Engineer-In-Training Spotlight: Blake Talbot

What makes being part of an engineering team so fulfilling? Hear it from Blake - a former Engineer-in-Training.

Here's how StoneWall's culture inspired Blake to make a career change, join the team, and seek for practical engineering experience.

Engineering Synergies - PES and StoneWall

Over the past five years, StoneWall and PES have been on their own paths each building an organization that would try and redefine the engineering services world.

Now we are merging to do it together by creating engineering synergies, ultimately making PES and StoneWall become one. 

These synergies will allow us (as merged corporation) to better serve our existing customers, build a team of Core Value Champions, and drastically increase our capacity for new business opportunities.

Part of these synergies include our engineer in training program! 

What is an Engineer In Training (EIT)?

Engineer in Training, or EIT, is a professional designation from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).  The term EIT designate a person certified by the state as having completed two requirements:

• Completed a minimum of three years of post-secondary school at an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Passed the NCEES six-hour[1] Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.

EITs (Engineer-in-Training) do engineering work, such as design, under the supervision and direction of a Professional Engineer, who are exclusively able to perform certain tasks, such as stamp and seal designs and offer services to the public.

EITs are internally considered interns, and undergo different stages of training, including the PES Training Program.

Let's hear more about Blake's experience as an EIT with StoneWall.

Aspirations: Key to Powerful Learning

Blake shares his personal aspirations to do and learn, after graduating from college with a Mechanical Engineering degree.

Q: What is your current job?

Maintenance Engineer - Dow Chemical

Q: What were you doing before meeting the internship?

Prior to the internship I was playing baseball at UL and going to school for Mechanical Engineering. After graduating I was hired on full-time with Stonewall.

Q: What did you aspire to do/learn?

As many interns probably go through, you don't really know what engineering is. You have concepts and fundamentals you've briefly touched on in a school environment, but not many real-world applications.

I tried to learn and soak in as much as I could from whoever was willing to teach. Whether that be engineering, 3D modeling, engineering fundamentals, how to put together a proposal, etc.

Working for a small company allows you to work in all aspects of the company, rather than just in one particular area.

Learning To learn

Blake describes how his internship journey enabled him to learn in terms of learning and relationships.

Q: What was your internship experience like?

In terms of learning/engineering experience:
Rough, not easy, but doable and beneficial.

Depended on how much you were willing to work/learn, there was a lot of time and hours spent learning and not getting paid. A lot of the time it was a "figure it out" setting or a "learn by thrown in the fire" type-setting, with little guidance.

Most of the time I would get some help here and there, but oftentimes my questions were answered with questions.

At the end of the day, I think this has helped me improve and helped me succeed on my own without the need of someone always being there.

In terms of relationships:
It was great, I was introduced to people who I still stay in contact with and have made lifelong friends with.

Some who took time out of their day and paychecks to help me improve not only as an engineer but as a person.

Q: What was your biggest takeaway from your experience?

Great learning and I think after gaining experience with a bigger company where they have the resources to send you to training and on-the-job experiences, I would go back to a small company environment.

However, starting there is not the easiest of tasks, coupled with the fact that Stonewall was a consulting firm, where consulting firms are paid for your experience, so you are expected to know things.

That isn't necessarily the best environment to "hit the ground running" on, but if your willing to make some sacrifices (with regards to time and hours spent learning) early in your career, and willing to put the time in to learn as much as you can, you definitely can benefit from it.

Q: What would you say to other people interested in joining?

It is certainly a mountain to climb, and I won't lie about that. It's not an easy task to start a career in the consulting industry with little to no experience, but if you are a "learner" and willing to learn from anyone; draftsmen, welders, pipefitters, estimators, electrical guys, PE's, accountants, it will benefit you undoubtingly.

Focus on building a relationship with people, one that is authentic and meaningful, wherever you are, and you'll benefit from it.

Q: Anything else you'd like to say?

I would like to thank Blaine for inviting me to such a challenging workplace and giving me the opportunity to succeed.

I would also like to personally thank Justin Courville, who spent countless hours and time mentoring and teaching me.

Become an Engineer-In-Training at PES

Being a qualified entry level engineer is not just about how many classes you took, or how high your GPA is.  Being a qualified entry level engineer involves having the right practical skill-sets that will help you outshine all of the other smarties.

The PES Training Program is dedicated from interns and entry level engineers who are looking for ways to expand their curriculum experience.

How can I benefit from the PES Training program as an Engineer-in-Training?

• Gain free real-world training that is more valuable than any textbook
• Compete for a shot for a full time job with PES - get compensated based on high performing talent.
• Compete for a shot at part time job on an as needed basis with PES
• Valuable, free training that is more valuable than anything in college even if the applicant is not selected
• We have their resume on file for any future opportunities
• Leverage our industry reputation and network for future opportunities

Is the PES Training Program right for you?

• Are you ready to make a career change and seeking for practical experience?
• Are you an entry-level college intern ready learn more about the real world and practical challenges?

Learn more about the real-world designing and engineering applications.

Sign up today!

About Practical Engineering Solutions

Practical Engineering Solutions will always be dedicated to providing top-notch customer service to meet our industry demands.

We set ourselves apart with our consistency and timely turnarounds. We are always committed to being responsive to our clients, KEEPING OUR PROMISES, making delivery schedules, and standing by our designs!

From concept, design, and engineering, to project management and integrity services. We are your gateway to your journey's engineering endeavors. Including oil & gas, hemp & CBD, and food industries.

Providing services focusing in Facilities Engineering, Turn-Key Solutions, Hemp Facilities, Food Plant Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering Services and Drafting & Design.