I started my engineering career off with an internship at an aircraft manufacturer. After 6 months, I was bored and felt hopelessly stuck. I clearly wanted out of engineering and into another major; I could not see myself being an “engineer” for the next 40 years.
Luckily, I had an academic advisor that understood the career opportunities presented by an engineering degree. Her recommendations started me on my journey in HVAC as a professional salesperson, design engineer, technical support engineer, and ASHRAE volunteer.
I feel grateful to work in an industry where a young professional can make an impact quickly. During my internship, my fear was that I would be stuck working for what I thought was forever on a specific component or process. After many years working on one thing, I might advance to be responsible for a more complex assembly but probably would never be involved in what I really wanted to do which was imagine and design new types of aircraft.
In Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), young professionals can greatly influence energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and quality of life in as little as 4-5 years. I have heard some say that HVAC engineering is “cookie cutter” but in reality, it is fed by creativity and imagination. Do some take the safe path and rely on similar designs over and over again, sure. But just like in other disciplines this is a choice and not a consequence.
I feel very grateful that I work in an industry where I do make a difference.