Mikaela Price | Mechanical Engineer | AKF Group
Years with company/firm: 4
Years in field: 7
Years in real estate industry: 7
How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry?
Outside of the day-to-day tasks of being a Mechanical Engineer, I am a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. I co-chair our External Subcommittee with a focus on expanding our recruitment efforts and making it a more equitable process. Along with that, I am the point person between AKF and local universities’ internship and co-op programs. As someone who had a tough time finding internships throughout college, I’m passionate about being able to provide opportunities for people who want to learn and grow in our industry.
What were some of your early goals and did anything happen to change them?
I studied Architectural Engineering at Drexel University with the original plan of coming out with a dual degree in Civil Engineering. During my first co-op I learned about net-zero buildings and sustainability programs which I found interesting. I wanted to know how to incorporate these types of programs in my studies. My department advisor suggested pursuing a mechanical concentration in lieu of my planned structural as a result. Curious if I was still able to get a dual degree in Civil Engineering, the question “do you need it?” was asked. Instead of aiming towards a second degree that I had zero plans on using, I took additional classes to help me better understand the mechanical discipline. This led to future co-ops that focused on energy modeling and design work which helped guide my interests in this profession.
What unique qualities and or personality trait do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?
Despite being in the corporate space, I try to connect with my colleagues on a personal level. Working in teams can be difficult with different personalities involved, so being able to understand where some individuals are coming from can help move a task or project along. I’m grateful to work in a place with diverse individuals and a culture where we make it a point to listen to each other. We have fun, but we work hard and get the job done.
What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?
My biggest challenge I’ve needed to overcome is a mental one. Starting out in any profession can be intimidating and despite having internships throughout college, I remember feeling unprepared to work in this profession. I realized that no matter what your professional level is, there is always room for growth and a chance to continue learning. Understanding that mistakes happen and if you learn from those mistakes, you’re still able to succeed. I feel fortunate to work and have worked in environments where colleagues want to help me grow in this profession. I got a fortune from a fortune cookie that read “He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning” and I keep it at my desk as a little reminder.
What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time?
Traveling, trying new foods, and working out. Growing up, I moved around a lot and got to explore different parts of the world, experience a lot of different cultures, and try different food (the best part in my opinion). I still love to travel and have been doing more domestic trips whether it’s exploring a new city or enjoying nature. An item I’d love to check off my bucket list is taking a cross country road trip. Aside from trying different cuisines, I enjoy trying to re-create different meals I’ve tried. It may not come anywhere close to the originals, but I try my best. I got into lifting after college, and it’s been such a fun experience. Other than the added health benefits of being active, it has helped me mentally in and out of the gym.
What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college?
Don’t let your ego take control. The learning doesn’t stop after college, so take the opportunity to learn from your peers and supervisors. Take additional classes or attend webinars to add to your arsenal of knowledge. Just because you know more, doesn’t mean you know it all. There’s always another way to look at a situation.