Why I Keep Coming Back to Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation

By Harry Holt, Executive of Strategic Programs

Every year,  Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation (EI) program invites engineers and other professionals to participate in its Career Connections program. Students spend four weeks exploring engineering through hands on learning, then meet with professionals from industry to learn what engineering looks like beyond the classroom.

This year, representatives from Moffatt & Nichol, Amtrak, Constellation, T. Rowe Price, Exelon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and BITHGROUP participated. At our table, I shared information about BITHGROUP, the different types of engineers on our team, and how engineering skills apply across the work we do every day.

I also talked about my educational background, my career in engineering, and the organizations I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years.

Then I asked about the students. I asked their names, where they were from, what grade they were in, and what type of engineering interested them. From there, the conversations took on a life of their own. Students asked thoughtful questions about engineering, career paths, education, and what it’s really like to work in the profession.

Every year, I’m amazed by the diversity of the students. This year, I met more than 140 students representing over 10 countries and many states across the United States. They came from different backgrounds, had different interests, and were excited to learn more about engineering and the opportunities ahead of them.

One piece of advice I always share is to connect with each other. The people sitting beside them today may become classmates, colleagues, or lifelong professional contacts. Engineering has always been a collaborative profession, and those relationships often become just as valuable as the technical knowledge they gain.

There’s a quote often attributed to Horace Mann: “Education is the great equalizer.” After participating in this program each year, I’m reminded why those words have endured. Giving students the opportunity to explore engineering, ask questions, and interact with professionals before they begin college can have a lasting impact.

A couple of comments from students stayed with me after this year’s event.

“I am grateful for the advice and inspiring story. I hope that there is an opportunity to work with BITHGROUP in the future.”

Another student shared:

“Thank you for taking time out of your day to explain your career path and give advice on what we should do to achieve specific goals and what different types of engineers actually do in the workforce.”

I’ve spent more than 37 years in engineering, technology, management, and training. Every year I volunteer for this program because I remember what it was like to be a student trying to decide what came next. If sharing my experience helps even one student better understand the opportunities available in engineering, then it has been time well spent.

About the Author

Harry Holt is Executive of Strategic Programs at BITHGROUP and has more than 37 years of experience in engineering, technology, management, and training. He volunteers annually with the Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Career Connections program as part of BITHGROUP’s commitment to supporting STEM education and developing the next generation of engineering professionals.