Professional and Career Topics

Who encouraged you to become an engineer? Family? Teacher? Counselor? We must convince more talented young people to become engineers, solving society's technical and environmental problems. Does your ASCE local section and branch have Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs that provide outreach to schools? Do they offer a Civil Engineering Club, tutoring or career day presentations? What is your experience with such efforts?

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William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, D.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
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When I was young, my mother encouraged me to become an engineer. I could visualize designs in three dimensions and I loved to construct in 3D since right before elementary school, so she figured I could combine the math and physics skills later on.

From there, my high school had a FIRST Robotics club, where I spent my first two years in the Mechanical section. Afterwards, as I settled into college, I transitioned to Civil Engineering to fit other interests of mine into the major, like energy and the environment.

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Alexander Granato A.M.ASCE
Student
Bexley OH
granato.3@...
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My mother also encouraged me.  By about my sophomore year in high school, because of her influence, I had made up my mind to pursue engineering as my career.  I am retired now, but even from this perspective, I know it was the right choice for me.

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Stacey Morris P.E., M.ASCE
ETI Corporation
West Memphis AR
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2023 11:36 AM
From: Alexander Granato
Subject: Who encouraged you to become an engineer?

When I was young, my mother encouraged me to become an engineer. I could visualize designs in three dimensions and I loved to construct in 3D since right before elementary school, so she figured I could combine the math and physics skills later on.

From there, my high school had a FIRST Robotics club, where I spent my first two years in the Mechanical section. Afterwards, as I settled into college, I transitioned to Civil Engineering to fit other interests of mine into the major, like energy and the environment.

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Alexander Granato A.M.ASCE
Student
Bexley OH
<maskemail>granato.3@...</maskemail>
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That's awesome! I'm volunteerning at my kid's high school as a mentor for their FIRST Robotics club, and I'm inspired by the kids as well!

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Kathryn Goede S.E., A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
San Francisco CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2023 11:36 AM
From: Alexander Granato
Subject: Who encouraged you to become an engineer?

When I was young, my mother encouraged me to become an engineer. I could visualize designs in three dimensions and I loved to construct in 3D since right before elementary school, so she figured I could combine the math and physics skills later on.

From there, my high school had a FIRST Robotics club, where I spent my first two years in the Mechanical section. Afterwards, as I settled into college, I transitioned to Civil Engineering to fit other interests of mine into the major, like energy and the environment.

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Alexander Granato A.M.ASCE
Student
Bexley OH
<maskemail>granato.3@...</maskemail>
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My older brothers who were studying Engineering when I was in High School and was fascinated by the way they were preparing accurate geometric drawings and how enginnering worked methodically.

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Vinod Thanki P.E., M.ASCE
Project Manager
Darien IL
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My dad was an aeronautical engineer and worked for Boeing, and in my discussions with with my dad I knew that was not for me.  Growing up as a young kid I liked to play in the dirt, make roads, and drive my toy vehicles around.  So I went into Civil Engineering and worked my entire career for the Washington State DOT.  But instead of me playing in the dirt, I watched contractors' workers play in the dirt building roads and bridges.  :<)

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Eldon Jacobson P.E., M.ASCE
RETIRED
Seattle WA
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