The QBS Express ACEC of Kansas

Join the QBS Express as we visit with Grace Lipford, a recent winner of both state and national ACEC Kansas scholarship awards.  Listen in as we visit with Grace about how the scholarship award process provided not just funds but contacts and experience.  We also visit with Grace about what she and graduating colleagues are looking for in an employer, the best ways to grab their attention, and how to be a destination employer for these graduates!

00:52 Introducing Our Special Guest: Grace Lipford
01:48 Grace's Journey to Engineering
02:29 Exploring Pre-College Interests and Inspirations
05:33 Diving Into College Life and Engineering Passion
07:33 The Impact of Scholarships on Grace's Education
10:16 Experiencing the ACEC National Conference
12:31 Reflections on the Scholarship Process
14:17 Insights into Job Preferences Among Engineering Students
16:45 The Role of Internships and Career Fairs in Job Decisions
19:18 Maximizing Impact at Career Fairs: Strategies for Companies
20:26 The Importance of Employer Presence at Career Fairs
21:52 Choosing the Right Representatives: Experience vs. Youth
22:36 Personalizing Recruitment: Beyond the Resume
23:22 Identifying Top Companies: A Candidate's Perspective
23:52 The Role of Dramatic Appeal and Technical Details in Attracting Candidates
25:42 The Significance of Communication Skills in Engineering
27:00 Exploring Company Social Media Presence and Its Impact
30:22 Understanding What Companies Seek in Engineering Graduates
34:20 Getting to Know the Guest: Favorite Books, Movies, and Music
Other Resources:
Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

On this episode of the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner engages in a conversation with Brett Letkowski, the past-president and Cameron McGown, the current president of ACEC Kansas. Rightly entailing reflections on their journeys on the board, they discuss the organization's key events in 2023, the year's initiatives, legislative sessions, funding for water and vertical infrastructures, among other key accomplishments. The guests discuss their involvement in various collaborative projects, challenges they faced, and the impact of their service at the state and national levels of the ACEC. They highlight the significance of scholarship opportunities offered by the ACEC, underscoring the benefits to the students and the industry at large. The podcast also features a discussion on their favorite music, movies, and local restaurants, helping listeners know them better personally.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:59 Looking Back at ACEC's Successes in 2023
04:29 Partnerships and Collaborations
16:02 Scholarships and Opportunities
18:40 In-Person Meetings and Conferences
23:42 Promoting Qualifications Based Selection
26:23 Emerging Leaders Program
28:48 Journey to the Board and Benefits of Involvement
33:37 Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration
35:41 The Role of the Board in Industry Events and Activities
36:06 The Board's Influence on Legislation and Policy
38:25 Reflections on Serving on the Board
40:46 How to Get Involved with the Board
42:26 Looking Ahead: Priorities and Challenges for the Year
49:08 The Board's Relationship with ACEC National
Other Resources:
Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

In this engaging conversation on the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner is joined by Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, and Greg Shieber, the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer for the state of Kansas. Both guests share a glimpse of their personal backgrounds, their journeys into the realm of civil engineering, and their experiences working with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). They provide valuable insights into KDOT's broad mission, stressing its significant roles beyond the design and paving of roads and building of bridges. The conversation also highlights the agency's vital partnerships at the state, federal, and local level, the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for KDOT, and the critical role of the workforce in the future of engineering and infrastructure projects.
00:09 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:02 Guest Background: Greg Schieber
06:45 Guest Background: Calvin Reed
15:17 Understanding KDOT's Role and Responsibilities
23:57 Interactions with Policymakers at State and Federal Level
32:33 Appreciation for Agency Partners
33:07 Working with Local Units and Government
34:13 Building Relationships with Local Authorities
34:34 Challenges in Local Infrastructure Maintenance
34:59 Investing in Local Bridge Improvement Program
36:13 Developing a Local Bridge Planning Tool
36:42 Future Challenges in Local System Investment
37:07 The Role of KDOT in Supporting Local Governments
37:37 Creation of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub
38:31 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for KDOT
38:52 Delivering the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program
39:25 Future Funding for Transportation
41:09 Workforce Challenges in the Industry
42:30 Innovation and Changing Technologies in Infrastructure
43:15 Managing Inflation in Local Projects
44:12 Future of Preservation and Modernization of Infrastructure
Other Resources:
Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan.  On this episode we discuss:
A family heritage of farming since 1868Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4HHow farming has transformed over the yearsWorking in the private sectorRunning for office to fix the underfunded pensionsMaking systems like KPERS work for KansansThe criticality of staff to make the legislature workPartnering with Kathy Wolfe Moore to work on the pension systemThe breadth of responsibility at the treasurer's officeHelping Kansans find unclaimed propertySupporting education savings through the Kansas Learning Quest programThe ABLE Savings PlanOther Resources:
The Office of the Treasurer
Kansas Able Savings Plan
KPERS
Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem.  On this episode we discuss:
Growing up in HalsteadBeing ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita StateThe value of the Eagle Scout achievementBecoming interested in politicsStarting as a freshman legislator right out of collegeGrowing into leadership roles and the associated time commitmentThe internship programBlake’s podcast, The Kansas BriefingProposing on the cliffs of IrelandOther Resources:
Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

Blake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st District

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller.  They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president.  On this episode we discuss:
Growing up in a one room schoolhouseThe impact of his father’s involvementThe role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passedThe importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislatureStarting out young as an elected officialTrying to balance service and a public practiceHow serving in property valuation gave him an in-demand skillThe fraught challenge of drawing district linesInfluence and responsibilityGetting young people involved in public serviceA love of fantasy sportsOther Resources:
Learn more about ACEC Kansas

Vic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th District
 
This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net