Expert: Jeanette A - 11/2/2009

Question
My name is Sammy El-Saleh, and I am a freshman at Henry Ford Community College,Dearborn, USA. I am taking a college writing course where I am researching and writing on my major field: Engineering. I was asked to interview someone in my field to talk about and write up a short paper on the interview. I am very sure that you are busy, but I am hoping that you can spare a little of your time for the interview.
Here are the questions:

1. What do you enjoy most/least about engineering?

2. I would like you to think of a specific engineering project when you answer this question. What could you have done to be more successful in achieving your goal(s)?

3. I'd like to know about your experience in dealing with routine engineering work. How do you keep from getting bored?

4. What do you get out of engineering that you can't get from any other kind of work?

5. What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?

6. What single technical skill or ability do you think is very essential working in the field of engineering ?

7. I'd like you to answer this question with a relaxed/informal manner, if possible.
Do you recommend engineering as a profession? So, if you could go back in time and change professions, would you? Why?

Thanking you in advance,
Sammy

Answer
Hello Sammy,

I will do my best at answering your questions, hope I don't bore you!

1. What do you enjoy most/least about engineering?

MOST: I enjoy the new challenges that you are faced with on a day to day basis. Could range from large scale to a small scale problem, but every problem has its unique solution and I find that the most enjoyable - constantly learning.

LEAST: Tend to get a few co-workers who don't like to co-operate/poor at team work/tend to be discriminate towards females in the workplace.


2. I would like you to think of a specific engineering project when you answer this question. What could you have done to be more successful in achieving your goal(s)?

Questioned more. It was my first time in an engineering environment, first job in my life and I was timid and felt as though I was not as technically educated as the other graduates - I devalued myself. I could have believed more in myself and also should have adopted the mindset that I am not an expert and I am learning and hence I am allowed to make mistakes. Just put so much pressure on myself to perform.

3. I'd like to know about your experience in dealing with routine engineering work. How do you keep from getting bored?

Google! There is some truth in that! Depending on where you work and what kind of workplace culture exists, boredom may or may not occur. I worked with a highly dynamic team, we would play sports on lunch breaks and sometimes take an hour extra just to connect with each other without the constant deadlines and stress, we used to play jokes on each other in the office, send funny emails to each other - you need to find yourself some good friends there that you get along with. They make the time fly and makes work fun, not dreadful. Also, your Boss will have a large impact - my Boss was a very relaxed and friendly person who was a pleasure to deal with and despite me being a student and him having a heavy work load, he was more than happy to answer any questions I had.


4. What do you get out of engineering that you can't get from any other kind of work?

Thats tricky. It depends on the person really. For me, I find a sense of satisfaction that I can make an impact on the world by designing things we need for survival ie homes and what not - not just designing, but also taking into account or precious environment at the same time. Plus engineering is awesome - its not like any other career! Its dynamic and you can change from various disciplines as you have the basic foundation of knowledge to move around from water, to soil, to drainage, to roads, to bridges etc. Thats keeps things from becoming dreadful and mundane!


5. What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?

Great team player. Effective communication skills. Able to accept if they have made a mistake. Excellent time management.


6. What single technical skill or ability do you think is very essential working in the field of engineering ?

All subjects you study during your degree will help prepare you for an engineering career. Being able to time manage your tasks is essential.

7. I'd like you to answer this question with a relaxed/informal manner, if possible.
Do you recommend engineering as a profession? So, if you could go back in time and change professions, would you? Why?

I would recommend it. Definitely. No I would never consider ever changing my profession. I just haven't come across something like engineering. It is one of a kind and were an eclectic batch of people - only the engineers understand engineers! I just think there are too many Doctors and Lawyers, we need more engineers. Sadly we are so devalued in our society and classed as nerds, outcasts yet we have an extremely complex degree yet we just don't get the respect or recognition as Lawyers or Doctors do. Sad truth.

I hope that answers your questions. If there is anything else I can help with please do not hesitate to ask.


Take care,
Jeanette