Reflections with Sajon Seaberg

I hope you got a chance to listen to my conversation with Sajon Seaberg. If you haven't, go back and listen to it. Lots of energy, lots of excitement for the mechanical engineering profession.?

The first thing that he was talking about in his interview was about the leadership class that they are teaching within the department.? What a neat way for a bunch of engineering students to say, “We have learned from each other these leadership skills and we think we have something to give back to our peers.” They worked with their advisor and they put this class together. Such a unique opportunity, both for those that are instructing and their peers.? The fact that they're putting those skills together for leadership, along with their engineering path is inspiring.?

Engineering Can be Exciting

When I was teaching, this was a topic we frequently discussed in our department. We considered what additional elements we needed to incorporate into our engineering curriculum to truly prepare students for their professional lives. Seeing students take the initiative to appreciate the department's efforts and add their own perspective was incredibly unique. Their enthusiasm was palpable.

I often smile thinking about the enduring excitement around the space race. For his parents, who were involved in the sixties moon missions, it was a significant career inspiration. Now, it's heartening to see young students inspired by NASA and how exciting engineering can be, igniting interest from an early age.

Hearing from young engineers inspiring even younger students is invigorating. It creates an energy that propels classroom engagement and encourages students to pursue advanced classes. It’s exciting to witness these young engineers recognize and embrace their place in the profession so early. This sense of belonging and professional identity, which I didn’t feel until later in my career, is emerging much sooner for them.

Aiming to Achieve

Regardless of the type of engineering or career path, everyone has to learn on the job and progress within a company. But it’s crucial that students and early-career engineers see and feel their place in the profession. This sense of belonging and contribution is vital, even as they develop their workplace skills. It’s part of what they’re aiming to achieve with their leadership classes—building, improving, and contributing to their community.

Young engineers have a lot to learn but also a lot to give. It’s important to find ways for them to build their community and feel integrated into the profession. Through many conversations, I’ve seen how they’re finding their sense of belonging in engineering. As senior engineers, it’s our responsibility to encourage and nourish this energy and desire to belong. By doing so, we’ll foster an incredible new generation of engineers.