Cummins Engineering Manager Addresses Brigham Young University’s Chapter of Society of Women Engineers

On October 6, 2016, Cummins Engineering Manager, Katie Clingenpeel, addressed a group of approximately 50 female engineering students, all part of the Brigham Young University (BYU) chapter of Society of Women Engineers (SWE), during a mentoring lunch located in Provo, Utah.

Katie explained how her own experience of seeing the financial struggles of another family when the husband unexpectedly died impressed upon her the importance of getting a degree and preparing for a career that would enable her to support her family, which ultimately led her into engineering.

She described after graduating from Texas A&M University, Columbus Indiana’s unique mix of big city opportunities and small town feel really appealed to her and her husband. This set Cummins apart from other potential employers. Since joining Cummins in 2007, she’s been pleased with both the variety of technical roles she’s held, and the positive work environment at Cummins.

Katie emphasized that college engineering students should find their passion and look for ways to integrate it into their career. As an example, Katie is passionate about helping working mothers and currently leads the Cummins Nursing Mothers support group. She noted how our passions can help keep one energized and engaged, as well as enlarge one’s professional network.

Katie also stressed the importance of developing strong written and verbal communication skills and breaking down large complex tasks into many smaller, simpler tasks that can be planned and completed according to a schedule.

The students appreciated Katie’s comments, as shown by the large number of students who stayed after the completion of her presentation to ask additional questions.

Reported by James Drechsel