Pooja Shah
Kiewit Corporation
"Don't be afraid to walk the path less taken."
Career Roadmap
Pooja's work combines: Design, Environment & Nature, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Agricultural Power Machinery Operation
Vishwakarma Engineering College
Graduate Degree
Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician
Syracuse University
Certification
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
Certification
Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Energy Systems Design Engineer:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Agricultural Power Machinery Operation
Graduate Degree: Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician
Certification: Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
Certification: Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Grew up in an extremely polluted country but an environmentally conscious family.
2.
My family and school encouraged me to think out of the box and to make a difference to the community
3.
Pursued a degree in a fairly unconventional engineering course called 'Power Electronics'.
4.
Presented an innovative & sustainable wind turbine design at World Engineer's Summit in Singapore.
5.
I decided to move the US to pursue my Masters in Renewable Energy Systems & Sustainability.
6.
Interned with a coalition of the US DoE called 'Clean Cities' on Reforming the Energy Vision.
7.
Worked as a Design Engineer to support GE's Power & Water Department.
8.
At 24, got laid off but after a few stressful months looking for a job, was offered my current job.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Engineering? Energy Systems Engineering? That's an extremely male-dominated profession. Maybe, try something that more women do—computer engineering or architecture?!
How I responded:
Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something because it breaks conventions. Don't be afraid to walk the path less taken. Follow your dreams. Believe in yourself.