The Inspiration Behind Engineering – National Engineers Week Wrap-Up

Over the past 5 years, National Engineers Week has given DigiKey an opportunity to highlight the innovation and advancement of electronics and technology by our customers and employees. We took a special look at what inspired some of our engineers to pursue the work that they do today and advice they have for the future of engineering.

Taylor Roorda – Assoc. Applications Engineer

What first inspired Taylor? – “I was (and still am) a huge sci-fi nerd and I’m fascinated by computers and electronics. Basically, I just want to make cool things.”

What are a couple important inventions? – “Electricity, smartphones, airplane, microwave”

Advice for future engineers? – “Engage in real engineering activities, like robotics or programming, in school.”

Brandon Tougas – Sr. Manager, Procurement & Asset Management

What first inspired Brandon? – “I’m fascinated by technology and the new types of products being made in our industry.”

What inspires him now? – “The same. I enjoy getting to see what our suppliers develop after we purchase the parts from them.”

What is a problem that needs to be solved? – “The lack of interest in engineering and science.”

Elizabeth Meyer – Software Engineer

What first inspired Elizabeth? – “A man came recruiting computer science students at my high school and gave an interesting presentation that I felt compelled to challenge and prove wrong.”

What does she find most rewarding? – “A customers’ response of ‘yes!’, ‘that’s so awesome’, ‘oh, finally’, ‘thank you’, etc. when I make their lives easier.”

Advice for future engineers? – “It’s important to be exposed to some technology/engineering classes prior to graduating high school.”

Kenneth Rohde – Senior Material Handling Design Engineer

What first inspired Kenneth? – “The desire to know how things work. I enjoy taking things apart and trying to fix them.”

What inspires him now? – “The way technology is being applied to try and improve every aspect of our lives.”

Advice for future engineers? – “Nourish your curiosity and encourage others to keep asking ‘why’.”

In summary, it was great to be able to feature four of our engineering employees with such varied and diverse backgrounds and engineering disciplines. A common theme came through from each interview – they all became interested in engineering due to their love of science and technology. And the advice for our next-generation of engineers?

• Get involved in science/technology early and often
• Ask questions (lots of them!) and don’t be afraid to explore your interests