What I Do I am an embedded platform systems engineer working on the software that is installed on cargo helicopters. I work on higher level requirements, system test cases, and system design.
Why Engineering? I chose engineering after taking AP Physics my senior year of high school. I really enjoyed the class and the unit involving electrical engineering.
My Day At Work I work with subsystem engineers to relate their work to the software system as a whole. On the average day, I'll probably be working on requirement documents, design documents, and test documents for 50% to 60% of the day. I spend the rest of the time out in our lab where I will be testing and verifying software changes and updates. Testing in the lab is by far my favorite part of my day because I get to see how the whole system works.
Best Part The best part about being an engineer is how rewarding the work is. Not to say other jobs can't have rewarding work, but I get to directly see how my works impacts entire systems. I get to hear directly from customers and see the impact that my work has made. I get to solve challenging problems and I know that what I'm doing is helping people. It's a great feeling.
My Family I have twin brothers who are two years older than me. Both my brothers also went to the University of North Dakota to study engineering. One got his chemical engineering degree and the other got a degree in petroleum engineering and later got a Masters in Data Analytics. Neither one of my parents are engineers, which just makes it all the more hilarious that their 3 children are. I am also married to a chemical engineer who I met at college.
Dreams and Goals I'm actually pretty early in my career, having only been out of college for a year and a half. Short term, my goal is to learn as much as possible in my field and take on a leadership role in my direct team, specifically the role of a Test Lead. Long term, I'm still figuring out what I want to do when I grow up. There are a lot of paths that an engineer can take, whether it be managing other engineers, managing programs, or staying an engineer and the many roles that can mean. Right now, I'd like to stay open minded about what my future could bring.
Want to be an Engineer? Sometimes it's going to be really hard, especially in school. Engineering is a difficult degree and you really have to want it to excel, but it's so worth it. Look for opportunities while still in high school to get involved and join engineering groups in college, they'll help you through more than just school work.
Hobbies I do nail art in my free time, I even have a nail art Instagram. When I'm not being a nail artist or a full time engineer, I like to travel and go hiking at state and national parks.