On Tuesday September 24th, the 3rd and 4th grade ALPS students participated in a video-conference with Mr. Travis Burchett, an employee of Albany Engines and Composites. Mr. Burchett spent most of his career to date working as an engineer for Aerospace and Spirit (Boeing) working in general dynamics and research and development. He currently works with Albany on the business side, using his experience as an engineer to sell resins and composites while consulting with companies on whether or not projects are viable. We spoke to Mr. Burchett because students have been working on a unit on careers and personal interests, and this gave them the opportunity to learn about the field of engineering from an expert. Students generated questions prior to the event and also practiced interviewing others about careers and education. Mr. Burchett discussed many parts of his experience, including his time on the F-22 project and creating a fan case that cost $8,000,000 to develop. He spoke with pride about his contributions to creating a space shuttle during an internship at the age of 19 years old. Mr. Burchett explained to students that often times in research and development, you fail far more often than you succeed; the important part is to be creative and to learn from your mistakes. He advised them to experience as much as they can while trying to decide on a career. When our students asked him about what success means in his career, he explained, “Success for me, meant finding a place in this industry that I love that also allows me to be home with my family.”
- Clint Spencer