May 9, 2025 • 42 mins
Learn how discovering Mechanical Engineering in the workplace inspired Sierra's journey, and gain valuable insights on how to successfully navigate your own STEM career path.
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or currently studying in the STEM field, I this video shares key tips and strategies for success, including choosing the right graduate program, the importance of networking, and how to leverage workplace experiences to guide your career decisions.
This video also dives into how Mechanical Engineering and the exciting career opportunities that await in fields like project management, process optimization, and systems integration.
If you're considering a career change within STEM or are curious about how to make the most of your degree, this video is packed with essential advice!
Watch now to learn how to make informed decisions, grow your skill set, and succeed in the competitive world of STEM.
Don't forget to subscribe for more career tips, engineering insights, and advice on advancing your education in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!
Meet our next guest, Sierra Murdock as we discover her journey! Sierra Murdock:
A Journey of Faith, Achievement, and Service Sierra Murdock, a proud Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, is an inspiring example of perseverance, growth, and success. Raised in the heart of the South, Sierra’s path to excellence began with a strong academic foundation and has led her to a thriving career in the aerospace industry, where she currently serves as a Software Product Acquisition Manager.
Education and Early Career: Sierra's journey toward success began at Southern University A&M College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2017. Fueled by a passion for engineering and a commitment to breaking barriers, Sierra quickly transitioned into the professional world. The following year, she accepted her first job offer, which relocated her to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This marked the beginning of her career in the aerospace industry as an entry-level Supplier Quality Engineer. Climbing the Ladder: From the start, Sierra’s dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. Over the years, she has earned various internal recognition awards, cementing her reputation as a skilled, driven professional. With each step forward, she continued to take on more responsibility, and it wasn’t long before she received two promotions. Today, she is a Software Product Acquisition Manager, where she combines her technical expertise and leadership abilities to oversee critical aspects of software procurement in the aerospace sector. Academic Pursuits: Never one to stop learning, Sierra is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Engineering Management at Southern Methodist University (SMU), with an anticipated graduation date in May 2025. This decision to further her education reflects her commitment to growth and her desire to lead and innovate in her field.
Passions Outside of Work: Outside of her professional achievements, Sierra is a firm believer in the importance of balance and well-being. She is passionate about fitness, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Volunteering is also an integral part of her life, allowing her to give back to her community and help others achieve their full potential.
Faith and Inspiration: At the core of Sierra’s life is her unwavering faith. Her favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” reflects her belief in the power of faith, resilience, and determination. It has served as a guiding force through every challenge and triumph in her life
#STEMCareerJourney #mechanicalengineering #SystemsEngineering #STEMAdvice #EngineeringCareer #GraduateSchoolTips #CareerTransition #EngineeringTips
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or currently studying in the STEM field, I this video shares key tips and strategies for success, including choosing the right graduate program, the importance of networking, and how to leverage workplace experiences to guide your career decisions.
This video also dives into how Mechanical Engineering and the exciting career opportunities that await in fields like project management, process optimization, and systems integration.
If you're considering a career change within STEM or are curious about how to make the most of your degree, this video is packed with essential advice!
Watch now to learn how to make informed decisions, grow your skill set, and succeed in the competitive world of STEM.
Don't forget to subscribe for more career tips, engineering insights, and advice on advancing your education in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!
Meet our next guest, Sierra Murdock as we discover her journey! Sierra Murdock:
A Journey of Faith, Achievement, and Service Sierra Murdock, a proud Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, is an inspiring example of perseverance, growth, and success. Raised in the heart of the South, Sierra’s path to excellence began with a strong academic foundation and has led her to a thriving career in the aerospace industry, where she currently serves as a Software Product Acquisition Manager.
Education and Early Career: Sierra's journey toward success began at Southern University A&M College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2017. Fueled by a passion for engineering and a commitment to breaking barriers, Sierra quickly transitioned into the professional world. The following year, she accepted her first job offer, which relocated her to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This marked the beginning of her career in the aerospace industry as an entry-level Supplier Quality Engineer. Climbing the Ladder: From the start, Sierra’s dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. Over the years, she has earned various internal recognition awards, cementing her reputation as a skilled, driven professional. With each step forward, she continued to take on more responsibility, and it wasn’t long before she received two promotions. Today, she is a Software Product Acquisition Manager, where she combines her technical expertise and leadership abilities to oversee critical aspects of software procurement in the aerospace sector. Academic Pursuits: Never one to stop learning, Sierra is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Engineering Management at Southern Methodist University (SMU), with an anticipated graduation date in May 2025. This decision to further her education reflects her commitment to growth and her desire to lead and innovate in her field.
Passions Outside of Work: Outside of her professional achievements, Sierra is a firm believer in the importance of balance and well-being. She is passionate about fitness, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Volunteering is also an integral part of her life, allowing her to give back to her community and help others achieve their full potential.
Faith and Inspiration: At the core of Sierra’s life is her unwavering faith. Her favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” reflects her belief in the power of faith, resilience, and determination. It has served as a guiding force through every challenge and triumph in her life
#STEMCareerJourney #mechanicalengineering #SystemsEngineering #STEMAdvice #EngineeringCareer #GraduateSchoolTips #CareerTransition #EngineeringTips
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Hello everyone, and welcome to All Things sim with Ashley.
I'm here today with our guests here Murdoch. Ye, I'm
super excited to have her here today. Sierra is a
software product acquisition manager in the aerospace industry with the
strong background of engineering, holding a BS and Mechanical Engineering
from Southern University and in college. Sierra is currently pursuing
(00:27):
an MS in Engineering Management at Southern Methodist University. With
experience as both a supplier quality engineer and a software
product engineer. Er specializes in supporting the acquisition and implementation
of software products.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Driven by a passion for continuous.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Learning and critical thinking, Sierra is always exploring new processes
and technologies to optimize their applications. Outside of work, sr
is a deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of
STEM leaders, particularly young women, by teaching and mentoring them
in this vital field. So today we welcome Stick here.
Bye guy, Hi, thank you for coming.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
You know problem, I'm so excited to be here.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
I'm honored that you chose me to be a part
of your journey as well as you get into this channel,
and I think it's very important, So thank you for
inviting me.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Yes, so Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, yes,
and how you got involved in the STEM industry.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Yes, So I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Actually said, I graduated in mechanical engineering from Southern University,
currently pursuing my master's degree in Engineering management and a
SMU here in Dallas, Texas. So I graduate May twenty
twenty five. I'm excited for that. So how did I
get into STEM?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
So? I did.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
As far as my family, I did have a aunt
and a cousin who were currently working in the engineering
field as women already, So that was some internal to
my family people.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
That kind of help at least get me visibility to
y the STEM field.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
Additionally, while I was in high school, Yeah, of a
lady she was able to put together a platform or
propose to a high school to have a engineering track
for high school students. So I was a part of
the first set of students set in my high school
to do a engineering track within high school. And they
(02:23):
taught us or introduced us really to civil engineering, electrical engineering, yeah,
and mechanical engineering. Additionally, we were able to get a
high school internship and so at that time mine was
to shadow a civil engineer with the Department of Transportation.
So that was a pretty cool experience being that I
(02:45):
was what fifteen sixteen at the time, so that that's.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
How I got introduced to STEM.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Yeah, that's so unique. So do you know if your
high school still has that program?
Speaker 4 (02:55):
Yes, we do actually or they do actually, and I
I'm glad they continue, yeah, because honestly, my high school
and my university are down the street from it from
each other. So it is a nice pipeline to keep
engineers interested at my university.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
And I think it's that direct pipeline.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
And if they want to go back to the high school,
you can teach some high school students.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Hey, this is what.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
We're doing in college. You know, this is what you
can be a part of as well.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
So what is the program called? If if a student
w L and what high school?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
So it's Scolinville mac In High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
And so they have a few different tracks you can
follow once you interested the high school, and it was
business I.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Think there was a law track and the engineering track.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Okay, so that was a pretty good thing to include
or implement within a high school.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
So it's I you there. Yeah, that out.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
If there's any high school I love, I thank you.
So can you share any role models or mentors that
have inspired.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Your student journey?
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (03:59):
So, like I said initially, and my aunt and cousin,
they were already in the STEM field, but as I
entered as a entry level engineer.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
I was kind of assigned a mentor.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
And I'm so grateful for her cause I think, as
you have your own talent as a technical engineer, I
think there's some interpersonal skills that you need to learn
as you enter into the business. And if it was
not for her, I do not think I would be
sitting here in front of you guys today. I always
(04:30):
liked to appreciate my first mentor because she kind of
helped guide me how to improve as a professional as
I entered into the field.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
So I really really appreciated that from her.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
So, yeah, TI get a mentor, you guys a mentor
They are very helpful.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
So were there any challenges you faced growing up that
made pursuing a STEM career difficult?
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Mm? What type of challenges.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
I'm trying to so, I would say for me in
my background, I was, of course, I already said Baage Louisiana.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
But I was kind of used to, you know, being around.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
My people, being around people I knew would support me,
knew what support my journey, and as I not my
first job into the industry, it was like a culture
shock for me, honestly, and so I think my mentor,
like I mentioned earlier, helped guide me to just understand
the different business place rules or some of the nuances
(05:32):
as being a new engineer going into a field with
a lot of experienced people.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
So I would say that was my biggest challenge, and
just being.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Confident in who you are, being confident to speak up
when there are issues that arise, and you know, just
be continue to be the best person and engineering you
can be.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
So I can say that.
Speaker 4 (05:54):
Was just little challenges, just culture shock, but at once
I grew past that.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
I think I'm doing pretty well now, so good. That
would be that right now? Yeah, okay, Sierra, can.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
You please explain an overview of what mechanical engineering does
and what it entails.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yes, So, mechanical engineering is really.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
Understanding mechanical systems and how that work just from like
a physical standpoint, like for example, like a Pulley system. Yeah,
an example of a mechanical system. And so I will
go into how what I do now, which is software
product management. And previously, as I entered into engineering, I
did supplier quality.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
Even though I didn't stick to okay.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Designing a robot or designing something from a mechanical standpoint,
my degree was able to It's a very broad degree,
so it was able to just I think that engineers
we all think a certain way, and I think that
we embody, you know, knowing how to figure out things,
knowing how to use what we done in engineering from
(06:58):
a study perspective, and going into a completely different field. Yeah,
so I was able to go into a supplier quality
where for example, I had to still review drawings.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Of supplier parts.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
So I think that m my engineering degree or mechanical
engineering helped me with that. Yeah, as I transition to
more of just a supplier quality role. Right, So, but
I know some people that design actual mechanical system.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
When you're thinking about.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
Procuring or building a new product, is is it's needed.
A whole product is more than just you know, the
software and the computer science behind it all, but it
is the mechanical system itself.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Yeah, So yeah, thank you for that, ompA. So you
kind of got into this.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
I wanna go a little deeper into, right, how mechanical
engineering is a broad field, So what are some different
career paths within it that people may.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Not be aware of? Right?
Speaker 4 (07:55):
So, of course you have your typical mechanical fields, I
would say.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Like automotive and factoring.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
I think that the big switch from mechanical to now
I can say I'm in software.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Product management is just really honing in on.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
What are those transferable skills that you learned in school,
learned in the roles that may have nothing to necessarily
do with where you were originally I would say originally
trying to or originally the studies you originally obtained. Yeah,
so I think you can do anything with mechanical as
(08:29):
long as you put your mind to it. If there
are skills that you necessarily do not have from a
technical standpoint, Like I graduated in mechanical now I'm in software.
Of course, there's a gap that I had to close
when jumping from like a mechanical background to more of
a software interface role. So I will say, even though
(08:52):
you may be trained as one thing, I think we're
all engineers.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
We all think the same way.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
You can do pretty much anything you want to do
as long as you put that put the effort for it,
you dedicate it to what you wanna do next. And like,
if you do need the additional school and the additional tools,
make sure you take those classes or reach out to
there's technical mentors.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
We've been in the industry for a long time.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
Make sure you close the gap on some things that hey,
I'm not trained in it, but make sure you can
find the resources to help you get better at whatever
you wanna do.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
I think, yeah, let's ex at it. You can do
anything you can.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
So with that, you already touched on how it does
interact with other disciplines. So how does mechanical engineering kind
of interact with computer science, airspace engineering, or cimple engineering.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Yeah, so I would say a good example for mechanical engineering,
so a lot of mechanical engineers are design engineers.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
They use a system called CAT. So I say, how
software kind.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Of helps engineers develop whatever product to whatever expect our
requirements that they want to accomplish. We have a CAST system,
which is a software application to help those engineers do
the type of analysis that needs to be done before
a prototype is built. And I think that's important when
we think about, hey, we're designing things from a cataile standpoint.
(10:23):
Hey we have a software and CAT has been around
for a while. But now when you think about AI
and the improvements that can be made upon software off
applications to help the engineers, I think it's important to
use both disciplines to create a product and that helps
saves money, which all.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Companies care about.
Speaker 4 (10:43):
Time, Yeah, and run the additional trust analysis that you
need to run on the product before you do a prototype.
So I think that's one great example of how you
can merge two different disciplines together to get rid you want.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Essentially, that's like you have.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
Now that we kind of got to talk about all
the great things and how mechanical collaborates with so many
How do you think mechanical engineering will evolve over the
next five to ten years with things like you already
mentioned AI different things.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
Yes, I think that as we get into more discoveries
of what technology can do, I think that a lot
of companies will start investing in what type of tools
engineerings are using to develop the products that they are developing.
And I think that is essential to start including n
(11:34):
advances in technologies in the company.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
So I do.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
Think as we think about as I mentioned earlier, designing,
you know, we already have certain tools that help with that.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Imagine building upon.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Those tools we already have when we do include AI
and additionally machine learning. I think there's a lot of
different things that we have today that you know, maybe
you're years ago, we couldn't imagine, So I can only imagine.
I would love to see how AI would take more
of the front face role. I think, I think we
(12:09):
still need the human factors and things like that, but
I would love to see how things are done moving
forward using AI and make sure we put the right
controls around it, cause we're gonna make sure we're building
efficient processes, efficient systems that Yes, we can use AI
to help us, but it shouldn't be you know, we
still need the human factors to tune it to make
(12:31):
sure it's where we expect it to be.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Yeah. So I do think.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
Technology is going to be amazing moving forward, and I
think that's great.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Yeah, thank you for sharing your perspective on that.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Now we're gonna pivot a little bit about your master's degree.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Yes, so I went to ask you what motivated you
to pursue a master's degree while you were already working in.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Your STEM field.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
So I think when I became an entry love for engineer.
Within the first two years, I think you're just learning
a business, learning what do we do at this company?
Speaker 3 (13:08):
How is it done?
Speaker 4 (13:10):
I think even think about STEM, I've always been curious
on how things work, how things work? Yeah, And I
believe I seen a black woman as an executive leader
and I just had a thought.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Like could that be me one day? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Like, and I just think I have this internal like
I feel I'm here to do something great.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
And so when I think.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
About engineering management, I I always love the bigger picture.
I wanna know how everything fit from the financial standpoint,
from the technical development standpoint, from the okay, now we're
in production standpoint. And I think engineering management is a
great degree to get to understand. I mean, how do
(13:55):
you run of engineering or technical business?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
And I think that I.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Think it's valuable skills that the degree I believe will
give me. And you know, I may be in leadership
one day or executive one day, and I just wanted
to make sure I.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
Had the tools that I needed.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
If that's truly a dream, I want to pursue, which
I do think I will pursue. I love him. And
then outside of that, I would be the first one
in my family to get a master's degree. So it's
like even in my personal goals, what I want to
set forward just for my family standpoint as well as
just my own vision for what I have for myself.
Speaker 3 (14:35):
So it's good, guys, Yeah, that is so wonderful.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
So with you doing your master's degree full time, yes,
how do you balance work studies personal life? What strategies
do you utilize that help you manage your workload because
it's important to have, you know, balance, So what are
some times you could share for managing that to their audience?
Speaker 4 (15:00):
So you, guys, you have to I think first is
deciding or if you decide to first, Once you decide, hey,
I want to, you know, pursue a post graduate degree,
you have to know yourself first, but you have to
make that commitment. And I think once you make that commitment,
(15:22):
you have to I believe you have to.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
Stick with it and you have to stick to it.
Speaker 4 (15:26):
So I would say, first with annoying yourself, what is
important to you? And I do believe in work life balance,
school life balance, a hundred percent. So want what is
important to you, who is important to you, your family
and friends, making sure not only do you prioritize what
you need to do for yourself, but so you can
(15:47):
get a break. We all need breaks from all the
things we are trying to achieve some time.
Speaker 3 (15:51):
So I think that.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
Making sure you just good time management, really making sure
you keep in touch with your friends not understand well
I currently, I truly understand that you may not be
able to do everything, but you have to just reprioritize
what's important to you. And I think if you have
great friends, they will understand. If you have great fac
(16:16):
they will understand. They understand you're trying.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
To reach your own personal goal.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
So I don't think it's too much to act, or
even if you have to say no, I think people
are understanding that, hey, I'm just I'm busy. And even
when you're not busy, sometimes you just plain tired and
you need to get your rest. I prioritize rest cause
you do not want to be stressed, dehydrated, you know, falling,
(16:40):
passing out anywhere, just from moving so much. So prioritize,
I guess to wrap it up, what's important to you
making sure you think about your health as well, and
make sure you're making time for your friends and family
when you can.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
Yeah, so I think that's how you balance Ita Sierra.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
How does your current job compliment the concepts you're learning
in your master's program?
Speaker 3 (17:09):
So my current job has a lot with dealing with
suppliers and understanding contracts and understanding you know, requirements and
things like that.
Speaker 4 (17:18):
And I think engineering management because they can discuss this.
This is how you manage first internally an engineering business,
but this is how you have things in place to
be successful where you are. I think my current degree
is teaching me the overall picture of making sure just
from a supplier I guess the supplier interface, if you're
(17:40):
working with suppliers to make sure first that things are
set in order, from the contract perspective, from the funding
perspective and funding rules the world.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
Knowing finances is really important.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
And I think that when we think of creating solution
from a technical standpoint, let's not forget the financials when
it comes to those technical solutions, because that would be
the decision indicator or the decision or I'm trying to
think of the word the reason why a product, one
project may get chosen over another, and I think that's
(18:21):
what I love about it. Like, yes, I'm technical, but
I really love the business side of things because that's
what makes the world go around around, That's how.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
We become profitable in a company.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
So I would say that's the biggest takeaway right now
from my degree.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Good, yeah, thank you.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
So next I want to ask, and you kind of
touched on this, how do you envision your master's.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Degree influencing your long term career path.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
I do want to become a leader, a technical leader
one day.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
I think we do need more.
Speaker 4 (18:55):
Diverse leadership that have different perspectives as well. And I
think one of the biggest things, and this will kind
of touch on the previous question, just making really good
data driven decisions, So understanding where you are today, whether
that's within your team, whether that's within your current role
(19:16):
and where you control. Understanding where you are today and
seeing what may be the failure point and then improving upon.
And I think another thing with leadership is that you
learn how to lead technical, highly technical people, people who
are good at kind of like keeping their hair down
(19:36):
and doing their work and being really into details. I
think I have a passion for helping people, and I
think being a technical leader can help or anyone that
leads a team to want to pull out the best
in each individual under them. And I truly believe in
that mission. I think we just need more leaders with
(19:58):
that mindset in my person opinion, just making sure everyone
reaches that full potential. I think that I have the
personality and the passion to be that type of leader
that's needed for the future. Especially let's think about technology
changing changing over time. You know, it can be one
(20:19):
of it can be a hard thing when you think
of when you think of a demographic of a team
and you have some you know, more mature employees and
trying to get them to let's say, implement a new technology.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
That could be a hard, you know, thing to do.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
And I think it takes a special leader to really
influence their team to be the best that they can be,
but also understand the goal of the team, the goal
of the company, so we can all pursue the same thing.
So I think that's how I think my current degree
would help me from my future.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
So amazing yea.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
So now I wanted to ask you what advice would
you give to someone considering a master's degree while already
working full time.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
I will say do it and say committed to it.
Speaker 4 (21:10):
I think it's important to get that extra level of
education just because it's something that helps propels you for whatever.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Your future may hold.
Speaker 4 (21:21):
And I think it's best to prepare earlier then later
for whatever that future is. I would say, know yourself
as well, know what you want to do. I think
that's important. What makes you happy from a job standpoint. Yeah,
and that's where you can kind of levy your what
you know about yourself and levy what degrees they have
(21:42):
out there to decide, Okay, what is the best.
Speaker 3 (21:44):
Don't just pick any masters.
Speaker 4 (21:47):
No, it's a lot of work to be It's a
lot of work, and if you're personally paying for it,
it's a lot of money as well. So I wouldn't
say just pick any masters just to say I have
a second degree. I would say, really sit down and
understand yourself. Understand Okay, what do I love to do?
Be honest with yourself. I know with engineering, we think
(22:09):
a lot of money and a lot of you know,
there's really a lot of money and a lifestyle that
we can afford. But I think it's important to really
hone in what makes you happy and where do you
see yourself in five years and if that's if you
want to be.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
A person that develops a app.
Speaker 4 (22:26):
But I know there's like so you can you can
have a bachelor's degree in like computer science or computer
engineer or whatever. When you think about master's, really whatever
specialty you want to go in, whether you want to
be the subject matter expert, whether you want to be
in leadership, whether you want to be a technical leader,
(22:48):
create a owned company, figure out, do your research, figure
out what yourself first, do your research on what's.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Available, and choose.
Speaker 4 (22:58):
But I do think it's beneficial, especially as we think about, Okay,
where the I don't know if I want to say
economy or just where when you think about where jobs
going in the future, I think that's smart. I think
I made that pivot pretty earlier. I was in mechanical
and I was able to network, I was able to
(23:21):
learn use some transferable skills, and I'm now in software
product management, and so I think understanding where the economy
is going, understanding what makes you happy, and pick a
master's that's based off of knowing yourself. If I was
to wrap it up, knowing yourself, what makes you happy,
and also.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Where's the future going.
Speaker 4 (23:42):
I think those are important keys and picking a post
graduate degree, So.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Yes, thank you ser.
Speaker 1 (23:51):
What advice would you give to young women considering a
career in STEM but are unsure about balancing it with family,
personal life, or other interest.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I would say you have to understand what's important to
you and prioritize things that are important to you, because
even as you get into the in the field or
as a working professional, I think you will always have
that constant, you know, balance of okay, work maybe requiring
more and it's making you spend less time with friends
(24:21):
and family.
Speaker 3 (24:22):
I think you have to.
Speaker 4 (24:23):
Always be prioritize Okay, maybe for a certain time period,
I have to focus on this, and then now I
have time to kind of like my master's degree right now.
I know for the last three years, I've been in
and out, like There'll be months when I'm just focused
on school, and then there's some time I can go
out with friends and have a great time. And I
think you have to just consistently reprioritize what's important to
(24:46):
you and make sure those values are things that you
find valuable, like your family and friends, and even community service.
Make sure you find some time because we all need
those things to feed us and to help us.
Speaker 3 (24:59):
Even be product I think even in the professional world.
Speaker 4 (25:02):
So I think understand what you need from all aspects
and make sure you prioritize those needs and.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
Definitely research the different types of jobs and whatever stem
field you want to be in. Because one thing that
mentors brought up to my attention when I was working
in production, they were like, well, one day, when you
want to have a family, you can't be breathing in
these chemicals every day in production. So make sure whatever
path you go into does have a safe space for
you to not be like if it is with chemicals
(25:32):
are alive, make sure there's an option for you to
be more on the office side or something so that
you can keep your health and check as well while
keeping your family life and.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
Social life and everything else you want. I agree, that's
great advice.
Speaker 1 (25:44):
And I didn't even think about that. I'm like, I
just got a cause what y'all talking about?
Speaker 4 (25:47):
Like yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Was like, what do you mean?
Speaker 1 (25:53):
They were like, you cannot do this stuff when you're pregnant.
With that, I'm like, yeah, and that's something we're not talking.
Speaker 3 (25:58):
We don't and we don't.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
I think as a woman, we first it's not that
we don't plan on whatever your choice is as family.
I think that if that is your if that's important
to you and you're like I want to build a
family one day, you have to think about what jobs
are out there to support whatever you envision for your life.
(26:20):
And I think once COVID happened, this can we do
work from home?
Speaker 3 (26:25):
I think that's a valuable option now. So if you
have to, it's important to get the skills to do
this now.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
But if you have to take a remote jobred percent,
make sure you have the skills to do so. I
think that's important as well. And I think that's the
other thing in STEM. There are roles that you can
do from home, and I.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Think that's important. But that's a great I think.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
About that when they came in, like what are you
talking about? Like that's five ten years down the road,
Like what do you mean in the five ten years
or here, I see what they mean.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
That's exactly.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Yeah, thank god, thank god for mentorship.
Speaker 1 (27:02):
Yes, Okay, so now I want to ask you what
is the best piece of career advice you've received so
far and how has.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
It shaped your path?
Speaker 4 (27:12):
Yes, yes, so I would say one, be a great
effective communicator, especially if you're working in STEM. There's a
lot of technical details that maybe let's say you're asking
your program manager for money or funding. Yeah, and let's
say they do not have a strong technical background. You
have to be able to explain technical terms to people
(27:35):
who do not have that background and make sure they
understand it and make sure they understand how valuable it is.
So I would say, first, be an effective communicator. Second,
take pride.
Speaker 3 (27:47):
In your work whatever you do.
Speaker 4 (27:50):
You know, control what you can do, and be the
best at your job that you can be. And if
you need help, never be afraid to ask questions. I
think one thing that has helped me and my career
path so thus far is identifying people who knew all
the information and making sure I ask the questions that
(28:13):
I needed to asks to understand whether it was a
process better, a product better, or an internal.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Pro part of the product better. I always I always say,
I guess this is my little advice.
Speaker 4 (28:27):
I never necessarily want to be the smartest person in
the room. And the reason why I say that is
because if I can't count. If there's someone that like
very smart, I can always have.
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Someone to learn from. R.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
I never want to become complacent in my current knowledge.
I'm always seeking new ways to learn or new ways
to understand things. And I think that's really important. Even if,
like I know, as an entry local engineer, even if
they're throwing you on meetings, sit there and listen. Be
(29:04):
a sponge at work. I truly believe in being a
sponge at work so you can, you know, understand and
process things for yourself.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
Like it's so.
Speaker 4 (29:15):
Important, it's so important. And I think another one.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Is find a mentor.
Speaker 4 (29:21):
I heavily believe in the mentorship you guys, because we
have there's a version of us. We think of ourselves,
and there's a version there may be pieces that may
we may miss if we do not have someone on
the outside looking at us as we do our work,
as we host this meeting or develop this product or
(29:44):
do this analysis. I think it's important to have a
mentor that can guide you on Hey, I think you
did this well, we maybe need.
Speaker 3 (29:54):
To tweak a little bit of this. I think that's really.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
Important to find a mentor and always seek feedba, always
be a.
Speaker 3 (30:01):
Sponge yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (30:05):
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently
in your stamp journey.
Speaker 4 (30:10):
I would have at least minored in computer science or
something with us more software background so I can understand
all the delicate details of it. Now that I'm in
software product management, I'm not coding, but just understanding how
it works. And I'm grateful that I have a company
(30:33):
that has tools that I can make sure I close
that gap. But I would have definitely done that sooner
versus later. Additionally, just seek mentorship earlier in my college
years versus once I've already entered corporate America. I think
it's important if you are in college, you need to
find someone you trust to be a mentor that I
(30:57):
think my I guess advice I will give a finding
a mentor is if I seen someone do an exceptional
job at work, or if they present it somewhere, or
if they're getting awarded something.
Speaker 3 (31:09):
I always look for things that I.
Speaker 4 (31:11):
Make or I think make a good leader, because I
am thinking about the leadership train. But even from a
technical standpoint, if there's someone you're like, man, they're really
smart and solving that problem or doing that data analysis,
find people who have like the characteristics that you're like, Man,
(31:32):
I maybe need to tweak and be more like not
saying change yourself, but just tweet how maybe I think
about a problem, make sure you seek that. I think
that would be the biggest thing I would change from
in the past.
Speaker 3 (31:46):
That's good.
Speaker 1 (31:48):
So now I want to ask, have you been involved
in any initiatives or programs to encourage young women are
underrepresented groups to persistent meals?
Speaker 4 (31:56):
So I have heavily been involved in nest majority of
my I guess career or ten years since college. So
in college I was in to be heavily National Society
of Black Engineers. They're awesome. So I really love that
first we had an organization that kind of not only
(32:19):
brought you to your around your area or within your
proximity of black engineers, but also goes to conferences and
you see people already doing the work.
Speaker 3 (32:31):
Ahead of you.
Speaker 4 (32:32):
I think that's amazing to see from a young age,
and even now in my current company. When I first joined,
the first thing I look for or even someone kind
of introduced me, oh, we have a ne SB organization
here that you can be a part of, And it
was really great to see the initiatives and to see that,
(32:52):
you know, there's professional working groups that still invest in
s being so that was important for me personally. I've
always volunteered where we were speaking.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
To students or particularly young women.
Speaker 4 (33:07):
I've always volunteered to those because it has a special
place in my heart as first being a woman, but
also encouraging women to just really in young women to
be the best they can be. I believe one of
my it was like teachers in a classroom for Engineering
week and I went to a class of you know,
(33:28):
just young kids in the current area and one little girl.
It was like, you know, I didn't know there can
be women engineered, And honestly I could have cried because
it really you do not know your impact until you
are in those rooms sometimes, and I think when you
go through our life, when you meet people, I think
(33:50):
even me being in a presence and describing, okay, this
is what my company does. You know, it touched a
child that I've never met, but it could influence whatever
she wants to be in the future.
Speaker 3 (34:03):
And even when I think of high school students.
Speaker 4 (34:06):
Even in college, I used to recruit at high schools
and talk to the girls and say, you know, I'm
pursuing an engineering degree. I think you should come here
and also do it. And you it's interesting to hear
some of the stories you hear back of just some
people just not feeling confident enough or not feeling like
(34:26):
they have the talent or ability to do things. And
I think it's so important to really hone in on
our younger generation.
Speaker 3 (34:35):
They will be the future. Yeah, so it's important.
Speaker 4 (34:39):
To start help shape those minds sooner versus later. And
I think that I just have a passion for that
and I just like to keep that.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
M I love it. I think it's important. Yeah, yeah,
it's good.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Exposure is so important, and like you said, they're representation.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
You don't know how much of an.
Speaker 3 (34:58):
Impact it will make.
Speaker 2 (34:59):
And it yes, really it's really like heartfelt.
Speaker 1 (35:02):
It's really I don't know how to say, Like it
just makes you feel good knowing that you made a difference,
but just showing up, yes, and just.
Speaker 3 (35:09):
Being your authentic self.
Speaker 2 (35:10):
Yeah, and it's really special.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
So I'm really excited to see how many people we
impact with this.
Speaker 2 (35:15):
Channel and stuff we do in the community.
Speaker 3 (35:17):
Like, I can't wait. I'm excited. That's how I'm here
a girl. I love it.
Speaker 1 (35:21):
Yeah, So now I wanted to ask, and you kind
of touched on this, like how you wanted to get
coding experience. Is there any advice you have specifically for
pursuing a mechanical engineering degree or.
Speaker 2 (35:34):
Is it like the same of what we kind of
already touched on.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
I think the advice is, I will say, and this is.
Speaker 4 (35:41):
Proper advice to just be successful later on, but I
will say, understand where you are today technically where you are.
Understanding where you are today will help you see where
you need to go in the future and what skills
you need to obtain. I think it's a baseline. Once
you have you are a good baseline of who you are,
(36:02):
where your skills at are today. I think that would
set you up for anything you want to do in
the future, especially with them. And I think I would
say my story, I was always curious into why things were,
whether it was engineering, whether it was why people are
the way they are. I just was always curious on
(36:23):
how things work, and so for me, it was just
that curiosity that helped, I guess helped influence my decision
and engineering. So I would say, understand what your baseline
and what makes you happy today and when you think
about engineering, it's highly technical. Where are your skills today?
(36:44):
What can you learn certain things easier than others? And
maybe you need to invest in learning one skill more
than the other. I think, really, just learn where you
are today and make a decision and stick to it
and be dedicated.
Speaker 3 (37:00):
One time, make a decision. I'm gonna stick to it
and see it through.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
I know there may be obstacles along the way, but
stick to it, see it through, and keep moving forward.
Find people to help you along the way. I think
that's really important.
Speaker 3 (37:15):
Yeah, yeah, no problem.
Speaker 1 (37:17):
So before we close out, I have two more questions
for you that can help our audience. One is, what
are three tips for success for navigating the STIP industry.
Speaker 3 (37:30):
Yes, so the first step is to believe in yourself.
Speaker 4 (37:33):
I think it's really important to be your biggest cheerleader.
Speaker 3 (37:38):
Essentially, believe in yourself.
Speaker 4 (37:40):
Also, be honest with yourself on where you are as
far as your technical or non technical skills, so you can.
Speaker 3 (37:48):
Have that good baseline of hey, I may need to
grow in this area, or I.
Speaker 4 (37:53):
Think I'm pretty good in this area. I think understanding
where you are today in the engineering field or just
where you are from a technical non technical standpoint is important. Additionally,
I would say, I will say seek feedback from a
mentor or from people you know have been in the
(38:14):
industry for a long time, whether that's on your technical skills,
whether that's on your non technical skills. I think it's
important to want to be a continuous a person that
continuously grow and continuously be a sponge and learn things,
especially as technology involved. Engineering is always evolving, so you
(38:34):
have to be adaptable to whatever the future may holds,
and I think it's important not to get stubborn or
stuck and one way of doing things. It's important to
be adaptable, learn the skills you need to learn. And
I think for the last stip is find a trusted
mentor that will.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
Guide you on your path and you may My personal
one is I have different mentors for different reasons, Yes,
and that's just what it is.
Speaker 4 (39:05):
Whatever I have a goal of what I want to
be as a leader or as an engineer in the
future or a technical leader, and anytime I'm in a room,
I am assessing who's in the room to become a
potential mentor. And I think that's important a mentor because
(39:26):
everyone has different perspectives and I think you should understand
at least at the bare minimal every perspective and network
networking is really important.
Speaker 3 (39:37):
I think. I know they say, because I'm honestly an introvert.
Speaker 4 (39:42):
And that's really just I need time to myself to recharge.
And I think that if you are an introvert, and
most engineers, I would say, are introverts, when you are
going in spaces where you may meet someone to help
you get to whatever goal you have for yourself, just
make sure you have your time to yourself and to
go out there and be the best network person you
(40:05):
can be, because it's important sometimes on who you know.
Speaker 3 (40:10):
And what skills they know and who they know to.
Speaker 4 (40:13):
Get you the resources you need for yourself. So I
think it's important to really network you.
Speaker 3 (40:17):
Guys things so you're not a problem.
Speaker 1 (40:20):
And her last question for today is what's next for
you in your career and what do you hope to
achieve in the future.
Speaker 4 (40:27):
Yes, so what's next in my career? So I do
want to become like a technical lead. That isn't because
I want to. I know I baffle on the lines
a lot of Oh, I just want to stay technical,
not worry. But I think I am called to be
a leader one day, and so if that is truly
(40:47):
my calling, I want to set myself up for that.
Hence the engineering management degree, you guys. So yeah, hopefully
first it will be a technical lead of a team
and help you know, other people reach their full potential
as I'm reaching minds. And then maybe one day I
will be an executive leadership.
Speaker 3 (41:07):
We will see. So that's that's my goal. That's the future.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
And of course graduation in May.
Speaker 4 (41:13):
Graduation in May. It's been three years. I'm so excited
to graduate. And I'm excited because I'm the first in
my family to get a master's degree. And I think
what I've learned so far in my master's program has
(41:34):
been very valuable and beneficial, and I think it will
project me further in my career.
Speaker 3 (41:40):
So I'm excited for that. I'm not excited.
Speaker 2 (41:44):
Well, thank you for being a guest.
Speaker 1 (41:46):
Thank you for the story, your wisdom, your expertise, your advice.
Speaker 2 (41:51):
I'm really excited about your episode.
Speaker 1 (41:54):
Everyone make sure you like, subscribe and comment and.
Speaker 2 (41:57):
Tune in for more things because she will be.
Speaker 3 (41:59):
Back with us. Was on the next time
Hello everyone, and welcome to All Things sim with Ashley.
I'm here today with our guests here Murdoch. Ye, I'm
super excited to have her here today. Sierra is a
software product acquisition manager in the aerospace industry with the
strong background of engineering, holding a BS and Mechanical Engineering
from Southern University and in college. Sierra is currently pursuing
(00:27):
an MS in Engineering Management at Southern Methodist University. With
experience as both a supplier quality engineer and a software
product engineer. Er specializes in supporting the acquisition and implementation
of software products.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Driven by a passion for continuous.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Learning and critical thinking, Sierra is always exploring new processes
and technologies to optimize their applications. Outside of work, sr
is a deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of
STEM leaders, particularly young women, by teaching and mentoring them
in this vital field. So today we welcome Stick here.
Bye guy, Hi, thank you for coming.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
You know problem, I'm so excited to be here.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
I'm honored that you chose me to be a part
of your journey as well as you get into this channel,
and I think it's very important, So thank you for
inviting me.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Yes, so Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, yes,
and how you got involved in the STEM industry.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Yes, So I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Actually said, I graduated in mechanical engineering from Southern University,
currently pursuing my master's degree in Engineering management and a
SMU here in Dallas, Texas. So I graduate May twenty
twenty five. I'm excited for that. So how did I
get into STEM?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
So? I did.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
As far as my family, I did have a aunt
and a cousin who were currently working in the engineering
field as women already, So that was some internal to
my family people.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
That kind of help at least get me visibility to
y the STEM field.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
Additionally, while I was in high school, Yeah, of a
lady she was able to put together a platform or
propose to a high school to have a engineering track
for high school students. So I was a part of
the first set of students set in my high school
to do a engineering track within high school. And they
(02:23):
taught us or introduced us really to civil engineering, electrical engineering, yeah,
and mechanical engineering. Additionally, we were able to get a
high school internship and so at that time mine was
to shadow a civil engineer with the Department of Transportation.
So that was a pretty cool experience being that I
(02:45):
was what fifteen sixteen at the time, so that that's.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
How I got introduced to STEM.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Yeah, that's so unique. So do you know if your
high school still has that program?
Speaker 4 (02:55):
Yes, we do actually or they do actually, and I
I'm glad they continue, yeah, because honestly, my high school
and my university are down the street from it from
each other. So it is a nice pipeline to keep
engineers interested at my university.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
And I think it's that direct pipeline.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
And if they want to go back to the high school,
you can teach some high school students.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Hey, this is what.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
We're doing in college. You know, this is what you
can be a part of as well.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
So what is the program called? If if a student
w L and what high school?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
So it's Scolinville mac In High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
And so they have a few different tracks you can
follow once you interested the high school, and it was
business I.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Think there was a law track and the engineering track.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Okay, so that was a pretty good thing to include
or implement within a high school.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
So it's I you there. Yeah, that out.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
If there's any high school I love, I thank you.
So can you share any role models or mentors that
have inspired.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Your student journey?
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (03:59):
So, like I said initially, and my aunt and cousin,
they were already in the STEM field, but as I
entered as a entry level engineer.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
I was kind of assigned a mentor.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
And I'm so grateful for her cause I think, as
you have your own talent as a technical engineer, I
think there's some interpersonal skills that you need to learn
as you enter into the business. And if it was
not for her, I do not think I would be
sitting here in front of you guys today. I always
(04:30):
liked to appreciate my first mentor because she kind of
helped guide me how to improve as a professional as
I entered into the field.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
So I really really appreciated that from her.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
So, yeah, TI get a mentor, you guys a mentor
They are very helpful.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
So were there any challenges you faced growing up that
made pursuing a STEM career difficult?
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Mm? What type of challenges.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
I'm trying to so, I would say for me in
my background, I was, of course, I already said Baage Louisiana.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
But I was kind of used to, you know, being around.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
My people, being around people I knew would support me,
knew what support my journey, and as I not my
first job into the industry, it was like a culture
shock for me, honestly, and so I think my mentor,
like I mentioned earlier, helped guide me to just understand
the different business place rules or some of the nuances
(05:32):
as being a new engineer going into a field with
a lot of experienced people.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
So I would say that was my biggest challenge, and
just being.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Confident in who you are, being confident to speak up
when there are issues that arise, and you know, just
be continue to be the best person and engineering you
can be.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
So I can say that.
Speaker 4 (05:54):
Was just little challenges, just culture shock, but at once
I grew past that.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
I think I'm doing pretty well now, so good. That
would be that right now? Yeah, okay, Sierra, can.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
You please explain an overview of what mechanical engineering does
and what it entails.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yes, So, mechanical engineering is really.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
Understanding mechanical systems and how that work just from like
a physical standpoint, like for example, like a Pulley system. Yeah,
an example of a mechanical system. And so I will
go into how what I do now, which is software
product management. And previously, as I entered into engineering, I
did supplier quality.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
Even though I didn't stick to okay.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Designing a robot or designing something from a mechanical standpoint,
my degree was able to It's a very broad degree,
so it was able to just I think that engineers
we all think a certain way, and I think that
we embody, you know, knowing how to figure out things,
knowing how to use what we done in engineering from
(06:58):
a study perspective, and going into a completely different field. Yeah,
so I was able to go into a supplier quality
where for example, I had to still review drawings.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Of supplier parts.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
So I think that m my engineering degree or mechanical
engineering helped me with that. Yeah, as I transition to
more of just a supplier quality role. Right, So, but
I know some people that design actual mechanical system.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
When you're thinking about.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
Procuring or building a new product, is is it's needed.
A whole product is more than just you know, the
software and the computer science behind it all, but it
is the mechanical system itself.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Yeah, So yeah, thank you for that, ompA. So you
kind of got into this.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
I wanna go a little deeper into, right, how mechanical
engineering is a broad field, So what are some different
career paths within it that people may.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Not be aware of? Right?
Speaker 4 (07:55):
So, of course you have your typical mechanical fields, I
would say.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Like automotive and factoring.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
I think that the big switch from mechanical to now
I can say I'm in software.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Product management is just really honing in on.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
What are those transferable skills that you learned in school,
learned in the roles that may have nothing to necessarily
do with where you were originally I would say originally
trying to or originally the studies you originally obtained. Yeah,
so I think you can do anything with mechanical as
(08:29):
long as you put your mind to it. If there
are skills that you necessarily do not have from a
technical standpoint, Like I graduated in mechanical now I'm in software.
Of course, there's a gap that I had to close
when jumping from like a mechanical background to more of
a software interface role. So I will say, even though
(08:52):
you may be trained as one thing, I think we're
all engineers.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
We all think the same way.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
You can do pretty much anything you want to do
as long as you put that put the effort for it,
you dedicate it to what you wanna do next. And like,
if you do need the additional school and the additional tools,
make sure you take those classes or reach out to
there's technical mentors.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
We've been in the industry for a long time.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
Make sure you close the gap on some things that hey,
I'm not trained in it, but make sure you can
find the resources to help you get better at whatever
you wanna do.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
I think, yeah, let's ex at it. You can do
anything you can.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
So with that, you already touched on how it does
interact with other disciplines. So how does mechanical engineering kind
of interact with computer science, airspace engineering, or cimple engineering.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Yeah, so I would say a good example for mechanical engineering,
so a lot of mechanical engineers are design engineers.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
They use a system called CAT. So I say, how
software kind.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Of helps engineers develop whatever product to whatever expect our
requirements that they want to accomplish. We have a CAST system,
which is a software application to help those engineers do
the type of analysis that needs to be done before
a prototype is built. And I think that's important when
we think about, hey, we're designing things from a cataile standpoint.
(10:23):
Hey we have a software and CAT has been around
for a while. But now when you think about AI
and the improvements that can be made upon software off
applications to help the engineers, I think it's important to
use both disciplines to create a product and that helps
saves money, which all.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Companies care about.
Speaker 4 (10:43):
Time, Yeah, and run the additional trust analysis that you
need to run on the product before you do a prototype.
So I think that's one great example of how you
can merge two different disciplines together to get rid you want.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Essentially, that's like you have.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
Now that we kind of got to talk about all
the great things and how mechanical collaborates with so many
How do you think mechanical engineering will evolve over the
next five to ten years with things like you already
mentioned AI different things.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
Yes, I think that as we get into more discoveries
of what technology can do, I think that a lot
of companies will start investing in what type of tools
engineerings are using to develop the products that they are developing.
And I think that is essential to start including n
(11:34):
advances in technologies in the company.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
So I do.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
Think as we think about as I mentioned earlier, designing,
you know, we already have certain tools that help with that.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Imagine building upon.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Those tools we already have when we do include AI
and additionally machine learning. I think there's a lot of
different things that we have today that you know, maybe
you're years ago, we couldn't imagine, So I can only imagine.
I would love to see how AI would take more
of the front face role. I think, I think we
(12:09):
still need the human factors and things like that, but
I would love to see how things are done moving
forward using AI and make sure we put the right
controls around it, cause we're gonna make sure we're building
efficient processes, efficient systems that Yes, we can use AI
to help us, but it shouldn't be you know, we
still need the human factors to tune it to make
(12:31):
sure it's where we expect it to be.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Yeah. So I do think.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
Technology is going to be amazing moving forward, and I
think that's great.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Yeah, thank you for sharing your perspective on that.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Now we're gonna pivot a little bit about your master's degree.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Yes, so I went to ask you what motivated you
to pursue a master's degree while you were already working in.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Your STEM field.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
So I think when I became an entry love for engineer.
Within the first two years, I think you're just learning
a business, learning what do we do at this company?
Speaker 3 (13:08):
How is it done?
Speaker 4 (13:10):
I think even think about STEM, I've always been curious
on how things work, how things work? Yeah, And I
believe I seen a black woman as an executive leader
and I just had a thought.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Like could that be me one day? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Like, and I just think I have this internal like
I feel I'm here to do something great.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
And so when I think.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
About engineering management, I I always love the bigger picture.
I wanna know how everything fit from the financial standpoint,
from the technical development standpoint, from the okay, now we're
in production standpoint. And I think engineering management is a
great degree to get to understand. I mean, how do
(13:55):
you run of engineering or technical business?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
And I think that I.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Think it's valuable skills that the degree I believe will
give me. And you know, I may be in leadership
one day or executive one day, and I just wanted
to make sure I.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
Had the tools that I needed.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
If that's truly a dream, I want to pursue, which
I do think I will pursue. I love him. And
then outside of that, I would be the first one
in my family to get a master's degree. So it's
like even in my personal goals, what I want to
set forward just for my family standpoint as well as
just my own vision for what I have for myself.
Speaker 3 (14:35):
So it's good, guys, Yeah, that is so wonderful.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
So with you doing your master's degree full time, yes,
how do you balance work studies personal life? What strategies
do you utilize that help you manage your workload because
it's important to have, you know, balance, So what are
some times you could share for managing that to their audience?
Speaker 4 (15:00):
So you, guys, you have to I think first is
deciding or if you decide to first, Once you decide, hey,
I want to, you know, pursue a post graduate degree,
you have to know yourself first, but you have to
make that commitment. And I think once you make that commitment,
(15:22):
you have to I believe you have to.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
Stick with it and you have to stick to it.
Speaker 4 (15:26):
So I would say, first with annoying yourself, what is
important to you? And I do believe in work life balance,
school life balance, a hundred percent. So want what is
important to you, who is important to you, your family
and friends, making sure not only do you prioritize what
you need to do for yourself, but so you can
(15:47):
get a break. We all need breaks from all the
things we are trying to achieve some time.
Speaker 3 (15:51):
So I think that.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
Making sure you just good time management, really making sure
you keep in touch with your friends not understand well
I currently, I truly understand that you may not be
able to do everything, but you have to just reprioritize
what's important to you. And I think if you have
great friends, they will understand. If you have great fac
(16:16):
they will understand. They understand you're trying.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
To reach your own personal goal.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
So I don't think it's too much to act, or
even if you have to say no, I think people
are understanding that, hey, I'm just I'm busy. And even
when you're not busy, sometimes you just plain tired and
you need to get your rest. I prioritize rest cause
you do not want to be stressed, dehydrated, you know, falling,
(16:40):
passing out anywhere, just from moving so much. So prioritize,
I guess to wrap it up, what's important to you
making sure you think about your health as well, and
make sure you're making time for your friends and family
when you can.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
Yeah, so I think that's how you balance Ita Sierra.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
How does your current job compliment the concepts you're learning
in your master's program?
Speaker 3 (17:09):
So my current job has a lot with dealing with
suppliers and understanding contracts and understanding you know, requirements and
things like that.
Speaker 4 (17:18):
And I think engineering management because they can discuss this.
This is how you manage first internally an engineering business,
but this is how you have things in place to
be successful where you are. I think my current degree
is teaching me the overall picture of making sure just
from a supplier I guess the supplier interface, if you're
(17:40):
working with suppliers to make sure first that things are
set in order, from the contract perspective, from the funding
perspective and funding rules the world.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
Knowing finances is really important.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
And I think that when we think of creating solution
from a technical standpoint, let's not forget the financials when
it comes to those technical solutions, because that would be
the decision indicator or the decision or I'm trying to
think of the word the reason why a product, one
project may get chosen over another, and I think that's
(18:21):
what I love about it. Like, yes, I'm technical, but
I really love the business side of things because that's
what makes the world go around around, That's how.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
We become profitable in a company.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
So I would say that's the biggest takeaway right now
from my degree.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Good, yeah, thank you.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
So next I want to ask, and you kind of
touched on this, how do you envision your master's.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Degree influencing your long term career path.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
I do want to become a leader, a technical leader
one day.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
I think we do need more.
Speaker 4 (18:55):
Diverse leadership that have different perspectives as well. And I
think one of the biggest things, and this will kind
of touch on the previous question, just making really good
data driven decisions, So understanding where you are today, whether
that's within your team, whether that's within your current role
(19:16):
and where you control. Understanding where you are today and
seeing what may be the failure point and then improving upon.
And I think another thing with leadership is that you
learn how to lead technical, highly technical people, people who
are good at kind of like keeping their hair down
(19:36):
and doing their work and being really into details. I
think I have a passion for helping people, and I
think being a technical leader can help or anyone that
leads a team to want to pull out the best
in each individual under them. And I truly believe in
that mission. I think we just need more leaders with
(19:58):
that mindset in my person opinion, just making sure everyone
reaches that full potential. I think that I have the
personality and the passion to be that type of leader
that's needed for the future. Especially let's think about technology
changing changing over time. You know, it can be one
(20:19):
of it can be a hard thing when you think
of when you think of a demographic of a team
and you have some you know, more mature employees and
trying to get them to let's say, implement a new technology.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
That could be a hard, you know, thing to do.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
And I think it takes a special leader to really
influence their team to be the best that they can be,
but also understand the goal of the team, the goal
of the company, so we can all pursue the same thing.
So I think that's how I think my current degree
would help me from my future.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
So amazing yea.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
So now I wanted to ask you what advice would
you give to someone considering a master's degree while already
working full time.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
I will say do it and say committed to it.
Speaker 4 (21:10):
I think it's important to get that extra level of
education just because it's something that helps propels you for whatever.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Your future may hold.
Speaker 4 (21:21):
And I think it's best to prepare earlier then later
for whatever that future is. I would say, know yourself
as well, know what you want to do. I think
that's important. What makes you happy from a job standpoint. Yeah,
and that's where you can kind of levy your what
you know about yourself and levy what degrees they have
(21:42):
out there to decide, Okay, what is the best.
Speaker 3 (21:44):
Don't just pick any masters.
Speaker 4 (21:47):
No, it's a lot of work to be It's a
lot of work, and if you're personally paying for it,
it's a lot of money as well. So I wouldn't
say just pick any masters just to say I have
a second degree. I would say, really sit down and
understand yourself. Understand Okay, what do I love to do?
Be honest with yourself. I know with engineering, we think
(22:09):
a lot of money and a lot of you know,
there's really a lot of money and a lifestyle that
we can afford. But I think it's important to really
hone in what makes you happy and where do you
see yourself in five years and if that's if you
want to be.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
A person that develops a app.
Speaker 4 (22:26):
But I know there's like so you can you can
have a bachelor's degree in like computer science or computer
engineer or whatever. When you think about master's, really whatever
specialty you want to go in, whether you want to
be the subject matter expert, whether you want to be
in leadership, whether you want to be a technical leader,
(22:48):
create a owned company, figure out, do your research, figure
out what yourself first, do your research on what's.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Available, and choose.
Speaker 4 (22:58):
But I do think it's beneficial, especially as we think about, Okay,
where the I don't know if I want to say
economy or just where when you think about where jobs
going in the future, I think that's smart. I think
I made that pivot pretty earlier. I was in mechanical
and I was able to network, I was able to
(23:21):
learn use some transferable skills, and I'm now in software
product management, and so I think understanding where the economy
is going, understanding what makes you happy, and pick a
master's that's based off of knowing yourself. If I was
to wrap it up, knowing yourself, what makes you happy,
and also.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Where's the future going.
Speaker 4 (23:42):
I think those are important keys and picking a post
graduate degree, So.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Yes, thank you ser.
Speaker 1 (23:51):
What advice would you give to young women considering a
career in STEM but are unsure about balancing it with family,
personal life, or other interest.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I would say you have to understand what's important to
you and prioritize things that are important to you, because
even as you get into the in the field or
as a working professional, I think you will always have
that constant, you know, balance of okay, work maybe requiring
more and it's making you spend less time with friends
(24:21):
and family.
Speaker 3 (24:22):
I think you have to.
Speaker 4 (24:23):
Always be prioritize Okay, maybe for a certain time period,
I have to focus on this, and then now I
have time to kind of like my master's degree right now.
I know for the last three years, I've been in
and out, like There'll be months when I'm just focused
on school, and then there's some time I can go
out with friends and have a great time. And I
think you have to just consistently reprioritize what's important to
(24:46):
you and make sure those values are things that you
find valuable, like your family and friends, and even community service.
Make sure you find some time because we all need
those things to feed us and to help us.
Speaker 3 (24:59):
Even be product I think even in the professional world.
Speaker 4 (25:02):
So I think understand what you need from all aspects
and make sure you prioritize those needs and.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
Definitely research the different types of jobs and whatever stem
field you want to be in. Because one thing that
mentors brought up to my attention when I was working
in production, they were like, well, one day, when you
want to have a family, you can't be breathing in
these chemicals every day in production. So make sure whatever
path you go into does have a safe space for
you to not be like if it is with chemicals
(25:32):
are alive, make sure there's an option for you to
be more on the office side or something so that
you can keep your health and check as well while
keeping your family life and.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
Social life and everything else you want. I agree, that's
great advice.
Speaker 1 (25:44):
And I didn't even think about that. I'm like, I
just got a cause what y'all talking about?
Speaker 4 (25:47):
Like yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Was like, what do you mean?
Speaker 1 (25:53):
They were like, you cannot do this stuff when you're pregnant.
With that, I'm like, yeah, and that's something we're not talking.
Speaker 3 (25:58):
We don't and we don't.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
I think as a woman, we first it's not that
we don't plan on whatever your choice is as family.
I think that if that is your if that's important
to you and you're like I want to build a
family one day, you have to think about what jobs
are out there to support whatever you envision for your life.
(26:20):
And I think once COVID happened, this can we do
work from home?
Speaker 3 (26:25):
I think that's a valuable option now. So if you
have to, it's important to get the skills to do
this now.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
But if you have to take a remote jobred percent,
make sure you have the skills to do so. I
think that's important as well. And I think that's the
other thing in STEM. There are roles that you can
do from home, and I.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Think that's important. But that's a great I think.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
About that when they came in, like what are you
talking about? Like that's five ten years down the road,
Like what do you mean in the five ten years
or here, I see what they mean.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
That's exactly.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Yeah, thank god, thank god for mentorship.
Speaker 1 (27:02):
Yes, Okay, so now I want to ask you what
is the best piece of career advice you've received so
far and how has.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
It shaped your path?
Speaker 4 (27:12):
Yes, yes, so I would say one, be a great
effective communicator, especially if you're working in STEM. There's a
lot of technical details that maybe let's say you're asking
your program manager for money or funding. Yeah, and let's
say they do not have a strong technical background. You
have to be able to explain technical terms to people
(27:35):
who do not have that background and make sure they
understand it and make sure they understand how valuable it is.
So I would say, first, be an effective communicator. Second,
take pride.
Speaker 3 (27:47):
In your work whatever you do.
Speaker 4 (27:50):
You know, control what you can do, and be the
best at your job that you can be. And if
you need help, never be afraid to ask questions. I
think one thing that has helped me and my career
path so thus far is identifying people who knew all
the information and making sure I ask the questions that
(28:13):
I needed to asks to understand whether it was a
process better, a product better, or an internal.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Pro part of the product better. I always I always say,
I guess this is my little advice.
Speaker 4 (28:27):
I never necessarily want to be the smartest person in
the room. And the reason why I say that is
because if I can't count. If there's someone that like
very smart, I can always have.
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Someone to learn from. R.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
I never want to become complacent in my current knowledge.
I'm always seeking new ways to learn or new ways
to understand things. And I think that's really important. Even if,
like I know, as an entry local engineer, even if
they're throwing you on meetings, sit there and listen. Be
(29:04):
a sponge at work. I truly believe in being a
sponge at work so you can, you know, understand and
process things for yourself.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
Like it's so.
Speaker 4 (29:15):
Important, it's so important. And I think another one.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Is find a mentor.
Speaker 4 (29:21):
I heavily believe in the mentorship you guys, because we
have there's a version of us. We think of ourselves,
and there's a version there may be pieces that may
we may miss if we do not have someone on
the outside looking at us as we do our work,
as we host this meeting or develop this product or
(29:44):
do this analysis. I think it's important to have a
mentor that can guide you on Hey, I think you
did this well, we maybe need.
Speaker 3 (29:54):
To tweak a little bit of this. I think that's really.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
Important to find a mentor and always seek feedba, always
be a.
Speaker 3 (30:01):
Sponge yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (30:05):
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently
in your stamp journey.
Speaker 4 (30:10):
I would have at least minored in computer science or
something with us more software background so I can understand
all the delicate details of it. Now that I'm in
software product management, I'm not coding, but just understanding how
it works. And I'm grateful that I have a company
(30:33):
that has tools that I can make sure I close
that gap. But I would have definitely done that sooner
versus later. Additionally, just seek mentorship earlier in my college
years versus once I've already entered corporate America. I think
it's important if you are in college, you need to
find someone you trust to be a mentor that I
(30:57):
think my I guess advice I will give a finding
a mentor is if I seen someone do an exceptional
job at work, or if they present it somewhere, or
if they're getting awarded something.
Speaker 3 (31:09):
I always look for things that I.
Speaker 4 (31:11):
Make or I think make a good leader, because I
am thinking about the leadership train. But even from a
technical standpoint, if there's someone you're like, man, they're really
smart and solving that problem or doing that data analysis,
find people who have like the characteristics that you're like, Man,
(31:32):
I maybe need to tweak and be more like not
saying change yourself, but just tweet how maybe I think
about a problem, make sure you seek that. I think
that would be the biggest thing I would change from
in the past.
Speaker 3 (31:46):
That's good.
Speaker 1 (31:48):
So now I want to ask, have you been involved
in any initiatives or programs to encourage young women are
underrepresented groups to persistent meals?
Speaker 4 (31:56):
So I have heavily been involved in nest majority of
my I guess career or ten years since college. So
in college I was in to be heavily National Society
of Black Engineers. They're awesome. So I really love that
first we had an organization that kind of not only
(32:19):
brought you to your around your area or within your
proximity of black engineers, but also goes to conferences and
you see people already doing the work.
Speaker 3 (32:31):
Ahead of you.
Speaker 4 (32:32):
I think that's amazing to see from a young age,
and even now in my current company. When I first joined,
the first thing I look for or even someone kind
of introduced me, oh, we have a ne SB organization
here that you can be a part of, And it
was really great to see the initiatives and to see that,
(32:52):
you know, there's professional working groups that still invest in
s being so that was important for me personally. I've
always volunteered where we were speaking.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
To students or particularly young women.
Speaker 4 (33:07):
I've always volunteered to those because it has a special
place in my heart as first being a woman, but
also encouraging women to just really in young women to
be the best they can be. I believe one of
my it was like teachers in a classroom for Engineering
week and I went to a class of you know,
(33:28):
just young kids in the current area and one little girl.
It was like, you know, I didn't know there can
be women engineered, And honestly I could have cried because
it really you do not know your impact until you
are in those rooms sometimes, and I think when you
go through our life, when you meet people, I think
(33:50):
even me being in a presence and describing, okay, this
is what my company does. You know, it touched a
child that I've never met, but it could influence whatever
she wants to be in the future.
Speaker 3 (34:03):
And even when I think of high school students.
Speaker 4 (34:06):
Even in college, I used to recruit at high schools
and talk to the girls and say, you know, I'm
pursuing an engineering degree. I think you should come here
and also do it. And you it's interesting to hear
some of the stories you hear back of just some
people just not feeling confident enough or not feeling like
(34:26):
they have the talent or ability to do things. And
I think it's so important to really hone in on
our younger generation.
Speaker 3 (34:35):
They will be the future. Yeah, so it's important.
Speaker 4 (34:39):
To start help shape those minds sooner versus later. And
I think that I just have a passion for that
and I just like to keep that.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
M I love it. I think it's important. Yeah, yeah,
it's good.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Exposure is so important, and like you said, they're representation.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
You don't know how much of an.
Speaker 3 (34:58):
Impact it will make.
Speaker 2 (34:59):
And it yes, really it's really like heartfelt.
Speaker 1 (35:02):
It's really I don't know how to say, Like it
just makes you feel good knowing that you made a difference,
but just showing up, yes, and just.
Speaker 3 (35:09):
Being your authentic self.
Speaker 2 (35:10):
Yeah, and it's really special.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
So I'm really excited to see how many people we
impact with this.
Speaker 2 (35:15):
Channel and stuff we do in the community.
Speaker 3 (35:17):
Like, I can't wait. I'm excited. That's how I'm here
a girl. I love it.
Speaker 1 (35:21):
Yeah, So now I wanted to ask, and you kind
of touched on this, like how you wanted to get
coding experience. Is there any advice you have specifically for
pursuing a mechanical engineering degree or.
Speaker 2 (35:34):
Is it like the same of what we kind of
already touched on.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
I think the advice is, I will say, and this is.
Speaker 4 (35:41):
Proper advice to just be successful later on, but I
will say, understand where you are today technically where you are.
Understanding where you are today will help you see where
you need to go in the future and what skills
you need to obtain. I think it's a baseline. Once
you have you are a good baseline of who you are,
(36:02):
where your skills at are today. I think that would
set you up for anything you want to do in
the future, especially with them. And I think I would
say my story, I was always curious into why things were,
whether it was engineering, whether it was why people are
the way they are. I just was always curious on
(36:23):
how things work, and so for me, it was just
that curiosity that helped, I guess helped influence my decision
and engineering. So I would say, understand what your baseline
and what makes you happy today and when you think
about engineering, it's highly technical. Where are your skills today?
(36:44):
What can you learn certain things easier than others? And
maybe you need to invest in learning one skill more
than the other. I think, really, just learn where you
are today and make a decision and stick to it
and be dedicated.
Speaker 3 (37:00):
One time, make a decision. I'm gonna stick to it
and see it through.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
I know there may be obstacles along the way, but
stick to it, see it through, and keep moving forward.
Find people to help you along the way. I think
that's really important.
Speaker 3 (37:15):
Yeah, yeah, no problem.
Speaker 1 (37:17):
So before we close out, I have two more questions
for you that can help our audience. One is, what
are three tips for success for navigating the STIP industry.
Speaker 3 (37:30):
Yes, so the first step is to believe in yourself.
Speaker 4 (37:33):
I think it's really important to be your biggest cheerleader.
Speaker 3 (37:38):
Essentially, believe in yourself.
Speaker 4 (37:40):
Also, be honest with yourself on where you are as
far as your technical or non technical skills, so you can.
Speaker 3 (37:48):
Have that good baseline of hey, I may need to
grow in this area, or I.
Speaker 4 (37:53):
Think I'm pretty good in this area. I think understanding
where you are today in the engineering field or just
where you are from a technical non technical standpoint is important. Additionally,
I would say, I will say seek feedback from a
mentor or from people you know have been in the
(38:14):
industry for a long time, whether that's on your technical skills,
whether that's on your non technical skills. I think it's
important to want to be a continuous a person that
continuously grow and continuously be a sponge and learn things,
especially as technology involved. Engineering is always evolving, so you
(38:34):
have to be adaptable to whatever the future may holds,
and I think it's important not to get stubborn or
stuck and one way of doing things. It's important to
be adaptable, learn the skills you need to learn. And
I think for the last stip is find a trusted
mentor that will.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
Guide you on your path and you may My personal
one is I have different mentors for different reasons, Yes,
and that's just what it is.
Speaker 4 (39:05):
Whatever I have a goal of what I want to
be as a leader or as an engineer in the
future or a technical leader, and anytime I'm in a room,
I am assessing who's in the room to become a
potential mentor. And I think that's important a mentor because
(39:26):
everyone has different perspectives and I think you should understand
at least at the bare minimal every perspective and network
networking is really important.
Speaker 3 (39:37):
I think. I know they say, because I'm honestly an introvert.
Speaker 4 (39:42):
And that's really just I need time to myself to recharge.
And I think that if you are an introvert, and
most engineers, I would say, are introverts, when you are
going in spaces where you may meet someone to help
you get to whatever goal you have for yourself, just
make sure you have your time to yourself and to
go out there and be the best network person you
(40:05):
can be, because it's important sometimes on who you know.
Speaker 3 (40:10):
And what skills they know and who they know to.
Speaker 4 (40:13):
Get you the resources you need for yourself. So I
think it's important to really network you.
Speaker 3 (40:17):
Guys things so you're not a problem.
Speaker 1 (40:20):
And her last question for today is what's next for
you in your career and what do you hope to
achieve in the future.
Speaker 4 (40:27):
Yes, so what's next in my career? So I do
want to become like a technical lead. That isn't because
I want to. I know I baffle on the lines
a lot of Oh, I just want to stay technical,
not worry. But I think I am called to be
a leader one day, and so if that is truly
(40:47):
my calling, I want to set myself up for that.
Hence the engineering management degree, you guys. So yeah, hopefully
first it will be a technical lead of a team
and help you know, other people reach their full potential
as I'm reaching minds. And then maybe one day I
will be an executive leadership.
Speaker 3 (41:07):
We will see. So that's that's my goal. That's the future.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
And of course graduation in May.
Speaker 4 (41:13):
Graduation in May. It's been three years. I'm so excited
to graduate. And I'm excited because I'm the first in
my family to get a master's degree. And I think
what I've learned so far in my master's program has
(41:34):
been very valuable and beneficial, and I think it will
project me further in my career.
Speaker 3 (41:40):
So I'm excited for that. I'm not excited.
Speaker 2 (41:44):
Well, thank you for being a guest.
Speaker 1 (41:46):
Thank you for the story, your wisdom, your expertise, your advice.
Speaker 2 (41:51):
I'm really excited about your episode.
Speaker 1 (41:54):
Everyone make sure you like, subscribe and comment and.
Speaker 2 (41:57):
Tune in for more things because she will be.
Speaker 3 (41:59):
Back with us. Was on the next time
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