers on average in the U.S.
Despite this, engineering careers tend to rank very high on any list of highest-paying bachelor degrees. 
Most new graduates in the U.S. can expect entry-level incomes of around $63,000 which makes the U.S. second only to Sweden for expected engineering incomes for recent graduates.
This figure comes from a recent report by a Stockholm-based employer branding firm, Universam.
Universam derived their results from their analysis of  277,590 engineering students in 57 countries during September of 2017 they uncovered some interesting information, 
Another study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers discovered that Electrical Engineering seems to be the most in-demand engineering degree. They found that the average salary in 2016 was around $73,078. 
Compiling information from various sources a recent CNBC article found that the top three countries for engineering students are:-
1. Switerzland - With an average expected income of around $79,243 a year;
2. The United States of America - With an average expected income of $62,948 per annum and;
3. Denmark - With an average expected income of $61,235 per year. 
For comparison, they also found the countries with the lowest average expected salaries for engineers. These are:-
1. Vietnam with an average expected income of $6,397 per year and;
2. Egypt with an average expected income of $7,458 a year.
This sounds like a massive discrepancy between the top three and bottom two but remember living expenses in Egypt and Vietnam will be considerably lower than Switzerland or the U.S. 
Something rarely, if ever, considered when it comes to higher earnings is factoring in living costs of countries you might decide to work in.
After taxes, bills, and other expenses your initially hefty income could make little difference to your quality of life.
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August 25, 2019
What is time management?

“Time management” is the way we decide to utilize our time in order to maximize our productivity in achieving certain long-term goals.


We all want to make the most of the 24 hours we get each day. However, some people achieve more happiness, productivity, and success – in the same amount of time as everyone else!
How can I be more successful at managing my time? You only need to apply one powerful concept: conscious time management.
With these 25 time management tips, you can plan, execute and manage your day and achieve massive success!


Tip #1: Create a time audit.

First things first: start by finding out where your time goes throughout the day. There is often a big discrepancy between your subjective time and reality.
Get a time management app (preferably Toggl) and track everything you do for a week.
Then sit down, download the reports and evaluate them.
With this data, you can easily find areas to improve. For example, you may spend too much time sitting in unproductive meetings or attending to low-priority tasks.
This brings us to the next tip.


Tip #2: Before meetings, determine your desired results.

Have a clear purpose in mind before starting meetings. Your team will waste less time by getting back to work as soon as you meet your agenda.

Tip #3: Put a time limit on tasks.

Take another look at your time audit and identify tasks that take longer than you expect.
By setting time constraints for these items, you will focus more and work more efficiently.
If you still find yourself going beyond these time limits, examine your workflow and eliminate little time-wasters like unscheduled breaks.

Tip #4: Plan your week on Sunday.

Walking into work with a plan for the week will help you focus on priorities. You can easily transition from your carefree weekend mindset to a productive Monday morning “work brain.”
Take a few minutes on Sunday to create a plan for your whole week. Cure procrastination by breaking down your weekly goals into daily tasks, so you only need a glance at this list while working.
Remember –your energy and creativity levels fluctuate throughout the week.
Schedule low-priority tasks for Mondays and other low-energy times. Complete creative and demanding tasks on Tuesday and Wednesday. Schedule meetings for Thursday, when your team’s energy starts to decline. Use your Fridays for planning and networking.

Tip #5: Create a daily plan.

Use the first 30 minutes of your day to create a daily to-do list that suits your weekly plan.
Word your list items as if you’ve already completed them. Instead of “Submit Report to Project Manager” write “Report to Project Manager Submitted.”
This little trick will give you an extra boost of motivation.

Tip #6: Add a “done list” to your to-do list.

Sometimes, unexpected tasks just pop up during the day. Jot them down in a separate list next to your to-dos for some extra satisfaction at the end of the day.
On Sunday, revisit your accomplishments from the previous week and congratulate yourself on your successes. This review period will increase your confidence and help you create the next week’s schedule.

Tip #7: Complete your most important and demanding tasks first thing in the morning.

Most of us find our first hour of the work the most productive – make sure to use yours wisely! Oddly enough, you can focus more easily when your brain isn’t fully awake. Booting-up brains have less excess energy for daydreaming and worrying about other tasks.

Tip #8: Block out distractions.

Use your computer’s “do not disturb” function when working on focused tasks. Channel your attention by working at only one monitor and opening only one window. Going offline might also be an option, but let's not go that far.

Tip #9: Don’t multitask.

Researchers have disproven the multitasking myth. If you believe you can do many things at once and maintain your quality standards ?, it’s wrong.

Tip #10: Don’t wait for inspiration - do it now.

Some artists wait for inspiration to strike. Some writers sit around, waiting for writer’s block to subside. Businesspeople don’t attend to serious tasks if they aren’t in a perfect work environment.
With mindfulness, you don’t have to feel like getting something done to do it. Notice the thoughts and feelings that arise while you work from an outside perspective. Don’t let them govern your actions.
Acknowledge your emotions and daydreams and let them go. Start tasks, even when you feel unsure, and trust your motivation to follow.

Tip #11: Don’t strive for perfection.

When everything must be perfect, can anything ever be good enough? Probably not.
To become exceptional, you must fail repeatedly and learn from your mistakes. Look at every effort as an experiment – a valuable step on your journey, no matter what the outcome.

Tip #12: Don’t get hung up on small details.

Instead of indulging in perfectionism, keep the big picture in mind.
Focus on your priorities, not the minute details of your work. Address the most important tasks on your to-do list and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Tip #13: Schedule breaks between tasks.

The human brain can only focus for about 90-minutes at a time.
Schedule a break at least every 90 minutes to avoid burnout and maintain high productivity throughout your day.

Tip #14: Make the most of waiting times.

It happens to everyone: we wait in lines, waiting rooms, airport terminals, train stations, etc.
Answer emails on your phone, catch up on missed phone calls, stretch/exercise, relax or meditate. Carry a book/Kindle with you and read. Listen to podcasts on your phone.
Don’t let unexpected queues catch you unprepared.

Tip #15: Organize your email.

People with cluttered inboxes spend so much time on email than others.
The best way to speed up email communication and waste less time on superfluous exchanges is to organize your inbox.
Gmail offers a variety of features which will help you dominate your bottomless pit of incoming mail. If you use some other client consider switching to Gmail (either through POP3, SMTP, and forwarding).
Let’s see some tricks that will help you sift through, organize and answer emails more quickly.
- Archive emails that might contain some important info but don’t need an immediate answer.
- Create actionable labels like URGENT, WAITING, NEEDS ACTION.
- Use Filters to automatically assign Labels to incoming mail based on sender or some other information/keyword they contain.
- You can even label all newsletters by setting up a filter for every email that contains the word ‘Unsubscribe’.
- Enable Canned Responses and create templates from emails that you have sent more than twice. You can customize these before sending them out but having a general outline before you start will speed up the process considerably.

Tip #16: Train the other side of your brain.

Engage in hobbies to engage the parts of your brain that you don’t use at work. You’ll solve problems faster and have more creativity at your disposal.
Spending time outside of your comfort zone leads to success. If you’re a lawyer, learn to dance. If you’re a pianist, practice martial arts. If you’re a software developer, go out and socialize.

Tip #17: Exercise often.

Sports help you handle everyday stressors.
Researchers have shown that short and intense exercise sessions can be as beneficial as longer ones. Set some time aside for short workouts – at least every other day.

Tip #18: Sleep well.

Scientists have found that sleeping less to create more task-oriented time leads to trouble. Tired people procrastinate more and get distracted easily. Give your brain at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Tip #19: Use your calendar.

A calendar is good for so much more than just scheduling meetings.
Use your calendar to keep track of deadlines, block times offer focused work, and automatically add locations to events.
Take responsibility for your time. If you think that a scheduled entry will not advance your plan for the day, just cancel it.

Tip #20: Schedule relaxation time.

Get out of the hamster wheel, spend some time in quiet, and turn off your “work brain”.
You will be surprised about the positive effects some quiet time can have on your creative processes. Meditation helps you adopt a fresh eye and gain new insights about your work.

Tip #21: Learn to say No.

Your time is precious. Don’t waste it on people and projects that don’t align with your mission and goals.
Instead of automatically accepting invitations and offers, say, ‘I’ll check my schedule and get back to you’.
This simple phrase will buy you time to evaluate offers and make smart decisions.

Tip #22: Be early.

Use the same approach with deadlines.
Plan to submit your work one day ahead of schedule.

Tip #23: Don’t answer the phone just because it’s ringing.

Don’t automatically answer emails the very second they arrive. Batch process your emails and catch up on phone calls in your down time. Avoid interruptions when working on high-focus tasks.

Tip #24: Turn your system into habits.

Form habits from the ideas listed above. Practice these time management tips and internalize a productivity mindset.
Set a reasonable schedule you can maintain over the long term (at least a month). After a while, your daily and weekly habits will become automatic.

Tip #25: Have a great time - no matter what.

Don't obsess about checking off all the items on your to-do list. Enjoy every day with an appropriate work/life balance. Finishing an oversized workload today isn’t worth an unproductive, burnt-out day tomorrow.
Work steadily and stay at your best pace. Rushing through tasks reduces work quality and creates stress.
It may sound like a cliché, but keep in mind: the road is always more important than the destination.
With these 25 time management tips, you will put an end to procrastination and start owning your time right away.


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