Engineers Week is dedicated to appreciating what engineers do and how their contributions affect our communities, while also inspiring young students to pursue engineering and spur their excitement about the profession. Engineering can be looked at as a career that is focused on the willingness to learn and solve problems, while sparking creativity.
“We need third graders excited about math, science, and puzzle-solving to create future engineers,” said Elaine Pickering, a Project Manager and Civil Engineer at BHB. “I knew from as early as junior high that I enjoyed drafting. I don’t have a hand for art like much of my family does, but I do love precision and creativity.”
Engineering is a profession that combines math and science in order to benefit almost all aspects of our everyday lives. There are numerous things engineers do for our communities that we don’t realize, and all too often, engineers’ contributions are taken for granted. Every time you turn on a light, cross a bridge, or even drink clean water, you have an engineer to thank. Have you ever drove on the highway or rode in an elevator? These are just a few everyday things made possible by the dedication of an engineer.
“Some of our best work is seldom seen – either it is underground or only functions when it rains. The person staring at the creek, channel, or pond outfall in the middle of a rainstorm with a proud look is a civil engineer,” said BHB Associate and Senior Civil Engineer, Edward Chadwick.
Engineering is used in a wide range of industries from construction and infrastructure to the creation of the shoes on your feet. Engineers excel in using their knowledge from a specific industry to invent, design, and build systems and structures to improve the quality of our lives. They are dedicated to making things work and solving problems.
“I love being able to work out a site plan on a difficult site and meeting challenges in creative ways.” says Elaine. “The very best part of this job is envisioning a concept, preparing plans, and then seeing the end result and knowing I had a part in that.”
An untrained eye cannot see the impact an engineer has on our lives, but a professional engineer has a special appreciation for our surroundings. Engineers Week is important to raise awareness of the important contributions of an engineer. This special occasion is meant to introduce students to engineering and show them the possibilities of this career choice and why it is crucial in the development of our communities.