ENGINEERING A DIFFERENT PATH: Katie Hubert

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Katherine Hubert Small.jpeg The lessons we learn in college don’t always come from our classes and professors; oftentimes it’s the people we meet and the organizations we partake in that shape the way we think and act after college. Katie Hubert, a 2005 Industrial Engineering graduate, proves not only that there is no “typical” engineer, but also that furthering the causes taken to heart during college don’t end when a diploma is received.

As the author of oneSTEMforall.com, Katie writes about the subtle and not-so-subtle nuisances found in the engineering workforce. Her articles range from topics dealing with being a woman engineer in a male-dominated career, why mentorships can go sour, imposter syndrome, and more. But it’s more than just in her online life that she exhibits traits separate from the “typical engineering mold”.
When asked what makes her unique in her field, Katie wrote “I would say what might make me not a typical engineer is that I love meeting new people and working with people. I am most energized when working directly with people on the floor or working on teams.”
Thus far in her career, Katie has varied her work experience; immediately after graduation, she worked for a consulting firm--utilizing her skills with people and commitment to making the right decision, from there, Katie worked as as Industrial Engineer for Avon and then for Kroger, a path she didn’t seem coming.
Katie writes that she never saw herself “working for a grocery store! One thing that you realize about engineering is that you can really go anywhere and do anything you want. There are engineers that work as traditional engineers, but there are lots of companies that hire engineers for other roles because of their ability to problem solve.”
However, retrospectively, Katie offers advice that any college student could use: take the classes the interest you, expand your skillset in ways that interest you and not necessarily what could interest an employer.
“Although you are focused on getting your engineering degree, [college] is a great time to take classes outside of engineering that can make you a more well-rounded person, or just explore a topic that interests you – whether that is communication, psychology, history – whatever!  You will never again have such open access to a world class faculty from which to learn new things!” Katie encourages.
All in all, Katie exemplifies traits that all engineers, female or not, can relate to. “My motivation to be an engineer centers around two things – people and processes.  I want to make people’s lives better.  I want to create processes that make people’s jobs easier and help them be happier.”

Stay tuned for more blogs on different paths through engineering!
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