Happy Engineers Week!
This week a twenty-something employee at the feed store noticed my alma mater sticker on my cargo van and asked what was my major. I always hesitate a moment when I say Electrical Engineering; I guess because I’m anticipating the pause that’s going to come from the other end, as it takes the asker by surprise. I almost say it with apology, yeah, I know, I picked one of the hardest majors, and you maybe didn’t. This time, the reply was enthusiastic. I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering! Then he quickly asked, with a little resignation, slinging a bag of feed over his shoulder, was it worth it?
I know that age of questioning. When you’re in the middle of what seems like an eternity of schooling, your resolve is flagging, and it’s very, very hard. Especially if you have a job, to boot. I slopped tacos in a restaurant, this guy is bucking bales. My answer was immediate and with no hesitation, yep, it’s worth it. But articulating why took a few minutes.
It’s good money, that’s for sure. Stability, security, you can work anywhere. But those are only superficial reasons. It’s really more of an identity than a job. I like being able to solve problems that most other people can’t solve; and I wouldn’t have developed those skills without all those years of grueling study. I love pulling on my math skills all the time, every day. And, attacking everything with a curiosity for understanding root cause; trying to stay objective, unbiased, a little detached. Every dilemma in life is just a design problem waiting for a thoughtful decision after all the available choices are analyzed.
And, oh yeah, I love my nerdy coworkers. I love that we have a universal affection for sci fi movies, technology, scientific discovery, cleverness and innuendo. If I ever left engineering, I would miss them. Nerds really understand other nerds.
Yeah. Stick with it, it’s worth it.
February 23, 2013 at 8:04 pm
I never doubted your choice for a major. Even if you never compute the length and position of a transmission line stub using a Smith Chart, the math skills acquired become useful no matter what one ends up doing career wise. You do amaze me with what you tackle, however.
Dad
February 23, 2013 at 10:06 pm
I worked in a remote office for five years before moving to NH. For a while it was just me and our finance director. All the engineers were in NH and AZ. Finally we hired another EE in my office, and it was so fantastic. Someone to TALK to! I was really very fond of the finance guy, but his sphere of knowledge and mine put a severe limitation on what we could talk about. It’s so great when you comeup with a nerdy quip and there are people around you who get it.
February 25, 2013 at 1:09 am
I was just thinking about engineers the other day while I was waiting to cross Hwy 2 and had to wait nearly twenty minutes for two trains pushed and pulled by a half dozen diesel electric engines to creep by while I idled at the crossing.
On another note.The monarch butterflies on the “Engineers’ Week” logo reminded me of a friend and mentor who taught petroleum engineering at Kansas State U for years. At a point he was only one of six petro engineers in the entire world! His profession allowed him the time to pursue his lifetime passion with butterflies and build an extensive collection which he has donated to science and is now curated by the Center for Biodiversity in Gainesville, Florida.
I particularly enjoyed your sharing the whys and wherefores of your degree and profession. Clearly, CF, you enjoy your work, and I’m sure you excel at it. I wonder how many others have actually taken the time to sit down and so well set to words their feelings about their education, profession, and cooworkers. Most, I believe, just gripe out loud and leave it at that.
And what is it with you nerds, anyway? My daughter married one and it appears you all have the same nerdy interests and intellectual pursuits. Son-in-law has read nearly everything Asimov has written (he’s an avid Sci-fi reader) but just try to get him to read Dickens!
You took the “road less taken” and I like where it led you. TMJ
February 25, 2013 at 3:52 am
Haha, thanks Dad!
February 25, 2013 at 3:53 am
LOL, jomegat. Indeed, there is a secret sense of humor there that nobody else seems to get.
February 25, 2013 at 4:26 am
Thanks TMJ- how cool about your friend and the butterflies- it does seem like engineers usually have some side hobby which also entails work! Yes, nerds do almost universally love sci fi. If there is ever a team building event, going to see the latest sci fi flick is always one of the top choices.