Episode 12 - From Theory to Practice: Perspectives of a New Engineer

Finding validation in designing for the greater good of humanity In this episode of The Human Side of Engineering and Product Development, Andy welcomes Kevin Saginian, a mechanical engineer at Saratech. Kevin shares his unique experience of finishing college through the pandemic and the adaptability and motivation he needed to finish mechanical engineering. He also gives his insights on how different school was compared to the real world of mechanical engineering where he gets to contribute his expertise for the greater good, such as his work on the Sierra Nevada Dreamchaser. He also gives advice to upcoming engineers on enjoying lab work because of how practical it is in actual engineering. HUMANIZING MESSAGES KEVIN: Working on the Sierra Nevada Dreamchaser is validating experience "Finally touching something that was a part of something that big like the Sierra Nevada Dreamchaser, that was like my, oh man, whatever I'm doing in this field is usually going to be attached to something very prominent, like something very big for humanity. And that was really the validation I wanted for getting into this." KEVIN: Keep an open mind on the lessons learned in class "Just really open your mind to what it is you're learning. I feel like when I would get into a class or I'd be taking a class, I might initially be kind of stressed out at first glance, like oh my gosh, this is so technical, and just so worried about how am I going to get a good grade. But then, I would get through it and it'd be a stressful, difficult process, but then the next semester, I would look back at the textbook from that class and I'd be like, man, this wasn't so bad." Get to know our guest, Kevin, and what he’s up to: LinkedIn Learn more about our host and his Human Side: Andy Deo | Saratech | Saratech.com If you enjoyed this episode of The Human Side Of Engineering & Product Development, share this or leave a comment!