Interview Project- Part 2

Qingfen Li
Interview Project: Part 2
Communication 1010
07/07/2014
Interview Analysis Memo
DATE: JULY 07, 2014
TO: Professor Martin W Nabhan
FROM: Qingfen Li
SUBJECT: Interview Analysis Memo, COMM 1010
It was my honor to have such a great opportunity to interview Cory D. Greenwell, a
Mechanical Engineer, who works at Olsen & Peterson Consulting Engineers, Inc. at Salt
Lake City. I have heard about Mr. Greenwell few years ago. One of my professors suggested
me to interview Mr. Greenwell, so I contacted his office and made a request to meet him. I
really felt lucky to have such a wonderful meeting with him.
I will finish my major requirements and gain my AS degree at next Spring. I want to be a
Mechanical Engineer in the future. In order to correct the information about the Mechanical
field, I decided to interview a Mechanical Engineer. And Cory D. Greenwell is an
outstanding mechanical engineer who has over 30 years mechanical experiences.
During the interview I found out that my interviewee is an excellent engineer who had lots
of experiences which includes engineering design, industrial and institutional projects
including HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and various industrial piping and ventilation
systems. In addition, Mr. Greenwell belongs to the American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers and the American Society of Plumbing
Engineers. I became curious and excited, because I really wanted to know more about his
educational and workplace experiences. I think that can be so useful for preparation of my
future career.
This memo summarizes the helpful advice I have collected and analyzed what I have
learned form conducting the interview.
Summary of Lessons Learned
Getting Started in the Mechanical Field
I learned that the Mechanical Engineer is an extremely experienced position for all
employees, and it requires much passion and enthusiasm, as well as education. Most of
students are aware that they need an education to make it; therefore, many are choosing to
get a higher degree rather than working experiences. However, before you take those
technical classes, it is better to choose the field you are pursuing at. There are lots of
differences between mechanical and industries.
I learned after talking with Mr. Greenwell, as well as other mechanical designers at his
workplace, that it would be wiser to attend Salt Lake Community Colleges Mechanical
Engineering program. Many engineers agreed that pursuing a higher degree can really
helps for my career, and Weber State University is a good choice.
Mr. Greenwell shared his educational experience during studying at University of Utah with
me. He thought that its necessary to take care of mathematics during schooling, because he
had met lots of drafters who cannot handle with mathematics and faced troubles. Before he
graduated from U of U, he went to companies in order to gain more fieldworks. Then he had
a chance to work in the mechanical engineering design field with Mark L. Bryner &
Associates in September 1974 which had made him felt fortunate.
Personal Experience
Mr. Greenwell spoke lot about his enthusiasm to design his projects, and he had deeply
interested and loves his job. He found himself interested at Mechanical field since high
school. He never thought about changing his major and interest. I think that is the reason of
his successful career. Do what you like, go for it. It is Mr. Greenwells valuable saying.
Mr. Greenwell told me that there is no exact working schedule for Mechanical Engineers,
only a deadline for projects. Mostly, he needs to work with his team during the night and
weekends. Though his working schedule is so busy, but he still feels happy and excited. He
told me that make a 3D image in your brain and then transform into 2D is an amazing thing.
Looking at the structures he has created which means dream came true!
I do believe that my dream will come in the future too.
There is a rigorous working system at Mr. Greenwells company. Everyone works on their
own field. When there is a disagreement, Greenwell will make a list that shows all the
requirements and benefits on a piece of paper. It is clear and understandable which makes
everyone comes to the same agreement. I definitely agree with his solution of dealing with
disagreements. Greenwell encouraged me to moving forward and dont be afraid of the
workplace. There are lots of women joining this field. I am so pleased to hear about this
good news.
At the end of the interview, Mr. Greenwell recommends me to interview his business
partner- Jeffrey M. Seare to me, who also has great experience at Mechanical field. Mr. Seare
is a Principal and President of Olsen & Peterson Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Interview Analysis
This interview gives me a chance to get a touch on my interested career field and provides
some ideas about the future preparations, also taught me a lot about how to conduct an
great interview.
Analysis of Mechanical Engineer as my Career Choice
From this interview, I realized that I have chosen the correct career, so I am happy. I felt
nervous before I do this assignment and go to interview someone unfamiliar, however, I
got lots of valuable information that I havent known before. Thank you for this challenge
that I have gotten know more about me and my future career.
By following Mr. Greenwells advices, I will be more responsible for my schooling and try to
gain more work experiences before graduate form Salt Lake Community College.
For this interview I outline my questions on a piece of paper and marked down some smile
face on it. This helped me stay topic and feel more comfortable. Mr. Greenwell was a kindly
person and he really pointed out the information I need for this assignment. In the future
interview, I think I will take notes and write down my questions on cue-cards.
I felt a little unexpected silence after I asked questions; I thought that might be my sentence
structure was not so clear. Luckily, at the end of the interview, I felt relax and delighted. I
really appreciated his help. It was a useful and unforgettable assignment that will provide
me a chance to know more about my career path.