Heather Eason
SELECT Power Systems
Blacksburg, SC USA
"Don't give up on your dreams just because you haven't seen someone do it. You can be the first."
Career Roadmap
Heather's work combines: Engineering, Environment & Nature, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
BSEE
UNC Charlotte
Graduate Degree
Business Administration and Management
University of Phoenix Charlotte Campus
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Founder, President & CEO:
Bachelor's Degree: BSEE
Graduate Degree: Business Administration and Management
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I found out I was going to have a son when I was 16. My first hurdle was graduating high school.
2.
After high school, college wasn't an option. I had to focus on being the best mom I could be and financially providing for us.
3.
When I was able to start college, I was 21. I took two years of chemical engineering at USC Upstate. When it came time to go to USC to finish my last two years, that wasn't an option for me.
4.
I changed majors to electrical engineering and started the over an hour drive up I-85 to UNC Charlotte. Due to work, family, and changing majors it took me four additional years to graduate.
5.
I worked at the local textile plant, but with NAFTA most locations were closing. I knew this wasn't going to be a stable career path, so I made a change to Space & Naval Warfare Systems.
6.
By this time I was married with four kids and constant travel wasn't an option, so I finally landed in the power industry. My forever career.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You can't start your own engineering firm. There are too many barriers to entry. You needed too much capital and other companies will see you as competition and block your growth. Simply put, it can no longer be done in this industry.
How I responded:
My dog helps me through the good and bad days. We dance to celebrate and cuddle when I need to cry. He has been with me since the first day I opened the company. His unconditional love and support is unwavering. My advice is to get a dog and let him be your encouragement to drown out all of the naysayers.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I grew up in a small town, had my son at 17, and dreamed of being an engineer. Most people thought I was crazy. Don't give up on your dreams just because you haven't seen someone do it. You can be the first.