Electrical and Computer Engineer
Engineer: Dimitrios Pantazis -- Interviewer: Helen Lazaris
What do you do?
I work as an engineer in a manufacturing company that produces electrical test benches for automobile service stations. My main focus is the design and management of these benches, from designing the mechanical (structural) part of the bench, the wiring and hydraulics layout, as well as the software pseudo-code for the interface.
What type of company do you work for?
I work for Carbon Zapp, a leading manufacturer in Automotive Injection Service Equipment and Tools. We operate in more than 80 countries in the world and our headquarters is in Athens, Greece.
What is the best part of your job?
Having successfully completed a project! Also, having found new ways in doing this efficiently.
What are the challenges of being an engineer?
Improving the standard method of performing the task, reducing the total cost of the bench or optimizing the production process. Further, the main challenge is meeting customer requirements in the most effective way.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Numbers and drawing is what I have to deal with everyday; Spear-fishing in the sea is what makes my mind escape this plethora of information and provides me with more thoughts and energy to become more productive at what I do. In addition, I am a proud father of twin 2-year old's (Billy and Eliana) and most of my free time goes into them!
Where did you go to college? What college degree did you earn?
I completed my Bachelors and Masters at SIUC in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
7. What classes would you recommend that I take in high school if I wish to pursue an engineering degree?
Math and Physics are the main courses you need as an engineer, although it depends more on what type of engineer you want to become. My personal opinion is that to become an engineer, as with other professions, is something that is more related to the perspective you have for the cosmos and the things you do in your free time; just as an example, what would you rather do on a Sunday morning, repair a broken bicycle or organize a field trip?
How would you implement the interview activity in your classroom?
I believe it is important for students to make a personal connection to this project. Therefore, I would have them network through family and friends to find an engineer to interview. If the student is still unable, I would provide contacts. I could reach out to local businesses. I would encourage students to Skype or Google Hangout to conduct the interview. Rather than a poster, I would have students present through a program such as Prezi or Smore.