At a time when the world needs power and innovation, EC&M’s 30 Under 30 are prepared to solve problems, discover new technologies, and lead teams.
For example, Yamil Camacho, a project manager for Henderson Engineers in Lenexa, Kan., advises other up-and-coming electrical professionals to never let anyone put a ceiling above their head that they didn’t put there themselves.
“The world, including the electrical industry, is too big to settle,” says 29-year-old Camacho, who earned the MVP award from his company last year. “Get out, explore, and learn. You only get one life, so you might as well enjoy it to the fullest. Know that there will be some bumps in the road, but every hiccup is a learning opportunity, so it’s up to us to use those lessons as motivation to get to where we want to go.”
Ryan Helsdingen, a 29-year-old electrical engineer for Syska Hennessy Group in Denver, says early on, he was taught to be a sponge — and this has stuck with him throughout his career. Today, he dedicates time to staying updated on industry advancements, new code changes, growing impacts of today’s sustainability efforts, and emerging technologies through industry events, workshops, and online courses.
“I think of it like an Ironman race with one foot in front of the other toward the finish,” Helsdingen says. “These goals will require patience, persistence, determination, adaptability, and a little grit. It’s about staying focused, sticking to my values, pushing through challenges, and celebrating the little milestones along the way.”
One way that young electrical professionals can help their companies succeed is by learning about the latest tools and technology. For example, Maria Howell, a 27-year-old staff electrical engineer for Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, Mo., says technology is changing faster than it ever has before — and right now, the electrical industry is still reeling from the material shortages caused by world events.
“The construction and the economic needs are still there, so engineers are having to get creative in their solutions to keep things moving,” Howell says. “We need to be curious, and we need to ask why in order to continue to innovate and grow.”
The following profiles explore how this year’s EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars are making their mark on the electrical industry and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.