Just a day at work...

Women in Engineering Day at the University of Idaho is Nov. 7th. I got asked to answer some questions and attach some pictures to share my success story with the high school girls who will be attending this event....They will be making a poster with my "biography" and pictures, as well as use some quotes throughout the year...

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in Engineering?

I was inspired by my oldest brother, Eric, to pursue Mechanical Engineering. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During college, he used to come home and share experiences with me about what he was doing, whether it was building and designing bike racks, to other various things. I was amazed by what he was accomplishing and I wanted to do that too!

2. What are the most significant contributions you have made with your research or career?

I am currently working with a company called Amulet Manufacturing, designing and manufacturing attachments for heavy equipment. With the economy so low right now, I have developed a team, within the company, to generate new ideas and new products that the company can do on the side. It has been really fun to implement this new team and develop new products.

3. What do you wish you had known as a junior or senior in high school about engineering that you know now?

If my brother had not been in engineering, I would not have known what to do in college. It is very helpful to gain as much information and talk to as many people who are currently in the field, or going through school to see if it is right for you. Engineering it a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I believe that anyone can do it, as long as you have a passion for it. Also, if you are worried about the math part of engineering, or if you heard that it is hard, or a lot of work, there are ways to "get around it". Engineering involves teamwork, so most of your homework is done in groups, as well as projects. You are never alone to try to figure it out, which is very helpful and makes engineering easier.

4. What advice do you have for women interested in a degree in engineering or computer science?

I was one of two girls in my graduating class of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho. Don't be discouraged by the lack of girls in the field. In a way, this can help you get a job, being a minority. Also, professors and your classmates do have sympathy for you, and tend to help you out more than your average person. It is a great feeling of accomplishment finishing this degree and being one of the only girls to do so.

5. What support systems do you use that contribute to your success as an engineer?

It was VERY helpful to go right into the Engineering Hall as a freshman. The hall is designed as a 80 person support group. You have other Freshman who are going through the classes with you, so your neighbors can also be your study group. Or if you have a question on homework, they are right there. Also, upperclassman are in the hall and are GREAT people to go to for help, because they have already gone through the class, and know what you are going through. Plus you are fully immersed in the campus activities and grow great bonds with people. I attribute my success to the engineering hall, because with out it, I probably would not have finished. I lived in the engineering hall for 3 out of the 4 years.

6. What skills did you gain from your engineering or computer science degree that you find most useful in your career?

As much as I hated it in college, the group work and communication/documentation, are the most helpful skills that I learned in college. In college, you just obtain the base knowledge. Once you get a job, they train you to do the specialized engineering that you are in. So the basic skills, like communicating and documenting, are things that you are expected to already have. Also, the multiple hours sitting at the computer learning SolidWorks, has made my career possible.

7. What are the aspects of engineering or computer science that you find the most exciting?

What amazes me everyday is to design a product in Solidworks, which shows up as a little model on my computer screen, and then to go out into the shop and actually see it being built. Just the pure size of the products that I design are amazing. Besides seeing my model become real, I can travel anywhere in the United States, see a huge excavator sitting on a construction site, look at their attachments, and say to my friend, I designed that. That is pretty cool.

8. If you’re not already doing it – what would be your engineering dream job?

I would love to someday work in the outdoor industry, either designing kayaks, paddles, or other misc. outdoor sports equipment.

So I sent them this picture of me at work...as well as some old college pictures to hopefully inspire young girls to get into this field. I got a response back right away, "Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed information. We need more women like you who are willing to teach and encourage young women through the ups and downs of college course work!"

This made me think more about a career in teaching...It really is true...there needs to be more female math/science teachers, to encourage girls that they can do it too!

Just a random thought for a random day...