Life is full of demands on our time. Balancing professional ambition with personal and family time often feels like an unsolvable math problem. While each of us search for our own answer, Melanie Hock is creating hers. Like a true engineer, Melanie finds an innovative solution through taking on part-time engineering work while raising her young children.

Melanie Hock is a 2014 graduate of Purdue University’s Environmental and Ecological Engineering program and a professional engineer (P.E.). She currently works with Contour Land Group as a Project Manager. This site civil engineering firm, based in Indianapolis, designs commercial, industrial, and residential developments. Melanie has focused on solid waste management. Recently, she was part of a project that designed affordable senior housing.

“Being an engineer has given me the skills to contribute to causes that I care about abroad and in my community,” Melanie shares.

When Melanie isn’t working, she spends time with her family.

“My mom is my inspiration. She took time away from her career to raise my siblings and me. While I was at Purdue, she went back to school to get her PhD in Audiology. Her willingness to sacrifice for the sake of family, and her drive to work hard to be an unconventional student after years of being out of the workforce have inspired me,” she explains.

Following her mother’s example, Melanie sought out a part time position that allows her to be home with her kids while they're little, while also keeping a foot in the engineering industry. Growing her project management skills and taking on new projects and clients in this position is moving Melanie towards her professional goals. One of her goals is to be a mentor for future engineers.

“I aspire to be an encouraging mentor to younger engineers - I struggled as a young engineer with feeling intimidated by how much I had to learn. There were several more experienced engineers who took time to slow down and mentor me, and I aspire to be that person for others,” she says.

Working together and mentoring are just some of the qualities Melanie harnesses as an engineer. She also values her deep desire and willingness to learn and the drive to keep seeking solutions.

When asked what she would say to a woman considering engineering, Melanie replied: “Be confident! Your work will speak for you, and if you are diligent and care about the work you produce, you will become a valuable asset to any team. I would also encourage women who want to work and have a family to advocate for themselves! You can certainly do both, even if it looks different than the typical 40-hour 9am to 5pm set up. It has been incredibly fulfilling for me!”

Life is full of demands on our time. Melanie Hock, however, has engineered a path that allows her to excel both professionally and personally. Though atypical, her experiences show to the power of innovative solutions in professional or personal situations.  She reminds us that we each can design a life that’s best for us, our children, and the future.