Walking Boldly: Jonathan Engle
This summer, we鈥檙e following the class of 2017: Calvin graduates who are journeying around the corner and across the globe. Jonathan Engle is working as a systems engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
- 狈补尘别:听Jonathan Engle
- 颁濒补蝉蝉:听2017
- 贬辞尘别迟辞飞苍:听Troy, Michigan
- 惭补箩辞谤(蝉):听Electrical and Computer Engineering
- 惭颈苍辞谤(蝉):听Mathematics
- Next step:聽Systems engineer, Northrop Grumman Corporation
What鈥檚 one thing you would want to tell someone starting his or her journey at Calvin?
Be open! Try new things and get involved in Calvin鈥檚 dynamic community in some way. Have an open mind coming in, and meet as many people from different backgrounds as you can.
What about Calvin specifically prepared you for this next step in your journey?
When I interviewed for engineering positions, companies were drawn to the diversity of experiences that I had as a Calvin student. While at Calvin, I had the fantastic opportunity to study abroad, gain real-world experience at a tier one automotive supplier, and conduct electrical engineering-related research at a prestigious university. This diversity of experiences coupled with a strong technical and liberal arts background really made me stand out from other applicants.
How has your time at Calvin changed you?
I came to college not really knowing what it meant to be an engineer in today鈥檚 technologically-dominated world, let alone a 鈥淐hristian鈥 engineer. Calvin has taught me that being a Christian is more than having a statement of beliefs and going to church every Sunday, or beginning the day with a quick prayer. The most important thing that makes me a Christian engineer is that I take this realization to heart: my degree is not for me.
Calvin also taught me that engineering is much more than a profession. It lets a curious mind see a glimpse of the divine鈥攊n that one can explore how the universe operates at the fundamental level鈥攁nd then put this knowledge and discovery to use for the benefit of others. My faith molds my scientific interest to be rooted in the 鈥榳ho鈥欌攏ot just the 鈥榳hy鈥 or 鈥榟ow.鈥 This is the unique perspective that I learned while at Calvin, and it will forever shape who I am as a lifelong student and engineer.
What is your favorite space on campus, and why?
One of my favorite academic spaces on campus is the basement lobby of DeVries Hall. It was an excellent space to relax between classes鈥攖he space has a scanner/printer, a vending machine and cool lounge chairs. There are also a variety of plants, and it is quiet and flooded with lots of natural light. An excellent space for napping or studying!