ENGINEERING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER: An Interview with Quade Nelson, Guernsey Electrical Engineer

Quade Nelson’s path into engineering might have seemed predestined, considering his family’s background in the field. But it was the fascinating world of electrons and power that truly sparked his passion for electrical engineering. Now, as Quade prepares for his Principal in Engineering Exam, his message to aspiring engineers is straightforward: Embrace diversity in experience, explore different paths, and carve out your own journey because when it comes to ENGINEERING OUR FUTURE, collaboration is key.

GUERNSEY: WHY DID YOU GET INTO ENGINEERING?
Nelson: My grandfather was a mechanical engineer, and my dad works as a petroleum engineer. So naturally, I felt drawn to follow in their footsteps. Initially, I pursued petroleum engineering, but I didn’t find it as captivating as I had hoped. Then, I stumbled upon electrical engineering, and I was hooked. There’s something fascinating about the invisible forces at play, like the movement of electrons generating power. It’s a concept that really intrigued me and drew me in.

GUERNSEY: YOU BEGAN AT GUERNSEY IN A DIFFERENT GROUP AND MOVED INTO DESIGN. DESCRIBE THAT JOURNEY?
Nelson: I started my journey at Guernsey in the Energy & Utility Services group in 2022. My role involved traveling to various military bases around the country to assess electrical equipment - its condition, age, and compiling asset lists. This experience was incredibly valuable as it gave me a hands-on understanding of equipment functionality, which you can’t’ fully grasp through theory alone. When the opportunity arose to transition into the design group, I was well-prepared with insights into system configurations. Moving from higher voltage to lower voltage design projects felt like a natural progression, and looking back, it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

GUERNSEY: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO NON-ENGINEERS?
Nelson: To put it simply, I design the electrical systems for commercial buildings. For instance, I determine where the lighting, outlets, and power sources will be placed. This involves ensuring we have enough power, selecting the appropriate size of conductors and switches, and orchestrating how power flows from one point to another while ensuring it all looks aesthetically pleasing with the lighting design.

GUERNSEY: WHY ARE ENGINEERS SO IMPORTANT IN OUR SOCIETY?
Nelson: Engineers play a crucial role because we’re the ones who build things. Consider the computer you’re using to type and the screen you’re reading from – that’s all made possible by electrical engineers. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, once emphasized that engineering, "is the closest thing to magic that exists in this world."

GUERNSEY: WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO FUTURE ENGINEERS?
Nelson: My advice is straightforward – get as much hands-on experience as possible to help you narrow down your focus in the field. Explore various branches of engineering to figure out what you enjoy the most, and then you can specialize later. It’s all about gaining practical knowledge and finding your passion within the diverse world of engineering.