Our TAI engineers were asked how they got started in the profession and their experiences. Read what they said here:
BROAD EXPERTISE
Employee Stories

What sparked your interest in the profession?
As a woman born and brought up in a developing nation, I had limited options to choose from. There were really 2 options, during the time and in the place, I grew up in, to become successful in the professional world. These options were to train to be a doctor or an engineer. I chose to be an engineer.
What do you like about being an engineer?
I was fortunate to have had the option of joining a well-known engineering firm and learning from the very best in the industry. As a young engineer I had a great appetite to learn and so I did.
What are your favorite aspects of the job?
The part I love being an engineer is I get to question “why” and “how” and solve problems, and make a difference to the industry, not by necessarily inventing, but by making the work processes safer and easier to work with. Experience over the years has led me to find that problems in the engineering world are not the same across the various projects. So, I never stopped learning new areas and aspects of engineering. I also have come to realize an interesting fact about myself – that the more I share my knowledge with other fellow engineers and designers, the more rewarded I feel.
Anything unexpected?
An unexpected opportunity had presented itself early in my career, for me to train in US standards and ways of working in electrical engineering, when I was given an assignment on a deputation to the US. I received some recognition and acknowledgment for my engineering skills while working in the US. This led me to eventually immigrate to the US and into one of the world’s choicest platforms to be, in the world for women in engineering.
Engineering is a profession long dominated by males. Having a good education, a desire to learn and perseverance has helped me overcome those challenges and establish my own place in this profession.

What sparked your interest in the profession?
I always knew I was interested in science and learning how things worked since I was young, and ended up choosing chemical engineering as my major because I loved chemistry and I knew that engineering was a lucrative field.
What do you like about being an engineer?
It wasn’t until my first industry internship, though, that really sparked my interest in manufacturing! I enjoyed seeing what I was learning about in school come to life in the field, and oddly enough, I felt right at home in a plant environment.
What are your favorite aspects of the job?
My favorite part about engineering is that it gives me the knowledge and mindset to learn about how things work, and my favorite part about the job is the variety. I can work on projects for companies involved with pharma, food, household products, and specialty chemicals—sometimes all in one day! Working in a male-dominated field as a woman, especially as a young woman, has pushed me incredibly hard to gain the knowledge and skills that I missed out on growing up that my male counterparts were often able to get as children and teenagers. Thankfully, working at TAI puts me in an environment keen on teaching and learning, and I’m encouraged to ask questions whenever I need to. It’s a great place to be!

What sparked your interest in the profession?
I knew I wanted to be an Engineer when I was ten years old. I liked building things. My thoughts on Engineering bounced from Architectural to Biomedical. I originally applied to CWRU for Biomedical Engineering because they have one of the best programs in the country. I changed my focus to Chemical with a minor in Polymers.
What do you like about being an engineer?
I like seeing the end result of my efforts. I have always worked in manufacturing, so I get to see a process improve, or products being produced on a daily basis. The ability to design and install equipment that makes people’s work day better feels great. Being part of the process of providing consumers with products they want is fulfilling. As the workforce changes, automation has become critical. It is very hard to find people who want to do the kind of manual labor manufacturing used to require. Being able to provide automated systems to do the work more effectively is great. I also think it is important to make sure the skills required to maintain this high tech lines are transferred to the existing employees so they have opportunities for growth. It does not help a company to install something no one can operate or repair without assistance from the supplier or engineer on the job.
What are your favorite aspects of the job?
I have found that I really like demo and construction. My favorite part of the job is being able to provide a better work environment for people working 8-12 hour days. Making sure what I have given them makes it possible for them to do their jobs more effectively. You should never put something in a facility that makes someone’s day harder. I want to add value in every way.
Anything unexpected?
I think the unexpected part for me is realizing there are still so few people who look like me in Engineering which is probably why I still do this. It’s very important to be seen. It is important for young black girls in middle and high school to see someone who looks like them in a technical field dominated by men and succeeding at a high level. It is important to have a seat at the table, and if you aren’t offered a seat make your own table and invite people over. I will chip away at the “glass ceiling” for as long as I can and smooth out the edges so it’s a little more inviting for the next generation of Engineers who look like me. Aside from loving what I do, my journey into Engineering is a big part of my “why” I enjoy it and feel strongly to make a difference. There have been many many challenges over the course of my career – it’s not an easy path. But I hope I have made it better for the generations of female Engineers following close behind.

What sparked your interest in the profession?
My interest in both chemistry and mathematics.
What do you like about being an engineer?
That you are always learning and developing professionally.
What are your favorite aspects of the job?
Various industries and diversity of work. Problem solving. Interesting projects.

What sparked your interest in the profession?
A combination of the “Structural Analysis” class (CE 340) I took at Penn State and my love for building things. I also love puzzles, which requires problem solving, the same way engineering does.
What do you like about being an engineer?
I like the fact that it is not monotonous. It is challenging and there is always something new to learn.
What are your favorite aspects of the job?
Seeing my designs come to fruition.
Anything unexpected?
With my job being very technical, it feels like I am still in school.