I hope everyone is doing great and not too stressed with finals looming. Make sure to get away from your studies and relax a little bit. It could make all the difference in conquering your finals or being conquered by your finals!
With all the work you put into your finals and studies prior, you may be wondering why you selected a major in engineering. You may have friends who have asked the same question. We all know the difficulties associated with being in the School of Engineering. Hours of studying, difficult material, and tough professors are all part of your daily life. Add in extracurricular activities and things can get out of hand! But you forge on, striving for that elusive engineering degree that can open up a world of career opportunities.
Why did I pick engineering? It was the only major that fit my interests. I grew liking math and science and saw how everything in our world was affected by it. I have always been curious as to why things are built certain ways and how changing that could affect the product. This naturally led me into engineering, where I chose an emphasis in mechanical engineering as it catered to my interest in cars. As I progressed through school my interests started to lean to thermodynamics which eventually led to an internship at a power plant.
I now work as a performance and combustion engineer for Kansas City Power & Light at a power plant outside of Clinton, Missouri. My job responsibilities include running thermodynamic models on processes to monitor efficiencies and eliminate costs. I also monitor our combustion process to insure proper coal burn, which helps with system heat rates and reduction of pollutants. On top of that, I work on projects that are outside my typical scope of responsibilities such as the installation of new motors and conveyors. My largest project at the moment is the installation of a new conveyor and coal chute located in the fuel yard.
Being involved with the core operation of the plant, I am often required to present findings to upper management and fellow engineers. It is something I am quite comfortable with because I was forced out of my comfort zone on many occasions while in the SELF Program. I highly suggest that you take as many opportunities as you can to speak in front of groups, whether it is in the Toastmasters Program or in your classes. The confidence you gain in thinking on your toes and dealing with distractions will be very valuable in your future careers, not to mention the interviews that will help land the job!
And I’ll leave you with one last bit of information: The best Mexican restaurant in Lawrenceis Cielito Lindo. You might as well ignore all the others.
Hope you’re doing well!
Drew Robinson