Name: Amanda Setzer

Position: Senior Project Engineer

Company: e2 Engineers

How many years have you been in your current field? 9

Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? The first design project where I led the structural design was a university student union. The responsibility was intimidating and sometimes it seemed like everything that could go wrong did-unexpected site conditions, not building according to plans etc. The experience ended up being a bit of a trial by fire and I learned more from that project than any other so far-both technically and about asserting myself in meetings and coming up with creative solutions with the design team. When I finally attended the grand opening it was so satisfying to see the building completed and being enjoyed!

What are you doing differently in 2019 that has had a positive impact on your career? I’ve just started a new position at e2, so that has been a big change! I’m trying to ask more questions this year since there’s so much to learn at a new job.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was working summers for a construction company while I was still in high school. I learned a lot about how buildings are put together and the way a construction site works, how to read drawings and about all the trades involved in construction. My first professional job was working for a defense contractor where I learned a lot technically-but also about working on a team in an office environment.