An article written by Colby Willis-Kimmel, PE
Professional organizations such as the Mississippi Engineering Society (MES), Women in Transportation (WTS) Mississippi and the Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors provide us, as licensed professionals, with a host of resources.
From networking and conferences to continuing education and professional development, the benefits of membership in these types of organizations are invaluable. However, while these assets are all critical to our success as licensed engineers and surveyors, the one area I find to be the most important and rewarding, although often not utilized enough, is the opportunity for student outreach.
I am the immediate past President of both MES and WTS and serve as the Assistant Chief Engineer – Preconstruction Division with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. One common theme I hear in these roles is the difficulty in recruiting and retaining new talent.
We are all in the same boat: struggling to recruit and retain quality engineers and staff to support the ever-growing and constantly changing infrastructure needs of our communities statewide.
So, what does student outreach have to do with the employee deficit that most businesses and professional organizations are experiencing? EVERYTHING! (Well, maybe not everything, but just go with me here.) We constantly hear the terms “recruit” and “retain,” but what about “attract?”
We must have students interested in engineering if we wish to have graduates to recruit and employees to retain. Enter student outreach. 
Our local professional organizations do an incredible job of hosting and sponsoring events, providing volunteer opportunities, and advocating for our industry.
So, what do we need to do?
First, we must volunteer. Make the time. You will not regret it. Even if you do not get to mentor the next Albert Einstein, you will have done something good for someone else, and you will feel and sleep better for it. Trust me!
Second, we must be engaged. Students, young and old, know when we are paying attention and when we are interested. As a child and even as a college student, I was asked repeatedly, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I did not know then and, although I am not entirely certain I know the answer to that question now, I do have a much better idea of “who” I want to be.
As human beings, and especially as children, we tend to model our career goals after a person as opposed to a specific trade. Instead of asking what they want to be, ask them who they want to be or what change they would like to see in their neighborhood. I can assure you there are many kids right here in our own community that just want clean drinking water and a safe street to play on. As engineers, we can demonstrate to them how our jobs positively and directly impact our communities.
We may not ever convince them that math is fun, and let’s be honest, if we try, they will call us liars when they get to Calculus II. What we can do, however, is tell them a story about how we are making a difference and how our jobs enable us to do that.
Third, we must make a consistent investment. Let them see you more than once. Show them a variety of ways that what they are interested in can be utilized, for the greater good, as an Engineer. While we cannot be guaranteed that they will choose a field in engineering, we are at least opening their minds to the idea.
By taking the time to invest in our youth, we are not only providing them with positive role models, but also introducing them to a career with endless possibilities, and hopefully, encouraging them to want to be an engineer when they grow up.
And we all will benefit from the effort!
About the author: Colby Willis-Kimmel works in transportation with the Mississippi Department of Transportation and is the proud mother of two adorable sons.