What I Do Currently working as Intern/Assistant to a senior project manager on a hydro electric project
Why Engineering? I chose engineering because I was gifted in math and science, and I felt that I could benefit the industry by integrating my communication skills, love for art and technical knowledge. I pride myself on not being just as engineering, but more of a Renaissance Woman.
School Days I started my Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Denver, for I wanted a school where I could integrate my engineering with other studies, and confirm if Engineering was right for me. I will note that I fell down the rabbit hole that is modern engineering education and that is check the boxes and just keep swimming. Buts it not just about the finish line, College is about how you get there. I forgot that you control your education and their are no rules. I was so engrossed in advertisements of college ("get your degree in 4 years" "get perfect grades," etc) that I lost site of my goal. Then came COVID. The result was a quarter of online school and eventually the decision to transfer and make a change. I transferred to Montana State University and proudly call my self an alumna and a Bobcat after graduation in the Spring 2022.
Best Part Personally I like the confidence it gives me in life. I may not have every technical skill but you what I do have? The ability to figure it out!
Proud Moments As I am only 23, I would have to say graduating with my Mechanical Engineering Degree. There were many days when I did not think it would happen, but I persevered.
Challenges My main challenge currently is finding what I am passionate about. I know as an engineer that I can get a job done no matter what it is, I will find a way. But looking into my future career I trying to find the opportunities that truly interest me and make me excited.
My Family I am the oldest daughter of two engineer parents and am very proud to say we have 3 engineers in the family. My parent utilized engineering to give me, my brother and themselves the best life possible, I see their history as a lesson and stepping stone for me to build off of and do even better.
Dreams and Goals In the short term I hope to pay my dues and find companies who will teach me this ins and out of business and project management so that I will have the skills to apply later. I hope in or around 10 year from now I am starting or hopefully running my own companies ( I have 1 in planning stages and 1 just starting to turn profits).
Inspiration There are probably 3 main inspirations in my life so far. Firstly, my mom for being a great mother and fantastic chemical engineering in the times that being a woman in engineering was still truly groundbreaking. In short my mom taught me that: 'As Queens we fix are own crowns.' Secondly, the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, for he was not only able to blend amazing design, engineering and art into amazing and ground breaking works but also be revered for it through out history ( The technical Artist or the artistic engineer?). Finally, the equestrian industry. Working with horses makes you not only learn life lessons(hard work, loss, success, life and death), but also the beauty that can come from being responsible and hard working.
Want to be an Engineer? My major piece of advise is that 'you' matter more than the paper. You as a person; your character, your communication, your leadership, the impressions you make all mean more than things on the page. Whether that is grades, resumes, etc. those things have value do not be a slacker, but building yourself into a confident woman who's not afraid to stand and have a intelligent conversation is worth more, at least to me. And this is certainly not the easiest route to take, but I found that 'you' as a person can almost always give a better depiction of yourself than a simple piece of paper can.
Hobbies When I'm not working: I love to spend time with my Arabian Horses (who technically are also my business), cook and bake, and read any book I can find.