Karla Flores Jaime is a mechanical engineer at SSOE Group, an structure and engineering agency that designs manufacturing services for the automotive, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. She has additionally been an lively member of the Society of Hispanic Skilled Engineers (SHPE) since 2016 when she started learning engineering at Portland State College. She now serves as SHPE Oregon Skilled Chapter’s president, persevering with to pay it ahead by supporting different Hispanic engineers.
Q: Inform us about your self and your profession. How did you get into the sphere of mechanical engineering?
I made a decision to check engineering in faculty as a result of math and science got here naturally to me (though I nonetheless needed to work laborious) and it felt like a superb profession selection. It was simply me and my mom after my freshman 12 months of highschool in San Diego, and I needed to have the ability to do one thing that may problem and stimulate me and supply a safe future.
I attended the engineering program at Portland State College, which may be very difficult. It takes most college students at the least 5 years to finish it. However I used to be decided and supported by fellow college students and mentors at SHPE.
Karla and her mom in Seattle
Q: How was your involvement in SHPE useful in your engineering research?
I really feel fortunate that I discovered SHPE early on at Portland State. There’s an instantaneous camaraderie with individuals who share not simply your pursuits, however your background and lived expertise. It’s a really supportive group. And, if you’re initially overwhelmed by all of the stuff you’re studying in faculty, it helps to speak to individuals who’ve succeeded in your chosen area. It makes you notice it’s doable and builds pleasure for the longer term.
Q: Have there been challenges as you’ve embarked in your profession as effectively?
Transferring from being a scholar to beginning my profession had its challenges by way of how a piece week is structured versus faculty lessons. It was additionally difficult to get accustomed to a brand new firm tradition. Thankfully, the groups at SSOE work so effectively collectively — it’s been actually satisfying to work on giant initiatives and be part of creating the services for necessary industries in Oregon and different locations.
Karla and colleagues at SHPE Nationwide Conference
Q: Why do you proceed your involvement in SHPE? What are you getting out of it now that you simply’ve begun your engineering profession?
Whereas I used to be nonetheless an undergrad, I chaired the committee that places on the regional SHPE convention, which was a deep dive into studying real-world abilities — scheduling, budgeting, planning and so many different issues. It was an actual confidence and aptitude builder, and I made some nice pals {and professional} connections within the course of. It was additionally good to have that work on my resume as I began in search of jobs after commencement.
I keep concerned as a SHPE officer as a result of it’s nonetheless a neighborhood that I get lots of help and camaraderie from, and since I wish to give again. The meetups are all the time gratifying, and mentoring Hispanic college students is necessary to me. We host workshops and occasions that help skilled and private growth, reminiscent of a latest workshop on private funds. Offering these assets to first era college students and professionals is so essential as a result of many are the primary in our households with the power to not solely save, however to take a position.
Q: Do you might have any recommendation for folks of coloration and/or girls getting into your area?
I’d say bear in mind that there’s a place for everybody on the desk. Discover mentors and a neighborhood who perceive your expertise or at the least have a robust appreciation for it. In SHPE OR we use “Raise as you climb” as a reminder to assist the youthful generations obtain their engineering objectives as older generations have helped us.
Karla and colleagues at SHPE Dia Del Niño 2022
