Name: Jenna Hastings

Position: Project Engineer

Company: e2 Engineers

How many years have you been in your current field? 2.5

Who are three women – living or dead – that you would like to have drinks with and why? 

1. My mother – She’s always been an inspiration to me and I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like. 

2. Jane Austen – One of my favorite novels growing up was Pride and Prejudice. I always admired her use of humor while writing about important societal issues.

3. Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Who doesn’t want to have a drink with her? This woman reminds me that anything is possible. 

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? To be wrong. That got knocked out of me quickly when the first day I walked into work and my boss said, “you probably know nothing, hope you’re prepared to learn!” And I have been more than happy to ever since. 

Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? The project that was the “game changer” for me, the project that really helped me advance in my experience as a structural engineer, was a renovation to a wood framed building. The amount of coordination and detail that goes into a project like that (versus an all-new building) really helped me progress in my experience and my career. 

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job is the job I’m currently at. I have learned two very important things – you’re never done learning, but it is just as important to trust the experience you already have.