Sheila Lee is a software engineer in Oceaneering’s OTECH division. Her interest in engineering started as a child. She later attended a science and technology-focused high school. It was there she discovered what interested her.
“My favorite subjects were always Math and Science,” she said of her schooling. “I was fascinated that there were mathematical relationships in the physical world.”
This fascination would lead Sheila to pursue a career in engineering.
“An engineer applies math and science to solve problems that affect society and our way of life,” she said. “Beyond academic knowledge, it requires creativity and innovation.”
Sheila said while it can sometimes be difficult to be in a male-dominated career field, she’s had more positive experiences than bad.
“In the more difficult cases, you have to earn the respect.” she said. “You work hard, do good work, and you gain acceptance.”
Sheila counts working at Oceaneering as one of her positive career experiences, she said. “I appreciate the new experiences I’ve had to apply software to things that move, as opposed to just using software for analysis at a desk. I do not think I’m treated differently because I am a woman, so that is the highest compliment.”
For young women thinking about a career in engineering, Sheila advises that they take computer science in high school.
“Software skills open doors to many jobs, including summer jobs while in college,” she said. “This in turn opens doors when you graduate.”
Sheila said that while she majored in Mechanical Engineering, her computer science skills enabled her to get her first job because her employer was impressed with her summer job experience in computer systems.
Interested in a new career path? Visit our Careers page to search our available job opportunities.