To celebrate Engineers Week 2020, we’re introducing you to several engineers at Parametrix. They’ll be sharing what inspired them to pursue a career in engineering, what they enjoy most about their career, and their advice for up and coming engineers.
Today, meet Cameron Carlson. Cameron is an electrical engineer based out of our Seattle office. He has 5 years of industry experience.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
I was sitting in my parent’s basement failing to make ends meet as a musician, and I thought about the most challenging thing I could imagine doing to improve my life. Electrical engineering was the first thing that came to mind. I was inspired by how poor my grades were in physics and math and how little I understood electromagnetism; I figured the key to my prosperity was to turn my greatest weaknesses to my greatest strengths. I was also fired up about the negative people in my life that didn’t think I could do it. That decision was made 10 years ago, and I don’t regret committing to it.
What do you enjoy most about your career in engineering?
I enjoy most the connections I make along the way. I’m humbled to work with such talented individuals on projects far bigger than one person can complete on their own. It reminds me daily that my knowledge and capacity can always be improved.
What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in engineering?
You need to seek higher association. If you don’t know anybody that’s an established professional in your pursuit, then how can you know that it’s truly something you want to do for the rest of your life? Offer an engineer coffee, pick their brain, and ask yourself if you’d be satisfiedif you become that person in the future. If so, make them your mentor. If not, keep looking. You may be surprised by what does or doesn’t inspire you.
