National Engineers Week runs February 17-23 and aims to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of engineers, increase understanding of engineering, and spark the interest of younger generations.

In honor of Engineers Week, some of Transtec’s engineers share their inspirations, thoughts, and advice on being an engineer.

Mengge Yuan

Project Manager at The Transtec Group

Who inspired you to become an engineer?

My dad inspired me to be an engineer (especially civil) after seeing him work on different types of projects across the world.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?

Knowing that I am making contribution to welfare of the public by just doing my daily job.

What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?

I made a lot of friends within my major when I was in college. It was very nice to know that everybody was struggling through college as much as I was, and we helped each other with our own strengths.

Engineers are not loners. It often requires us to communicate efficiently with each other, so it is very important to realize this. The nature of civil engineering demands us to be team players, so don’t choose engineering (at least, civil engineering) if you think you would rather work on your own.

Mauricio Ruiz

Director of Engineering at The Transtec Group

Who inspired you to become an engineer?

As I started learning about career options, I was attracted to engineering because I was amazed by the work involved in civil infrastructure and the variety of areas of work (highways, airports, rail, vertical construction, dams, etc.) civil engineers could get engaged with.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?

I enjoy coming up with solutions to practical problems.  I enjoy participating in multidisciplinary teams where I can contribute with work and ideas on my specific area of expertise, and I enjoy when I learn that the solutions I develop are useful, improve performance, are cost effective, and positively impact society as a whole.

What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?

Start getting involved in engineering societies where you can get acquainted with the different engineering fields.  Look for engineering internship opportunities.  Discover your engineering passion!

Kiran Mohanraj

Project Manager at The Transtec Group

Who inspired you to become an engineer?

My dad. When I was 7, my dad – who is an English professor – was helping me with a science experiment for a school project. I started asking questions about how I could continue to do cool things like that, and my dad said I could be an engineer. After that, I built my own cable car in my yard.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?

All the cool things I get to do. Every day I discover something new. It’s never monotonous or repetitive, it’s fun and interesting.

What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?

Go for it! You don’t get the kind of satisfaction you get by being an engineer with anything else.

David Merritt

Project Director at The Transtec Group

Who inspired you to become an engineer?

It’s hard to say, but probably my dad had a strong influence. He was a mechanical engineer, and even though I didn’t know a whole lot about what he did at the time, I think I got some of his traits in terms of learning how stuff works.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?

Problem solving and thinking of new ways to do stuff. I have a natural curiosity for how things work and how you could make something better.

What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?

Never stop learning. Ask questions and don’t just always accept things the way they are.
Also… do your math homework!

George Chang

Director of Research at The Transtec Group

Who inspired you to become an engineer?

Mentors in the industry. Years ago, I worked with people in the research field who became mentors to me. They helped to create a nurturing learning environment that I was able to immerse myself in and develop my passion for engineering.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?

The difference and impact the work I accomplish makes. All the little things I’ve accomplished in my career add up and have made some impact on the industry, and that is very fulfilling to me. I also train and teach engineers from all over the world through workshops. I’ve taught more than 10,000 engineers over the last 20 years. That opportunity to share my passion and show people how excited I am about what I’m doing is also extremely fulfilling.

What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?

Think big and work hard. Devote passion to what you’re doing, because without the passion it’s difficult to stay interested and inspired to do something above and beyond. Drive your effort towards that big vision.

To learn more about Engineers Week and getting involved, visit DiscoverE.org.