Penny Morton

Q1: What steps did you take to pursue your passion?

• Studied math and physics at school

• Went to university for 5 years in product design engineering

• Wish she had looked into other options such as a job at an engineering company for more experience

• Did internships and volunteered in India and China through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IASTE)

Q2: What does your typical day look like at Koolmill?

• Every day is different because manages different projects

• Works with universities and contractors

• Leanrs graphic design skills

• Prefers small companies because she learns many different skills and finds her work exciting

Q3: Are there any other reasons you prefer small companies?

• Can do things quicker, in terms of logistical procedures; can learn things quickly

• Easier to make team decisions

Q4: Besides doing internships, were there projects that you did on your own time before you entered the workforce?

• Would recommend doing a working experience instead of doing a project

• To figure out that product design engineering was the work she was most interested in, she first tried engineering work experiences in multiple companies

Q5: Even if high school students don't know what to do or major in, if they have an idea of what they want like you, it’s pretty good, right?

• Even if you get a degree or qualifications, you can change what you want to do later in life. For instance, she majored in engineering but is now doing business.

• Either way, the skills she learned are going to be useful

• Wouldn’t recommend stressing too much about it

Q6: Do you have any advice for high schoolers that you wish you’d known before?

• Do not be scared to ask people for help

• Use the internet to message people to ask about their work. (Don’t be afraid to ask for informational interviews!)

Concluding words: Try to get as much experience when you are in college, through internships and jobs