One of my youngest relatives is about to start college (how time flies!). His college major is Computer Science, and since one of my six university degrees is in Computer Science, I had a lot to say (as usual). The most critical thing that I had to tell him was to make sure that he pursues his passion for a career.
The advice is deeply personal because I did not pursue my passion after completing my first two degrees. So what was the career passion? Engineering Design.
I completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Back then (and I won't mention how long ago then was), my career aspirations included designing agricultural and automotive equipment and tools. I was proficient in CAD programs as well as in performing finite element analyses and Design and Manufacturing failure mode and effects analysis.
So what happened? In addition to the obstacles of entering the field, I was lured away by the higher salaries for other jobs. Yet, the work in those jobs was not as satisfying and honestly, my heart was not into it. Fortunately, I discovered that my passion for designing and creating transferred well into the Information Technology field (Computer Science), where I led the development and implementation of data applications. But still, it was not enough.
Flash forward in time (and I'm not telling how much time), and my passion for engineering has been piqued once again.
It happens every few years because I have not yet achieved my original goal. This time it's happening because I have been teaching an Introduction to Engineering class. The curriculum I designed is based on all of the types of work that I did many years ago, and updated with some project management, marketing and data analysis that I have done more recently.
As I move toward contracting with AutoCAD (civil) and ArcGIS, I am not naïve. I recognize that the obstacles to work in engineering design have not gone away with the passage of time. There are still the factors of racism, sexism and other -isms at play. This time around though, I am a bit more confident than my younger self. I am also a successful independent consultant and as long as I can get the job done correctly, I recognize that most sane employers will contract me to do the work. Others will not.
In the meantime, I am designing parts that I need for exercise equipment, and tools for the greenhouse operation. Some tools can be purchased. For the ones that don't yet exist, I will design and make them. So, in other words, I am doing exactly what I intend to do.
