This document outlines the phases of preparing for and starting an engineering firm as discussed in an upcoming book. It describes 3 parts: 1) Preparing as a student by focusing coursework, 2) Gaining industry experience after graduation to develop skills and connections, and 3) Establishing a niche and launching a firm once experienced. The author draws from starting their own structural engineering firm to advise finding a specialty, becoming a "big fish in a small pond", and overcoming hurdles of entrepreneurship.

1. From Engineering to Entrepreneurship:
How to Prepare for, Start and Manage Your Own Engineering Firm
RICK DE LA GUARDIA, E.I. M. ASCE

2. PURPOSE AND MISSION
 This presentation has been prepared with the intention of raising
awareness of opportunities in entrepreneurship and how to prepare for
owning your own business from as early on as High School or College.
The purpose and mission of my upcoming book is to provide
inspiration, guidance and a clear path to Entrepreneurship.

3. MY STORY
President and Founder of DLG Engineering, Inc. (DLGE)
Over 19 years experience designing and consulting
Authored numerous magazine articles in my specialty
Presented papers on technical topics in my industry
Active member of numerous professional organizations
Volunteered to served as president of the University of Miami College
of Engineering Alumni Association from (6/10 to 5/12)

4. Phases of Development:
Part 1: Preparing for Entrepreneurship while in school
Part 2: Preparing for Entrepreneurship as a recent graduate
Part 3: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

5. PART 1
PREPARING FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WHILE IN SCHOOL
It is never too early to begin preparing for entrepreneurship. In fact, starting to
prepare to own your own engineering firm while in high school or college is a
natural and convenient time to start. Knowing what courses or resources to focus on
can help set a solid foundation for future entrepreneurship. You may be able to tailor
or focus your curriculum and your electives in a manner that will place you in a
better position to succeed in your career. It may also help you become a more
successful business owner.

6. PART 2
PREPARING FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AS A RECENT GRADUATE
Once you graduate from college you should begin to focus on a specialty or
niche and begin “paying your dues”. This is when you will develop your
connections of potential future clients, put into practice the skills learned in
college and start the process of making a name for yourself. If you do not yet
possess or have not put into practice the skills in computer software,
programming, management, writing and public speaking, this would be the time
to learn and perfect them.

7. What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur?
Finding your Niche!!!

8. WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER BE?
A SMALL FISH IN A BIG POND?
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
POND
OR
A BIG FISH IN A SMALL POND?
BUILDING ENVELOPE CONSULTANT
POND

9. PART 3
FROM ENGINEERING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Once you have established yourself in your industry and have all the necessary
basic tools needed for entrepreneurship, it is time to take the plunge. The first
step is to decide on and establish your niche in the field based on your years of
experience. A niche can be established in any of the known disciplines but it
should be in an industry that you have experience and connections in.

10. FROM ENGINEERING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
 My book will provide specific and detailed advice on all three
parts along with real life examples of hurdles and how to overcome
them.
If you are interested in finding more information about the
upcoming book, please feel free to connect with us of Facebook or
LinkedIn.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Engineering-toEntrepreneurship/350272588425361
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/From-EngineeringEntrepreneurship-4898766?trk=my_groups-b-grp-v
rad@dlgengineering.com