In honor of National Engineers Week, we sat down with a few of our engineers to discuss their love of their work and the advice they’d give to future engineers.
Rachel Sutherland is an Associate Project Manager who has been practicing plan development for three-and-a-half years; Lindsay Galarza is a project engineer in a managing position, working with Atwell for the last six months; and Ray Holliday is a discipline manager in our Oil & Gas division who has been practicing in the industry for more than a decade.
Tell us about your journey to engineering and why you decided to pursue it as a career.
Rachel: My dad has a background in mining engineering. From a young age, he inspired a love of science and math in me. I have a lot of fun memories of doing science projects and math problems with my dad at our kitchen table. Those early experiences geared me toward a STEM-related field. I chose to pursue civil engineering specifically because of a project in my freshman year of college where I got to participate in an asphalt design competition. That project showed me the real-life impacts my career could have on my community, and I found that very exciting.
Lindsay: I attended an underfunded school after my family left Mexico, so I didn’t have many resources growing up. Despite this, my elementary school offered a class aimed at getting students involved in STEM. My parents enrolled me, and I excelled—so much so that I had the opportunity to transfer to a better school for middle school. I continued following my passion for math and robotics throughout high school; it felt like I was developing a love for math and a curiosity for engineering. I received a scholarship to college where I attended a career fair and learned about civil engineering. That sparked my passion even further and I’ve been following it ever since.
Ray: I was inspired to pursue engineering by my mom, who is also an engineer, and seeing her passion for the field growing up. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, and engineering felt like a great way to apply that in the working world.
What do you love about being an engineer?
Rachel: Every day is different! I’ve met engineers who’ve been doing this for 40-plus years, and they still run into things every day that they’ve never seen before. There are a lot of opportunities for new experiences and growth within the field, and it never really gets boring. I love that’s there’s always something new to learn.
Lindsay: I enjoy taking an idea and turning it into something real. In this field, I get to see projects move from an idea to something in real life; that’s my favorite part. I also like that engineering constantly evolves. It’s never going to stay stationary. You’re always going to learn something new. Knowing we’re building an impact that will last into the next generation is fulfilling.
Ray: I like taking problems, solving them, and seeing real-world results. It’s fun to create designs, send out the plans, and then get a call from the contractor saying they found something underground that presents another challenge to be resolved. A lot of pipelines are underground, so you never really know what lies underneath until you start digging. So, you’re creating a plan and adjusting as new challenges arise. In the end, you get a successful project and the satisfaction of a job well done.
What’s a common misconception about engineering that you would like to debunk?
Rachel: I would like to dispel the myth that engineering is a man’s world. I think anyone can be successful in this field if they put their mind to it, regardless of identity. There’s room for everyone; if someone wants to be an engineer, they should do it!
Lindsay: Engineering is evolving and there’s room for everyone. Another misconception would be that engineering is just math. There’s so much more to it. In my experience, you must be creative and collaborative, not just a mathematician.
Ray: I think there is a misconception that all engineers are reclusive. I know quite a few very outgoing engineers, many of whom must give presentations to clients and think outside the box to win work as project managers. Everyone thinks engineering is just sitting behind a computer making calculations, but you’re problem-solving on the fly, out in the field, and face-to-face with clients. You can’t be hidden behind a desk.
Do you have a favorite engineering-related mantra or quote that keeps you motivated or inspires you?
Rachel: One of my all-time favorites is Bill Nye’s quote, “Every single person you meet knows something you don’t.” I think it’s a great way to approach life. With that mindset, you can approach problems and your colleagues with a kind of sponge-like attitude. You can come with curiosity rather than a fixed perspective.
Lindsay: Two things truly get me through most things in life, work included. I’m always thinking, “Just do it,” because I want it done more than I want to find a way out of doing the work. Second, I like to remind myself, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Engineering is not an easy job, but it is rewarding. In the difficult moments, those two mantras keep me going.
Ray: I’m a big sports fan, specifically basketball, and my favorite athlete is Michael Jordan. His quote was, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have a good team around you and you’re not smart about it, then you’re likely to fail. Understanding that you must work together to be successful is key.
What is special about being an engineer at Atwell specifically?
Rachel: Atwell has a lot of different markets that we serve, so the opportunities within land development are plenty. For example, you can get a diverse project list, or you can move up into a management position if that’s something you’re passionate about. I was able to make that advancement and feel supported in the process. Being a larger company has given me opportunities to work with people all over the country, who are in different states and have different local requirements, and I’m able to learn from all of them and expand my breadth of knowledge.
Lindsay: I appreciate the collaboration at Atwell. I’m more collaborative with my team since working remotely than I was in an in-person environment. We’re always on Microsoft Teams talking to each other, and one-on-one time with leadership is prioritized. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with people from various places, regularly engaging in conversations with colleagues from different regions. I’ve appreciated the chance to learn from colleagues across the country and get to know new faces I wouldn’t otherwise see.
Ray: What makes being an engineer at Atwell special is the amazing people I get to work with every day. I came to Atwell because of the people I met through my interview process and people that I already knew at Atwell. The people I’ve met since joining the company have been immensely helpful and supportive. The teamwork, support, and collaborative environment make it a great place to grow and tackle exciting projects together. It’s a company I’d want to bring my network into, too.
What advice would you give to young people interested in becoming engineers?
Rachel: Be curious! Join organizations and groups that you know you’re interested in, then engage as much as you can. Take advantage of STEM-related opportunities at your school and within your community and explore different types of engineering. Also, having a mentor can make a world of a difference in any stage of your life. I know that has made a huge difference for me and my career.
Lindsay: Don’t be intimidated by the math and science of things, embrace the challenge and lean into your creative side. Be persistent, lead with your passion, and, as Rachel said, get involved and get a mentor who can guide and support you along the way.
Ray: My advice is to dive in. Engineers come out of college wanting everything to be perfect. Once you get into the industry, it’s OK to make mistakes. There are experienced engineers who can catch those mistakes and mentor you along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s so much wisdom and experience out there, and most engineers want to share, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. As Lindsay and Rachel said, a good mentor is helpful, but don’t be afraid to dive in and make mistakes.
