A Desire to Contribute

Jordan | future mechanical engineer

I have long been interested in a career in mechanical engineering and have worked hard in my academic studies. From the first grade, I have been on the honor roll every six weeks! My grades [have been] outstanding, and I was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. The middle school gives an award and the recipients are selected by the teachers. [The award is given] to deserving students based on performance, attitude, citizenship, cooperation, behavior, attendance, effort and preparedness. I had the singular honor of being [selected in] consecutive years. The confidence my teachers have bestowed on me demonstrates my total dedication to learning and my overall character traits.

At the age of 7, I joined the cub scouts and advanced the ranks to Boy Scout. Since 2011, I advanced through ranks of New Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life. I have earned all required merit badges and more. Presently, I am in the process of building my Eagle Scout Project for a local art museum.

I was selected to join the BSA Order of the Arrow, which is the BSA's honor society. Scouts are chosen who exhibit "dedication to putting the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law into practice through their actions." I have learned to incorporate those ideals into my daily life through volunteerism, civic and charitable projects, and respect for God, country and other people. I belong to a church youth organization that performs charitable and civic activities.

This past summer, I attended a scout ranch in New Mexico and backpacked the mountainous terrain, walking an estimated 100 miles in 11 days! Our group's experience and skills developed through years of scouting prepared us to work efficiently as a team. I participated in a conservation project at the ranch. Conquering the challenge showed me the value of perseverance, self-discipline and teamwork. I hope to apply all these traits to my future profession in engineering.

From my earliest years, even as a preschooler, I have been drawn to the structural and mechanical makeup of objects, studying how things worked and moved, and how they were constructed. I have enjoyed constructing aerospace models and Legos, and launching model rockets. Moreover, scouting has afforded me an avenue to build numerous projects over the years, from birdhouses and catapults to assisting others with their Eagle Projects, in addition to my own. Thus, my natural mechanical aptitude has developed over the years and that is why I look forward to a career in mechanical engineering.

I eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to take classes in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, and Engineering Graphics which included extensive 3D drawing practice. I have scheduled several engineering courses: Concepts of Engineering & Technology, Engineering Design and Presentation, Advanced Engineering Design & Presentation, and Engineering Math. With these courses, I hope to jumpstart my college studies and prepare for a successful future career in mechanical engineering.

There is a continual and ever-growing need for all types of engineers in the "Golden Triangle" area. Moreover, we have one of the highest-rated engineering colleges in the State of Texas in Beaumont. While researching the career of mechanical engineering, I went to Career Day and talked with engineering personnel regarding this field. I also consulted the college's online site and other websites. I have also talked to several individuals working locally in this field.

Mechanical engineers work in machine and systems designs, manufacturing and production, energy conversion and resources, transportation & environmental impact, and materials & structure. They apply principles, techniques, procedures and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. It requires a Bachelor of Science or master's degree. It involves skills in complex problem solving, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, mathematics and sciences.

CareerOneStop.com projects this field to have a 20% employment growth in the next decade. Some new job opportunities will be created due to emerging technologies in biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology. There are approximately 9,970 job openings each year, with a medium annual wage of $89,000. The medium hourly wage in Texas is $43 per hour.

As I researched this field and talked to engineers in this career, I became even more interested and convinced that I have the qualifications required in this field. My strengths include academic achievement, mechanical aptitude and skills, the perseverance and tenacity to complete my college degree, and a desire to contribute to the petrochemical industry as a mechanical engineer.