|
   |
 |
                 
|
ALEXANDRA SWANSON
My job title is Research Engineer. I received my B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering
from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1988. Prior
to graduating from college I had the opportunity to work as a student intern
and Co-Op at three different aerospace companies. It gave me exposure to
different engineering jobs such as aircraft control, structures, and helicopter
design. It also gave me a lot of insight to what an engineer's work environment
is like. While still in college, those experiences reaffirmed that I wanted
to be an engineer in the aerospace field. I found that a strong math and
science background is required, especially for theoretical and computational
research. Having hands on experience, a good analytical, problem solving
mind, and good communication skills are also important in the work I do.
As a research engineer I support wind tunnel tests of development of instrumentation
requirements, flow visualization research, and presentation of research
findings at technical conferences. I like the variety of work my job has
to offer. Conducting basic research stretches the mind and I find that I
am constantly learning. I especially enjoy working with others.
When I was in school, I was a pretty good student. Math especially came easy to me. It was one of my favorite subjects in school and one of the reasons why I was well positioned to enter the college of my choice. I can't recall ever being discouraged by teachers or peers in the classes I chose to take. I do remember being a bit scared at taking my first computer class in 10th grade, but I'm glad I took it! I had the complete support of my family, teachers, and close friends to do well in school. It probably helped that my close friends also excelled in school and that we encouraged each other to do well. I can only think of a couple of major obstacles I had to jump through to get to where I am today. The first was that my parents had no means of financially supporting me through college. So at 18, I was on my own and financially independent. I worked part time during college, and obtained excellent student engineering jobs during the summer to help pay my way through college. I also received academic scholarships that helped. The remaining funding came from student loans. The second toughest obstacle was getting a good job upon graduation. At the time I graduated college, aerospace opportunities were steadily declining, but I did not give up hope! I finally found the job I have now and I feel very fortunate. In addition to my work, there are lots of things I enjoy doing to fulfill my life. Both my husband and I are active and enjoy regular exercise. I exercise because it makes me feel great and it helps to fulfill my life and relieve stress. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include: swimming, bicycling, walking, skiing, and camping. I also enjoy spending time around the house and doing gardening, cooking, working on home improvement projects, needlepoint, and hosting parties. I love animals and thoroughly enjoy the company of our two cats, Calvin and Hobbes. Some of the volunteer work I have performed over the years include: mentoring students at Ronald McNair School in East Palo Alto, holding active leadership roles within the Ames Advisory Committee for Women, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the American Helicopter Society, and most recently, Toastmasters. Most kids do not know what they want to do when they grow up. When I was a kid I wasn't sure either, but I knew I was interested in astronomy, archaeology, and medicine. It's O.K. not knowing what you want to do at such a young age. The best recommendation I have for kids is just try to do your best in school. Good grades can lead to scholarships which can help finance your college education. Also, just try to do your best in school. Having good math, science, and computer skills are very important in order to keep up with the ever changing technical society we live in. Try attending an Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference. It's a great way to learn about all the fun and exciting careers that are out there waiting for you! Whatever you choose to do, keep in mind that this is YOUR life, so find a satisfying career that YOU really like and enjoy. Achieving your dreams can sometimes take a lot of work, but don't give up! If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way to get it and you'll be glad you did! A Day in the Life of Alexandra
Swanson Archive of chats with Alexandra:
[HOME] [PROFILES] [WOMEN OF THE WORLD] [SPANISH] [CHATS] [TEACH] [RESOURCES] Credits and Contacts |
||
|
|
|
