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Next-Gen Insights with Ryan Helsdingen, Syska Hennessy Group

⏱️ 15:56 🎤 Ellen Parson, Ryan Helsdingen
AUDIO EPISODE
Next-Gen Insights with Ryan Helsdingen, Syska Hennessy Group
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Sponsorship
    The host introduces the podcast, acknowledges the sponsor IEM, and sets the stage for the Next Gen Insights episode.
  • 1:45
    Meet Ryan Helsdingen
    Ellen Parson introduces Ryan Helsdingen, who shares his background, current role at Syska Hennessy Group, and experience in electrical engineering.
  • 3:52
    Path to Electrical Engineering
    Ryan discusses his journey into electrical engineering, starting from high school and his influential first internship at Syska Hennessy.
  • 5:49
    Data Center Expertise
    Ryan details his work on data centers, highlighting their technical complexity, constant evolution, and the satisfaction derived from these projects.
  • 9:20
    Advice: Field & Code
    Ryan provides two key pieces of advice for young electrical professionals: gaining field experience and becoming comfortable with the electrical code.
  • 12:25
    Advice: Communication Skills
    Ryan emphasizes the importance of over-communicating, especially early in one's career, to avoid issues and manage expectations.
  • 13:58
    Networking & Selling Skills
    Ryan discusses the importance of practicing a '30-second sales pitch' and networking to build connections and confidence in the consulting field.
  • 17:53
    Work-Life Balance & Pet Peeve
    Ryan shares his biggest on-the-job pet peeve and how he maintains a healthy work-life balance through triathlons and outdoor activities.
  • 20:09
    Rapid-Fire Questions
    Ryan answers a series of rapid-fire personal preference questions, including coffee vs. tea, morning person vs. night owl, and his desired superpower.

Speakers

E
Ellen Parson
Host — Editor-in-Chief of EC&M
R
Ryan Helsdingen
Associate Engineer 4, Syska Hennessy Group

Key Takeaways

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Prioritize field experience early in your career to understand how designs translate into tangible constructions and improve constructibility.

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Master the electrical code thoroughly, as it forms the foundational knowledge for sizing conductors, understanding tap rules, and handling complex systems like grounding and emergency power.

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Practice over-communication, especially in your early career, to proactively address challenges, manage workload, and signal potential issues before they become critical.

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Develop your networking and 'sales pitch' skills, even if not directly in sales, as consulting engineers constantly sell their knowledge and expertise.

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Seek out professional groups and networking opportunities to meet peers, practice communication, and build a supportive professional circle.

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Actively pursue hobbies and activities outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance, particularly in demanding fields like data center engineering.

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