For the Love of Lists

Engineering life one step at a time

How Failure Can Make Me an Astronaut

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How Failure Can Make Me an Astronaut

In celebration of National Engineer’s Week, I’d like to share a recent story with you about my first application to the astronaut program.

For those who don’t know, astronaut applications typically open up every four years or so and accept between 8-14 candidates. This year had a record number of 18,300 applicants (the previous record was 8,100 in 1978). This puts my chances for selection around 0.08%. And yet, even knowing I just meet the minimum qualifications, I applied because 0.08% is still higher than 0%.

I’ve wanted to apply to be an astronaut since I was eight years old. I always had this dream of filling out the “perfect” application, repeating as necessary until I finally got my chance. But when it came time to submit my first application I froze, realizing I didn’t know what I really had to offer. Sure I have the necessary degree, but what makes me stand out over those other 18,299 people?

I started to let myself get so discouraged that I nearly didn’t submit anything at all. Here was a job I had always wanted, and I felt like I had nothing to show for it. If it weren’t for my husband’s gentle nudging (who, as it happens, also applied for the program), I may have let that first opportunity I had longed for pass by. I managed to put together the best application I could muster at the moment, and now I’ll play the waiting game with everyone else over the next few months.

I’ve been going over this process again and again in my head the past week, and I realized that I have two ways to look at it: I can either let myself be discouraged or I can use this as an opportunity for growth. Every time I’ve submitted an application, interviewed, or even started a new job, I’ve been filled with anxiety over the qualifications and skills I’ve felt I lacked. And it’s all too easy to start focusing on others and letting envy creep in over their success. But why? Sitting before me now is a list of recommended traits and qualifications, along with a 50+ year history of examples who have been accepted by the program. In fact, I know that most likely four years from now the same position will open up again. So what can I change in the next four years to feel more confident in my application?

This is a challenge before me, one with objectives already laid out, ready to be met. I started by considering skills that most of the current astronauts possess. While they are no guarantee of future success, they are a great stepping stone to pursue a wider variety of abilities. Here is what I came up with:

* Advanced Degree(s)
* Subject Matter Expertise
* Published Works
* Hands-On Mechnical Experience
* Leadership/Project Management Experience
* Multiple Languages (Russian, Japanese, etc)
* Public Speaking/STEM Outreach
* General Health & Fitness
* Swimming/SCUBA Skills
* Flying Experience

Each of these translates in a series of attainable goals to pursue, with a timeline in which to complete them. Now it’s up to me to create cohesive strategies for personal development. There’s nothing stopping me from learning new foreign vocabulary each day or spending time reading up on upcoming aerospace research. And yet the biggest piece of this career puzzle isn’t even on this list: the set of skills that will set me apart from the other applicants. I need to set aside some time to brainstorm what it is that I can uniquely offer. Therein lies the confidence that I need to put forth a successful application. So, while I may not be there yet, I have a plan set in motion for the next four years that will bring me closer to my dream job.

I realize that not everyone reading this has had the lifelong goal of traveling into orbit (or perhaps you have and you’ve just never taken action on it). But this lack of confidence affects nearly anyone who’s ever applied for a job. When we read those job postings and the list of qualifications, we’re provided with a template for success. We may not have everything we need just now, but those skills are worth taking note of because they’re the ones that will get us further in the future. The best way we can approach failure is to use it as feedback on what we can do to improve ourselves.

I wish you the best of luck with your current and future endeavors!

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

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How to Stay the Course: OpenCourseWare and Independent Study

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OCW Motivation
Ever wanted to learn a new language?  Pick up some computer skills?  Perhaps brush up on some world history?  It’s never been easier with the wide availability of open courses and online education.  The world of knowledge is literally at your fingertips 24/7, merely a click away.  But even with a resolution to expand your mind, it can be difficult to stay motivated when there is no external pressure to push through the work.  For some it even brings back memories of groaning school days and exam stress.  Yet, it doesn’t have to feel that way.  In this age we are given such an opportunity to learn anything we’ve ever wanted to learn from scholars and experts all around the world.  With a few tips and tricks you too can stay the course.
OpenCourseWare (OCW) lessons deliver educational content typically published by universities and posted free or at low-cost online.  They include course notes, example problems, videos, articles, and more designed for independent study.  A quick search will yield results from the likes of Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Tufts, and many others.  In addition, stand alone learning sites have been established to provide general education on a variety of topics.  Subjects range from personal finance to advanced robotics, with everything in between.  Here are a few of my favorite sources:
So now that you’ve chosen a course, how do you approach it?  Check out these ten tips to keep you on track:
1) Set a (SMART) goal
     Before jumping into a course, you’ll be most successful if you understand what you want to learn and when you want to learn it by.  For example, “I’d like to complete this course on introductory physics within three months in order to understand the fundamentals of mechanics.”  Framing the goal will help you plan out the best way to achieve it.
2) Understand your motivation(s)
     It’s not always enough to just want to do something without knowing why you want to do it.  Ask yourself what you to gain by taking an online course: maybe studying up on personal finance will help ease the stress of tax season/family budgeting or perhaps learning to code will enhance your resume.  Make a note of the reason and post it somewhere visible so it won’t be forgotten.
3) Set short-term milestones
     Some of these courses are based on material that can be covered within a week, while others are built around semester-long college syllabi.  Don’t let the longer ones discourage you!  Break up the course into smaller chunks (i.e. units) and set a timeline to complete each of them.  Mark the dates in your calendar so you have deadlines to meet.
4) Plan a reward
     While the satisfaction of completing a course may be enough for some, it always helps to dangle an extra carrot at the end of the road.  Choose a reward (or multiple small ones for short-term milestones) that you can look forward to at the end of the course.  Share your reward idea with friends or family to help you stay accountable.
5) Dedicate a routine time block
     In busy schedules it’s difficult to squeeze in time every day for an extra task.  Look at your average week and find a routine time you can focus on your education.  This may be 15 minutes per day or an hour twice a week; whatever works for you consistently.  Try to pick a time when you can be free from other distractions.  Sticking to a routine will get you a lot further than simply logging in now and then.  Speaking of distractions, make those time blocks social media-free!
6) Choose a study space
     Some people need complete peace and quiet in order to study, and others don’t mind a bit of background noise.  Try both and see what works best for you.  Noise-reducing headphones or white noise sites (like Coffitivity) are your friends.  Whichever you choose, have a clear workspace and equip it with whatever tools you may need (notebooks, pens, highlighters, post-its, etc).
7) Dedicate a notebook/binder/folder
     Speaking of supplies, it’s best to keep your course notes in one location.  This can be a notebook and folder with a set of printouts or a comprehensive binder.  Doing this keeps you focused on one subject at a time and lets you organize your thoughts for review.
8) Set reminders
     Even with a routine, it’s easy to put aside personal development when there are plenty of other tasks to complete during the day.  Set reminders for your study blocks and put your sessions in your calendars as standing appointments.  Make them motivational, functional, or authoritative: whichever will get you back on the computer.
9) Keep a running list of questions to answer
     Retention is always optimal when we are engaged in what we are learning.  If you get stuck on a concept or you don’t understand an example, make a note of it and search out the answer.  Allow yourself time to review your notes and clear up any confusion.
10) Supplement with real-world applications
     Course material can often get dry, so make it a point to read interesting related articles or practice what you’ve learned.  If you’ve been studying Spanish, try to have a conversation with a fluent speaker.  If you’ve been studying finance, create a sample budget.  If you’ve been studying engineering, read up on some of the incredible inventions being released.  Tying everything together will help solidify the material in your mind.
I hope these tips can help keep you motivated as you pursue your independent study.  If you haven’t explored OpenCourseWare before, now is a great time to try it.  There is literally a course out there for everyone.  Best of luck!

10 Items for Your 2pm Work Kit

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Work Kit

No matter how motivated my morning is, by 2pm I’m ready to fall asleep at my desk.  If you’re in the same boat, try making your own pick-me-up work kit to kick your productivity back into gear.  Here are 10 items to include:

  1. Healthy snack – try a small 100 calorie protein + fiber snack (like an apple with peanut butter)
  2. Coffee/tea – savor a last cup of the day (caffeine takes several hours to wear off and can interrupt sleep)
  3. Dark chocolate square – because it’s a super food and we all know chocolate is good for the soul
  4. Scented lotion/essential oils – try a fun or refreshing scent, like lemon or peppermint, for a quick recharge
  5. Oil-absorbing wipes – give your skin an easy refresh with a cleansing pat down
  6. Comb/brush – getting your hair back in order can boost your mood a bit
  7. Gel eye cream – cool gels can help you wake up when drowsiness sets in
  8. Quote book – browse through your favorite inspiring quotes to focus your goals
  9. Stretching routine – take a moment to break away from your desk, take a walk, and stretch out your legs
  10. Upbeat playlist – choose your favorite songs and switch up your playlist to something positive for the rest of the afternoon

I hope this can help you power through the last few hours of your workday.  If you have any other items or habits to suggest, leave them in the comments below!

How to Make Life Feel More Like College

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Sometimes I wish I could go back to college.  Yes, adult life is fine and dandy most of the time, but I miss the freedom and fun of college.  You get this feeling that you can learn anything, do anything, take on the world.  I think after settling into full-time jobs we start to let routine convince us that it’s not about the excitement anymore.  So if you’re missing your alma mater, check out some of these ideas on how you can make life more like college.

  • Continuous Learning
    • Open Courseware – Search online and you’ll find tons of (mostly) free courses you can take on your own time to learn nearly any subject.
    • Learning Apps – Duolingo, Memrise, and TED are just a few examples of apps that can teach you in minutes a day.
    • Library – Nothing beats walking into a room full of books knowing you can learn just about anything.
    • Night Courses – Check out your local colleges for certification or degree courses you can take part-time.
    • Summer Sessions – Colleges and professional associations offer summer and/or short courses that can advance your skills.
  • Clubs & Extracurricular Activities
    • Community Recreation – Check out local sports teams or classes you can join in your town/city.
    • Professional/Technical Associations – Many careers are represented by professional associations with local chapters that put on events.
    • Groupon/Living Social/Amazon Local (Discount Classes) – If you’re interested in trying out a new hobby, search out a good discount.
    • Local Fitness/Dance/Activity Centers – These classes aren’t just for kids; rally some friends and try something new.
    • Start a Club – Always wanted a book club?  What about a cooking club?  Send out word and see if other people share your interests.
    • Pursue a Hobby – Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?  Set aside an hour or two a week and dedicate it to mastering a skill.
  • Dining Hall Buffet
    • Host an International Potluck – Invite friends to bring dishes representing different cultures for a fun party theme.
    • Search for Highly-Rated Local Buffets – Try to look past the age-old Chinese buffets and use Yelp to find a fun, casual dinner.
    • Search Out New Recipes – Recreate some old college favorites or try your hand at a dish you’ve always wanted to sample.
    • Go to a Brunch Buffet – The adult version of the dining hall, complete with food you’ll actually enjoy waking up for.
  • Social Groups
    • Start a Weekly/Monthly Social Gathering – Whether it’s a club or just for fun, schedule routine time with friends on a regular basis.
    • Keep a Running Group FB Conversation – If you’re far from your friends, set up a group chat where you can stay connected.
    • Start a Social Text for Weekend Planning – Found a festival to visit?  Spread the word quickly to your favorite friends group.
    • Attend Networking Events – Many professional associations host community networking events where you can meet those who share your career goals.

College Life

  • Advisors
    • Find a Mentor – Whether they’re from your company or elsewhere, make contact with someone and ask them to share expertise.
    • Professional/Technical Associations – These groups can help match you up with an experienced professional to offer advise.
    • Research SME Blogs – Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) are often found on popular blogs and can provide guidance and tips.
  • Campus Resources
    • Spend the Afternoon at a Park – If you’re missing lazy days hanging out on the Quad, try taking a book or frisbee to your local park.
    • Visit the Library – Yes, so important it’s on here twice.  Spend a quiet afternoon at the library to focus on your projects.
    • Set Up a Study Center – If you’re taking classes, create a study haven in your home by sectioning off a desk area and organizing it to your study habits.
    • Watch School Sporting Events – Do you wear your school colors every season?  Look for your team online or live and root for your alma mater.
  • Purpose & Goals
    • Look for Opportunities – In college, we see opportunities to do fun or advancing activities all the time.  Do your homework and brainstorm all of the opportunities you could take.  Leave nothing out – you never know when the timing will be right.
    • Write Down Your Life Plan – Maybe you had big goals in college.  Remind yourself of them by writing down your life plan from this point forward.  Be as broad or specific as you like, but be sure to start planning for your goals and taking action.
    • Allow Yourself to Dream – One of the things I miss most about college is the feeling that I could go on to do anything.  Recover that feeling by allowing yourself to picture your “dream life”: the “perfect” day, the dream job, the dream house, etc.  Use these visions to set goals to work towards.

There’s no reason we have to give up that freedom and spontaneity we felt when we were 20.  It’s just a matter of working the features that you enjoyed into your everyday life.

10 Phrases Girls Face in STEM Careers

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While it’s common knowledge that women are in the minority in most STEM careers, that number has been steadily growing over the past few decades.  For example, in 1970 women represented only 3% of engineering occupations, whereas in 2011 they represented 13%.  The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to women in engineering rose to 19% in 2012.  However, even with the upward trend, there are still several challenges that women face when starting such careers, some even before they start college.  Here are 10 phrases I’ve heard with regard to my chosen path:

  1. “Engineering is for boys.”
  2. “You’d make a better nurse/teacher.”
  3. “Be careful not to break a nail.”
  4. “Your job is to take notes.”
  5. “You only got in because they needed more girls.”
  6. “Are you from HR?”
  7. “Great, we’ll have to take that harassment training.”
  8. “Now we have to watch our mouths; there’s a girl around.”
  9. “Aren’t you going to leave when you have children?”
  10. “Are you one of those feminists?”

Many of these are heard across the board for women with careers, but it surely makes the challenges of engineering even more difficult.  Young girls are steered away from STEM towards the jobs others feel are “meant” for them.  If I hadn’t been surrounded by the right people throughout my life, I likely would have been scared away 10 years ago.  That being said, here are several ways you can be supportive of girls entering STEM careers:

Interning with NASA
Interning with NASA
  • Demonstrate good role models: Seeing famous, and even local, role models actively participating in STEM careers is a great motivator. Many female astronauts remember seeing Sally Ride fly into orbit on Discovery and thinking “if she can do it, I can do it too.”  Show examples of women who have succeeded in STEM fields, or find local mentors/groups that can match up future engineers with professional counterparts.

 

  • Limit gender-based expectations: We need to encourage children that their path is up to them and their interests, not expectations of what role they should fill. While historically men and women flocked to particular jobs, this should not define people’s choices for the future.  If a girl wants to be an engineer, she should be an engineer (as a recent Twitter conversation discussed).

 

  • Increase gender esteem: How many times have we all heard the phrase “you ____ like a girl”? In fact, a recent commercial highlighted the fact that it’s assumed that “like a girl” is equivalent to “sub-par” or “weak”.  We are almost all guilty of this, but we need to stop relating half our population to inferior skill sets.  Girls need to know that they can be just as strong and intelligent as the boys.

 

  • Avoid pressuring girls to “prove themselves”: This may sound counterintuitive, but I hate when people advise me to go “prove myself” as a woman in engineering. I should be proving myself as an engineer just like the men, but not because I’m female.  We need to focus more on skills than on gender.

 

  • Focus on facts over assumptions: Some of the words that have hurt me most throughout my life were spoken when someone assumed I got a job or scholarship only because I’m a girl. We need to not be skewed by such gender-based views on the world; particularly in STEM it is the facts that matter.  Look at people’s abilities before you attribute their traits to gender.

 

  • Demonstrate all sides of STEM: while not everyone wants to become an electrical engineer, they may be interested in biomedical engineering. STEM fields cover such a broad area of work, that there’s nearly something for all interests.  We need to show off all of the different aspects of technical careers so that aspiring engineers and scientists can understand all that they can achieve.

 

  • Seek out professional groups: The Society of Women Engineers is a good example, but there are a great number of professional STEM groups (both female and mixed) that offer STEM resources and solidarity in dealing with any gender-based prejudices. Plus, it’s always nice to have friends and connections in your field.

 

  • Teach and seek balance: If you ask most people to describe themselves, the first thing they’ll tell you is their job. We are more than our jobs.  Too often I’ve seen or felt that if I participate in any feminine activities then I’m going back on the personality that I’ve established for my career.  So I too need to remind myself that people are multifaceted and can have any number of interests.

I have been fortunate to have highly supportive people in my life, and hopefully these insights will help you to be that person for someone else.  For any girls interested in pursuing a career in engineering or any other STEM field, I have this final piece of advice: no one can tell you what you enjoy doing and no one decides your skills for you; you choose your path with your dedication and passion.