Influential Woman · Mechanical Engineering

Emma Smith

Certified Trainer, Chick-fil-A Restaurants

Fayetteville, AR

3Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Associate's Degree in Electronics Engineering Degree Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (in progress) Member American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - Leadership Team

Her Story

About Emma

I'm currently a mechanical engineering student in Fayetteville, and I've been studying engineering for about three or four years now. My journey started in high school when I enrolled in a program that let me take college courses for free. I began with electronics engineering during my junior year and earned over 40 credit hours while still in high school. Through that program, I got an internship that really opened my eyes and made me realize I wanted to be an engineer. I finished up my associate's degree and then started working on my mechanical engineering degree. What I love most about mechanical engineering is that there's always going to be a new challenge to tackle and something new to learn, so I'll continue to be pushing myself even when I'm out of school. Right now, my days are pretty full with a lot of studying and going to class, plus I work about 25 to 30 hours a week to put myself through school. I'm also on the leadership team for ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which I joined after transferring to Fayetteville this past fall. Over the next two years, I'd like to get one or two more internships under my belt and then try to start a career that I love. I'm still exploring all my options and figuring out exactly what that looks like.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Emma

01What do you attribute your success to?

Just knowing that I've gotten myself this far, so I can go just a little bit further, you know? The school's pretty difficult at this point in the career, but I'm almost there. I keep pushing forward because I've proven to myself that I can handle what I've faced so far, and that gives me the confidence to keep going even when things get tough.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say just do what you can to stand out. Don't be shy about the fact that you're a female and a bunch of dudes in class, but just do what you can to stand out. It's important to be confident in yourself and not let being one of the few women in the room hold you back from making your mark.

Keep Exploring