Reflection
Quartus Engineering is a extraordinarily dynamic company that uses the basic principles of science to solve real world problems. Their uniquely team oriented company is capable of solving difficult mechanical engineering challenges. Their projects range from Disneyland Monorail towing mechanisms to on-demand print fruit labelers. My day at Quartus was kicked off by Nazli Taheri, my original contact, she walked me through a typical work day for her. She then continued on and demonstrated the different types of analytical drawings and stress tests she does when it comes to projects. That first part of the day was very beneficial because it not only showed me the importance of CAD programming, but how collaboration and patience can go a long way. After I was handed off to Jana Morrison , a design engineer, I enjoyed a rather amusing story about the magical world of Disney. Just a few weeks prior to my visit Jana had just finished off a project for Disneyland where she had to re-invent the Monorail towing mechanism at the parks. She told us about the criteria that had to be met, the design process she went through, the test she put her new tow bar through, and the just general experience of working with Disney engineers. From then Jana introduced us to her co-workers; we went from office to office learning about each individual project the engineers were working on. each project ranged from fruit labelers , to my personal favorite, re-designing airplane toilets. As the engineers each gave their spiel on what they were working on you could see the passion they had for their profession.
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Once we left the Sorrento Valley Office I headed over to MiraMar to meet another engineer and a colleague of Nazli; Brad Steele was the guy that showed us around the Quartus lab where most of the hands work occurs. He went through each phase of design, him and his colleagues took me step by step. Their passion for their work was also very evident, each them always had a story to string along with their explanation. In all career day 2015 was pretty great; the one thing that really hit home with me was all women in those engineering offices. Women in science, especially in engineering is a very rare occurrence; but that it is something that can be done and something that I will accomplish. Engineering is something that I would like to pursue in the future, at this very moment I am looking into environmental engineering and environmental studies. I am very good with my hands and I love solving problems using basic concepts; plus when it comes to environment I feel that we as human beings can't undo the damage we have done, but only make it less severe.
Dream internship |
The dream internship for me would be working with a environmentally conscious company, who's mission is to give back to Mother nature and her children. I think a company like Patagonia would be a dream because not only are making producing some pretty rad merchandise, but you are also accepting your environmental and social responsibility as a inhabitants of Earth. Another dream internship would be with a environmental and or civil engineer, these types of engineers use the basis of science to make the lives of people much easier while still finding safe and environmentally friendly ways to do it.
Interview
What in your educational background most prepared you for this job?
What specific skill training helped you prepare for this job?
How do you interact with other people during your work?
To what extent do you find your work interesting and fulfilling and why?
What are the most important rules or practices you must follow in order to be considered dedicated and responsible professional?
What is one thing that was said to you growing up that you have brought with you through your education and career?
- Went to UCSD for mechanical engineering
- Part of formula 1 racing club, really hands on and practical
What specific skill training helped you prepare for this job?
- Internships - Cal-Tech owned SPL lab
- Working on deep space projects and ion engines
- At school lab work with fusion and plasma physics research
How do you interact with other people during your work?
- Depends on the project - some projects have more interactions with customers and co-workers than others
- There is a very big open door policy in working environment, asking questions and learning new things is a major element in this work field
To what extent do you find your work interesting and fulfilling and why?
- Using prior knowledge that she learned in school
- Being part of something bigger, and being able to say "I worked on that!"
- Work environment is great, is very excited to come to work everyday
What are the most important rules or practices you must follow in order to be considered dedicated and responsible professional?
- Show up to work
- Get work done and meet deadlines and expected curriculum
- Pay attention to detail
What is one thing that was said to you growing up that you have brought with you through your education and career?
- If you want to do something, you can do that; it can be done.