Dear Mr. Pelger: I came across your website while searching for different construction resources and I was impressed by your attitude and drive to be your best to serve others. God has surely blessed your endeavors, and it’s cool to see.

I graduated in ’06 with a BSCE and spent two years doing site development design work, and now am a project manager for a large grocery chain, building and remodeling stores. It’s a challenging job and I am thankful for the opportunity to go to work each day and be involved in people’s lives.

I don’t really have a “mentor” type person in the engineering field, probably because I don’t feel I’ve met someone worth following. Most seem more interested in themselves than others. You seem like a good person to ask for a little career advice, so I thought I’d send an email.

I don’t really see myself staying with this job for a long period of time, mostly because it is too “corporate.” Often it seems binding. I suppose I feel as though I am working hard, but for a company that is more focused on making money than bettering people’s lives. I’m planning to take the PE exam in 2011. After working a job with a lot of design, then working a job with no design and a lot of project management, I have found that I would enjoy a combination of both. I love to manage, but want a place where I can really learn the “ins and outs” of what I am managing, not just the corporate policies. I have also thought of getting into teaching, possibly at an engineering technology program. I do a lot of Bible teaching and have found that I really enjoy it. I’d appreciate any feedback or career advice you may have. A Young Engineer

Dear Young Engineer: Thanks for the kind words. I do feel blessed and try to pass on to others whatever I can.