She’s a problem solver
I became an engineer because I enjoy problem solving.��Being a member of a team that effectively works together to troubleshoot and resolve a problem is very rewarding to me, and whether you are an industry expert or an engineer fresh out of college, your ideas and perspective are valuable.

She began her engineering career as an environmental engineer
As an environmental engineer, I was responsible for remediating sites that were contaminated by gasoline from leaking underground storage tanks. It was a very rewarding position because I truly felt like I was making a positive impact for the environment.

Being a nuke runs in the family
Both Williams and her husband work in nuclear power – he’s actually the reason why she became interested in the industry. He works in the safety analysis group at Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, about 40 miles south of Palisades.

Engineers are vital to the nuclear industry
Engineers play a vital role to the safe, secure and efficient operation of a nuclear power plant. We wear many different hats and have numerous responsibilities that include plant design, procurement, nuclear oversight, system monitoring and trending. We also provide technical expertise to resolve plant issues.��

His father inspired him to become an engineer
From a young age, I enjoyed classes that focused on science, technology, engineering and math. I continued my STEM education in high school and wanted to explore STEM-related opportunities in college.��After considering my options, my father is who inspired me to focus on engineering. He is an engineer as well, and discussions about his professional experiences peaked my interest in the engineering field. ����

The support of coworkers is imperative as an engineer
I began my engineering career at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. The first few months were a bit overwhelming – there’s so much to learn – but my coworkers we’re very supportive. They answered any questions I had and allowed me to gain confidence in my new field. Now I am the one providing support to newly hired engineers. It’s important to understand that we’re all a team – and it’s our responsibility to help one another when we need it.

Engineers are technical experts at nuclear plants
Engineering is the technical authority in the organization.��Improvements are continually made and engineering reviews the documentation associated with those improvements to ensure that every aspect is technically sound so the plant runs safely, securely and reliably.

Being a nuclear engineer offers unique experiences
I have several reasons why I love my job – one is the people I work with. As I stated earlier, Grand Gulf employees are willing to help each other out, and that makes a huge difference in our day to day responsibilities.�� Also, I really enjoy seeing the inside of the plant during refueling outages.��Within my first year here, I was able to witness and help with some major work during an extended power uprate and refueling outage that allowed Grand Gulf to become one of the largest single units in the United States. It’s definitely a unique experience being a nuclear engineer

High school physics class inspired her to be an engineer
Both of my parents have science/math-related careers and I have always considered following in their footsteps. But if I had to pinpoint my first attraction to engineering, it would be Mr. Collins’ physics class. I think a big factor was that Mr. Collins was a great teacher. He helped begin my attraction to the idea of designing a solution to a problem and using math to solve it.

Civil engineering runs in her family
When I made the decision to major in civil engineering, my mom mentioned that both my grandfather and great grandfather were civil engineers – I had no idea! I now have their old slide rulers and notebooks.

Her internship was eye-opening and empowering
I interned with the Shaw Group (now CB&I) for two and a half years while in college in Baton Rouge. It was a great experience – it completely opened my eyes to the professional life of an engineer. I not only got a better understanding of the business side of engineering, but I also had the opportunity to work with a number of female engineers. There weren’t many girls in my classes so it was really empowering to work with such successful and respected women.

Her role as an engineer is diverse
My career at Waterford 3 has been a completely different experience, though just as good. A career in the nuclear industry is unlike any other. Looking back, it is shocking how much I have learned in the past three years; not only about the nuclear industry but also about how diverse my role as an engineer can be. I have had great mentors and coworkers who have passed their knowledge on to me and have kept me enthusiastic about my career. I have definitely learned to be ready for anything. ��

Engineering in the nuclear industry is about teamwork
Engineering is vital to nuclear power. Whether its civil, mechanical, electrical, reactor or chemical engineering, the plant could not run without one of them. It is also important to have a good understanding of each engineering field and each plant system. When there is a component failure or something goes wrong, we all work together to figure out the cause and the best solution. We’re a team.

The best part about her job
I love seeing final results. I’m working on a project right now that is supposed to solve a big plant issue and it is near completion. It’s almost unsettling how excited I am to see the final results and report back that the project worked.

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Each day this week, an Entergy engineer will share a glimpse into their profession and why they love what they do.

You can help us celebrate National Engineers Week by sharing these stories on your social channels to help raise awareness and promote recognition of the field to encourage a diverse and vigorous workforce among future engineers.

Our first employee spotlight is Yolanda Mitchell.
She is an engineering fix it now engineer with James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant. She’s been an engineer for two and a half years and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s College of Engineering. She resides in central New York with her husband and children.��

Why she became an engineer
I became an engineer because of my uncle. He was the smartest, most creative individual I knew – and he was also an engineer.�� I’ve stayed engaged in engineering because it is an ever changing field that never becomes static. As engineers, we have great opportunities to impact our world through change and innovation. One of my favorite engineering quotes from Theodore Von Karman sums it up best: “Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been.”

She began her career at Entergy
My career began at FitzPatrick as a design engineer. I was responsible for designing and implementing modifications to the plant as needed.

She takes her role seriously
Nuclear power is made through a series of structures, systems and components. Engineers are responsible for overseeing these SSC’s in various capacities.

Design engineers carefully design and implement plant modifications or installations based on SSC parameters and design and licensing bases to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.

System engineers maintain and oversee SSC health and safe operation through system walk downs, preventative maintenance and other tasks.

The best part about her job
The best part of my job is the opportunity to continue to grow and learn from new encounters and experiences. I also work with a great team of individuals.