How Gen Z is shaping sustainable infrastructure careers
During a recent call with my 19-year-old son, a college sophomore, we talked about his excitement to make a positive impact with his future profession. He feels passionately that he can and must make a difference with the climate crisis in his career. Like so many of his friends and fellow students, he cares deeply about the world and the people in it. This altruistic attitude is the driving force in his daily decisions and has had a huge impact on the career path he has chosen.
This, Iāve learned, is very typical of his generational cohort. As Gen Z prepares for their future careers in the engineering sector, they bring a focused perspective and concern for more sustainable practices. Known for being the most eco-conscious and values-driven generation to date, they want their jobs to align with causes that they care about. They want to design, build, and maintain smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure.
International Day of Education: Building resilient societies
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, the International Day of Education, which is celebrated on January 24, serves as a reminder of the importance of education and provides an opportunity to mark the impact of educating the leaders of tomorrow. Education plays a crucial role in creating a better future and addressing global challenges. In honor of this day, letās celebrate the next generation heading into our workforce as they learn the sustainable practices and perspectives that they will bring to our industry.
How AI and Bentley tools empower the next generation of engineers
In parallel to this next generation preparing for meaningful careers through their studies, the industry is embracing new practices that will make jobs easier and even more aligned with sustainability goals. AI optimizes decision-making during the conceptual design phase, identifies energy-efficient processes, and surfaces ways to support more sustainable practices. This convergence of technology and social consciousness brings some exciting expectations for the future of infrastructure.
As the most digitally adept generation, new graduates entering the workforce will be able to hit the ground running with very little technical onboarding. Along with their technical fluency, fresh ideas, and a sustainability mindset, graduates also bring valuable, hands-on experience with Bentley software. Through our education website, eligible students and educators have free access to the same Bentley engineering software used by industry professionals, which enable them to make a difference from the start. And thousands of students annually download and learn Bentley software to ensure that they align with what industry is using. That means their future employers arenāt just hiring a new employee, theyāre also securing future-ready skills that keep their businesses competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Future-ready skills: Preparing students with Bentley software
Bentley also offers learning resources and supports AASHTO STEM and other STEM challenges globally. While many educators utilize the software and engineering teaching resources in their classrooms, students also access the software on their own as a way to build skills and make their resumes stand out. Having this skill set means that graduates start their careers confident and job ready. By bridging education and technology, weāre helping the next generation turn learning into action so that they can tap into that passionate, value-driven ethos that drives them.
Bentley also works closely with academia to build the bridge between theory and practical use of technology in our industry. The nationās first Digital Twin Design and Production Certificate was developed jointly by Louisiana State Universityās College of Engineering, Baton Rougeābased consultancy DigiTwin Global, and Bentley. The online program trains engineers, project managers, and business leaders in technology that is now central to how infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and other critical systems are designed, built, and operated.
Challenge accepted: Gen Zās role in transforming infrastructure
Itās an exciting time to be a student stepping into the world of infrastructure engineering. The challenges of modernizing aging roads and bridges, building climate-resilient cities, and integrating AI-driven design are real. But they are not obstacles. Theyāre opportunities to make a lasting impact. Todayās graduates arenāt just entering a profession. They are joining a global movement to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable communities. Every project has the opportunity to improve lives, reduce carbon footprints, and strengthen resilience for generations to come. Letās celebrate this next generation of engineers and designers and the bright future they promise to bring.
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