5 Essential Lessons for Aspiring Engineers
Inspired by the Space for All podcast interview with Snehal Bhamare, this article captures the essence of her journey, highlighting five essential lessons for those aspiring to break into the aerospace industry—or any challenging field. From her childhood fascination with aircraft to her impactful role at one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, Snehal’s story is filled with insights and strategies that can inspire and guide you on your own path. Here are the top five takeaways from her inspiring journey.
1. Start Early and Stay Curious
Snehal’s interest in aerospace didn’t start in college; it began in childhood, fueled by trips to air shows, museums, and early exposure to female mentors in STEM. If there’s one takeaway here, it’s the importance of nurturing your curiosity from a young age. Whether you’re fascinated by space, engineering, or any other field, the sooner you start exploring, the better. Don’t wait for formal education to ignite your passion—seek out experiences that can expand your knowledge and feed your curiosity.
2. Overcome Challenges with Determination
Snehal’s journey through her aerospace classes at Texas A&M University wasn’t without its challenges. With women making up less than 10% of her department, the road could have been discouraging. However, she didn’t let these statistics hold her back. Instead, she focused on her goals, taking her father’s advice to heart: “Those who work hard and never lose sight of their goals will achieve the best destiny.” Her story is a powerful reminder that determination and resilience are crucial when navigating industries where you might be in the minority.
3. Leverage Opportunities and Networks
Snehal’s transition from university to her role at Boeing didn’t happen by chance. She was proactive in seeking out opportunities, such as the Boeing mentorship program and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) conference. These experiences not only provided her with valuable guidance but also opened doors to career opportunities. This highlights the importance of leveraging professional networks and taking advantage of programs that can connect you with mentors and industry leaders.
4. Blend Passion with Professionalism
In her role as a Structural Design Engineer at Boeing, Snehal blends creativity with technical precision, designing aircraft and spacecraft parts that meet rigorous standards. But her passion for aerospace doesn’t stop at the office. Snehal also shares her journey on social media, blending her cultural heritage with her professional life. She shows that you don’t have to separate your personal interests from your career—in fact, integrating the two can make you more authentic and relatable. This is a lesson in how to use your passion as a tool for engagement and inspiration, both in and outside the workplace.
5. Give Back and Inspire the Next Generation
Snehal is committed to empowering the next generation of engineers, particularly young women interested in STEM. Through outreach events at schools and sharing her journey on social media, she actively works to inspire and educate others about the possibilities in aerospace. The lesson here is clear: no matter where you are in your career, you can always give back. Sharing your knowledge and experiences not only helps others but also reinforces your own journey and keeps you connected to your passions.
Snehal Bhamare’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, hard work, and a supportive community. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or simply looking for inspiration, these lessons from her journey can serve as a guide to reaching new heights in your own career.
Follow Snehal on Instagram @snehal.s.bhamare to keep up with her inspiring journey and insights.
For more empowering stories and interviews, don’t forget to subscribe to the "Space for All" podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
