What I Do I am currently working as a mining engineer at RESPEC in the Hard Rock Geotech and Explosives group.
Why Engineering? I loved geology and moving parts and mining engineering provided aspects of both that I really enjoyed!
School Days I went to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for my B.S. in Mining Engineering and Engineering Management and my M.S. in Mining Engineering and Engineering Management with a Mining Industry Applications Specialization.
Challenges The biggest challenge I have had during my career has been needing to adapt and constantly be learning new things for different projects. I overcome this challenge by trying to learn things that I find the most interesting alongside things I don't enjoy as much.
Dreams and Goals In the short term I want to continue to grow within my role and expand my knowledge. I also plan on taking the FE in this next year. In the long term I want to work on new projects and eventually be a project lead within my group.
Inspiration I have watched my parents work really hard in order to give our family the best opportunities possible and I want to make them proud and do well to thank them for everything they have done for my brothers and I.
Want to be an Engineer? My advice is to explore the possibilities. STEM is a huge, overarching subject. Look into anything you might find interesting, and even things you don't think you'd like. Don't be afraid to ask questions, research, and talk to people in the fields you are interested in.