Why I Became An Engineer - Getsemani's Story

During National Engineers Week, we shared Brandon’s and Alexander’s inspirations for becoming engineers. They spoke of family encouragement and insatiable curiosities. Today’s story comes from Getsemani, also an EIT and Mechanical Designer at TDIndustries. For her, the path to engineering was different. Although she has a knack for and interest in science and math, studying to become an engineer was not an automatic decision. While living in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, she discovered that there was a way to mesh her desire to impact the community and pursue a technical field. This is Getsemani’s story:

“Truth be told, I didn’t always know I wanted to be an engineer.

Unlike other engineers, I didn’t have the typical childhood of taking apart everything in sight or assembling elaborate building block structures. I thought I would pursue nursing or medicine. I also considered—then ruled out—being a science or math teacher.

While attending orientation at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, I became interested in engineering. The university offered only three types of engineering degrees: electrical, manufacturing, and mechanical.

And thus began the process of narrowing down my focus. Electrical coursework was abstract. To me, it was like trying to understand the science behind magic. That ruled out electrical engineering.

I didn’t want to live in Mexico, where all the Manufacturing plants called maquiladores are located, so manufacturing engineering was also out.

So, that narrowed it down to Mechanical Engineering. The degree path didn’t terrify me, and I could relate my classes back to memories of my dad working on various machinery and equipment.

I’m glad to have earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering. I get to apply my love for science and math in projects, which in turn, helps the greater community.

At TDIndustries, I am given opportunities to help shape the skylines of all our different geographies. And as a Mechanical Designer, I love driving around town and being able to point out buildings that I have worked on.”

Related:

• The Dallas 24 Hour Club is a transitional living facility that our TDPartners, including those in engineering, are helping to build. 
• Want to own your career path? Interested in joining TDIndustries? Download our Careers brochure.