I am a Mechanical Engineering major from the Cleveland, Ohio area. I have always had a strong desire to know how machines work. Early in high school, I came to the realization that all the old appliances and televisions I dismantled as a kid were leading me toward a career in engineering. The more I delved into STEM curriculum, the more I wanted to build, explore, and learn. I chose Mechanical Engineering because it combines elements of mathematics and physics that play to my academic strengths, but it also challenges me to be a creative problem-solver.
Although I am building technical and analytical skills in the classroom and lab, I believe it is important for me to have strong understanding of the business world because I will interface with co-workers with non-engineering backgrounds. Along with taking coursework in the business school, I am immersing myself in campus organizations that introduce me to professional business practices, while allowing me to develop an executive presence that will be critical for my success as an engineer.
The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute’s commitment to transformational leadership is perfect because it allows each cohort member to develop a plan for personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment. I am already learning so much about how strong leaders utilize their emotional intelligence to embrace change, think strategically, and motivate others. As Cohort X continues to grow into a cohesive group of leaders, it will be great to see how we influence each other and the College of Engineering and Computing.