Global PCB Connections: A Field Engineer’s Perspective on the Top 10 Trends to Watch
Target Condition: Designing vs. Inventing
Dana on Data: The Missing AI-NPI Link
Hannah Nelson: The Inspiring Journey of an Emerging Engineer
March 11, 2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Editor’s note: This interview was originally recorded at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 as part of a series of interviews with IPC Emerging Engineers.
At last year’s IPC APEX EXPO, former IPC Emerging Engineer Hannah Nelson had the opportunity to reflect on her inspiring journey into the world of engineering, from her education at Valparaiso University to her internship and her first job at Texas Instruments. From pivotal moments and the unexpected turns that helped shape her early career and passion for electrical engineering, her story highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, taking opportunities that arise early on, finding confidence in one's voice, and the rewards of pursuing one's passions within the engineering field.
Hannah, please share an overview of your career path so far and highlight any key factors that motivated you to pursue a role in engineering.
Hannah Nelson: It started in high school when I joined FIRST Robotics. I was on the mechanical build side, building the frames for the robots, and I got involved in the safety training stuff on our team. When I was younger, I was told that I was good at math and science, and I should pursue that career path. That stuck with me.
I played French horn, so I wanted to pursue a degree in music performance. I also wanted to pursue math, so I started with a double major in music performance and math.
When I took an Intro to Engineering course, things changed. I got to play around with Arduinos and build cool things, and I just loved seeing the artistic side of engineering. I loved the problem solving and being involved in interdisciplinary teams was incredibly rewarding for me.
Soon after, I dropped both my double majors and switched to electrical engineering. I haven’t looked back. I got involved with IPC during my junior year, and that’s when I really started enjoying my electrical engineering courses. I got more involved in the RF side of PCB design, which is what I do in my career now.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the February 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Incap Launches ‘Incap Legends’ esports Tournament and Invites Students from Around the World to Participate
03/31/2025 | IncapIncap Corporation is proud to announce the launch of ‘Incap Legends’, a new esports tournament in partnership with Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG).
New Accenture Siemens Business Group to Reinvent Engineering and Manufacturing for Clients
03/31/2025 | BUSINESS WIRESiemens and Accenture are significantly advancing their long-standing alliance partnership to help clients reinvent and transform engineering and manufacturing.
Finding Strength Through Laughter: IPC Women in Electronics Reception Inspires and Engages
03/26/2025 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007The IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Women in Electronics Reception brought together women from the global electronics industry to network, enjoy refreshments, and engage in an insightful presentation by keynote speaker Jody Urquhart, a motivational speaker, comedienne, and author.
The Test Connection, Inc. (TTCI) Joins PCBAA as First and Only Test Engineering Company
03/24/2025 | TTCIThe Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, proudly announces its membership in the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA), becoming the first and currently the only test engineering company to join this vital consortium dedicated to strengthening domestic PCB manufacturing and supply chains.
New COO to Drive Operational Excellence at ESCATEC
03/24/2025 | ESCATECGrowth-orientated electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, ESCATEC, intends to maximise operational efficiencies with the appointment of industry expert Alessandro Marinai as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).