Employee Spotlight - Kelsey Philipps - Field Application Engineer at PennEngineering®
Q: What inspired you to go into engineering?
I was always good at math and science, but I wasn’t sure what to pursue in college. I chose mechanical engineering because it’s the broadest and allowed me to apply problem-solving skills to my life. I enjoy focusing in on certain problems and figuring out how to solve them efficiently. Engineering also offers a vast range of opportunities and industries to work in, which means I can continuously learn and grow in my career. The ability to innovate and create tangible solutions that impact people's lives is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What challenges have you faced being a woman in a male-dominated field? How did you tackle those challenges?
At PennEngineering, I haven’t faced too many obstacles specific to being a woman, although there aren’t many other female engineers in general, which sometimes makes it hard to relate to coworkers. One challenge has been making sure my voice is heard, both in college and at work. I’ve learned not to be afraid of being wrong and to speak up confidently. Building a network of supportive mentors and colleagues has been crucial in navigating this field. Additionally, continuously honing my skills and staying informed about industry trends has helped me assert my expertise and gain respect from my peers.
Q: What advice would you give to other women in STEM or younger girls who want to pursue a career in the field?
It’s okay to be wrong and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even though I’ve been working at PennEngineering for three years, in my new role, I’m learning something new every day. Everyone here is very helpful and would rather see you do it right than just try to get it right by chance. Be intentional in your work and don’t just “Forrest Gump” your way through it. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages your growth and learning. Remember that persistence and curiosity are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in any STEM field.
Q: PennEngineering prides itself on staying on the cutting edge. How do you stay innovative?
As a Field Application Engineer, I design custom fasteners to solve specific customer problems, which keeps me constantly innovating. There are few standard catalog products in my day-to-day work, so every day involves some form of innovation. Teardowns are a great learning process that helps us stay on the cutting edge. By analyzing and understanding the intricacies of different products, we can develop new and improved solutions. Additionally, staying connected with industry trends and advancements ensures we remain competitive and forward-thinking.
Q: What excites you most about the future of the industry?
As the industry moves towards more electric applications, there are exciting new opportunities for using fasteners as contact points. Working as a Field Application Engineer and creating completely new solutions is really cool. I love solving multiple problems by combining different products. This shift towards electrification is driving innovation and opening up new markets and applications. The potential to develop technologies that contribute to sustainability and efficiency makes this an incredibly exciting time to be in the field.