Problem Solving as a Career: Discover Engineering Day
Students interested in engineering enjoy problem solving and the fact that there is more than one way to solve a problem. That’s what they shared with us after our 2022 Discover Engineering Day. This year’s event was sponsored by Burgess & Niple and Power Systems Engineering and was held on Friday, February 25 at the BB2C Epicenter.
Engineers from our sponsoring organizations, as well as from Magnum Magnetics and Marietta College, came to showcase this career pathway. They provided hands-on activities that simulated the work of engineers. They also networked with students to discuss career opportunities, training, and education and professional goals. Twenty-four students from Belpre High School, Marietta High School, Warren High School, the Washington County Career Center, and Williamstown High School participated in the event.
Engineering specialties that were highlighted included civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical/manufacturing. And Makerspace member Esther Salem, a former instructor at Washington State Community College, joined the event to talk to students about computer engineering as well.
Matt Newlon, from Burgess and Niple, was happy to be involved with this annual event again. “After doing the event for multiple years and seeing it evolve, it is really refreshing to see how engaged the students are with the activities and see how interested they are in learning about what the engineering field has to offer. DED is a great event for the youth of the Mid-Ohio Valley and I enjoy seeing our area’s future engineering prospects blossom.”
As per student feedback, Discover Engineering Day showed that there are more engineering disciplines than many students are aware. It reinforced that English classes are important when it comes to writing and comprehending reports. And it highlighted that collaboration is vital in this field, as is the ability to think outside the box. Students also shared that this event helped them explore which engineering fields were right for them. And the engineers offered tips to the students on how they can get their first job.
An 11th grader from Warren stated that they will use what they learned to “focus on what I am doing now to set myself up for success.” Students and engineers also enjoyed lunch with one another. And one lucky student won a special grand prize- an online Mark Rober 30 day class.
This month, a new Future Careers in Engineering group will launch, with the first virtual meeting on March 28. This group, supported by BB2C, will focus both on keeping students engaged in the engineering field and with local companies.
For more information about Discover Days and/or Future Career groups, contact Tonya Davis, Program & Event Facilitator, at tdavis@bb2careers.org.