EMEPA Recognizes National Engineers Week

From making improvements and innovations that help shape society to working with colleagues to manage operations, EMEPA engineers make positive impacts for members every single day.

From February 19 to 25, their profession is being highlighted and celebrated during Engineers Week.

Since 1951, companies across the country have joined the National Society of Professional Engineers in celebrating the ways engineers make the world a better place. But EWeek is more than just a multi-day event. It is a year-round commitment to inspiring more children and young adults to consider a career in engineering. This year’s theme is Creating the Future! and leads up to World Engineering Day on March 4.

Gary Davidson, EMEPA facilities engineer, said that planning for the future and developing practical solutions to meet challenges is vital.

“In this day and time, utilities are essential for maintaining the quality of life we all enjoy,” said Davidson. “Without planning for future demand, there would be no opportunity for growth and development within our communities.”

At EMEPA and utilities around the world, engineers design, implement, and maintain the infrastructure needed to safely, reliably, and affordably deliver service to commercial and residential customers. EMEPA engineers help their colleagues power 5,698 miles of line serving 37,041 electric meters.

What’s more, through its fiber subsidiary, East Mississippi Connect, EMEPA crews have changed over 2,522 poles to provide the necessary and safe infrastructure needed for high-speed internet and have hung more than 3,384 miles of fiber optic cable.

As part of his role as director of system services, Brent Mabry supports communications infrastructure to provide members with the latest products and services. His advice for those who may be considering an engineering career is realizing that there’s always more to learn.

“Technology is constantly changing and, as engineers, we have to remain agile to meet business and member needs,” said Mabry. “No matter how much someone thinks they know, they’ll need to continually educate themselves on the latest research and information to accelerate innovation. I often learn things from others simply by listening to what they have to say.”

It’s clear why learning — and listening — are so important. Most engineers typically earn advanced degrees or attain the Professional Engineer license.

According to the NSPE, to become licensed, engineers must complete the 4-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least 4 years, pass 2 intensive competency exams, and earn a license from their state's licensure board. Then, to retain their licenses, PEs must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers.

Matt Sampley, system design engineer, suggests job shadowing for anyone interested in engineering before making such an involved commitment.

“Having family in the field and visiting job sites from a young age, I knew that I wanted to do this, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it,” said Sampley. “But for those who don’t have that connection, job shadowing can provide valuable insight and firsthand experience. I also would recommend taking leadership classes as well.”

Leadership helps teams solve problems through working together, brings multiple viewpoints to a shared vision, and motivates people to deliver their best results. Many colleges and universities offer engineering-specific leadership programs and certificates in addition to traditional leadership programs and management degrees, such as the MBA.

“Planning and patience also are key,” said Davidson. “When I’m tasked with a project, I like to see it done as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, many things don’t always go as they should. That’s why an alternative plan — or several alternatives — are important to keep a project on task and safely achieve the same result.”

This can be true during storm restoration or other major events, times when being innovative can become complex.

“Two heads are better than one,” said Sampley. “And there are multiple ways to solve many problems. I think getting input from others and taking a collaborative approach works well so that different perspectives can be gained, and solutions can be found.”

Mabry agrees that problem-solving abilities are a crucial part of engineering.

“We wear many hats and have to take many factors into consideration when it comes to finding answers that will deliver the intended results,” said Mabry. “That’s why leveraging our critical-thinking abilities along with our technical expertise helps us navigate the unexpected and create future success.”