How Growing Up in an Engineering Household Sparked a Lifelong Career in STEM

For Jasmine Swift, a senior process project engineer at healthcare giant Abbott, the path to a career in engineering wasn’t just a choice—it was a calling shaped by early exposure, relentless curiosity, and a desire to make a tangible impact on the world.

“I grew up in an engineering household, and that shaped my curiosity from a very early age,” Swift shares. Her father, an engineer himself, filled their home with conversations about problem-solving, design, and innovation. “That exposure gave me a general understanding of engineering principles long before college, and it sparked a fascination with how things work.”

Unlike many who see engineering as just another nine-to-five job, Swift regards it as a powerful vehicle for creating solutions that improve lives. “I didn’t just see engineering as a job,” she explains. “It’s a career where curiosity meets impact, and that’s what drew me in.”

What’s the Best Thing About Working in This Field?

For Swift, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the sense of purpose and impact. “Every project I work on contributes to improving health and nutrition for people around the world. That’s a powerful motivator.” She emphasizes that her work isn’t just engineering for the sake of engineering—it’s engineering that changes lives.

She also thrives on the variety and challenge that STEM offers. “STEM is never static. There’s always a new technology, a new problem to solve, or a new way to make processes more efficient and sustainable. It keeps me learning and growing every single day, and that’s something I value immensely.”

The Most Exciting Development in Her Sector

Since starting her career, Swift has witnessed the incredible evolution of automation and data analytics. “When I first started, many processes were still heavily manual, relying on operator experience and traditional controls,” she recalls. Today, smart sensors, predictive modeling, and real-time data are transforming how manufacturing processes are optimized.

“What excites me most is how these technologies don’t just make processes faster—they make them smarter and more sustainable,” Swift says. For example, predictive maintenance can prevent downtime before it happens, and advanced analytics help minimize waste and energy use. “It’s a shift from reactive to proactive, and it’s transforming how we think about manufacturing.”

Overcoming Early Career Challenges

Like many professionals, Swift faced challenges early in her career—particularly around stakeholder alignment. “Engineering solutions aren’t just technical; they involve people, priorities, and timelines,” she explains. She had to learn that success depends as much on communication and collaboration as it does on technical expertise.

“It was a shift in mindset: moving from ‘I need to solve this problem’ to ‘I need to bring everyone along on the journey.'” Over time, she developed skills in active listening, empathy, and clear communication, which have made her a stronger leader and a better engineer.

A Defining Career Moment

One of the toughest challenges Swift faced was leading a project that started small but quickly transformed into a significant strategic initiative for her site. “The scale-up was enormous, and with it came increased visibility, tight timelines, and high expectations,” she recalls.

Managing this transition required her to shift from a technical mindset to a strategic leadership role. “Suddenly, it wasn’t just about engineering solutions but about aligning stakeholders, managing risk, and keeping a diverse team motivated under pressure.” To navigate this, she focused on breaking the work into clear phases, building strong team dynamics, and maintaining transparent communication.

“This experience continues to teach me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of collaboration. It’s a defining chapter in my career that proves growth often comes from stepping into discomfort.”

Making STEM More Accessible and Inclusive

If Swift had the power to change one thing in the STEM sector, it would be to make careers more accessible and inclusive. “When different perspectives come together, we create better solutions and stronger teams,” she says. But change needs to start early.

“Too often, children grow up with a narrow view of what engineering looks like—typically imagining someone in a hard hat on a construction site.” She advocates for schools to actively educate students about the wide range of engineering roles, from process design to data analytics to sustainability. “Showing young people the breadth of opportunities could inspire the next generation of innovators and break down stereotypes that limit potential.”

Personality Traits That Make Her Suited for STEM

Curiosity and adaptability are at the heart of everything Swift does. “Curiosity drives me to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ every single day, whether it’s understanding a process, troubleshooting a problem, or exploring new technologies. It keeps me learning and growing, even when the answers aren’t obvious.”

Adaptability is equally important because STEM is constantly evolving. “Projects change, priorities shift, and unexpected challenges arise. Being able to pivot quickly, stay calm under pressure, and find creative solutions have been critical to my success.”

She also highlights resilience and empathy as key traits. “Resilience helps me push through setbacks without losing sight of the bigger picture, and empathy allows me to connect with people. Engineering isn’t just about machines and data; it’s about collaboration and understanding the human side of every decision.”

Personal Life Influences

Growing up with her father as an engineer gave Swift an early appreciation for problem-solving and innovation. “That exposure gave me a foundation that I’ve built on through college and my career. Having that understanding early in life made technical concepts feel less intimidating and gave me confidence to tackle challenges head-on.”

Over time, she’s strengthened that base with formal education and hands-on experience, but the curiosity and logical thinking she learned at home still guide her every day. “It’s a reminder that our roots often shape the way we lead and create.”

Building Connections in the STEM Community

For Swift, building connections is about being intentional and authentic. She actively seeks out opportunities to engage through professional networks, industry conferences, or internal groups like Women Leaders of Abbott. “These spaces allow me to share ideas and learn from others. The STEM community thrives on collaboration, and every connection is a chance to learn something new or spark innovation.”

Advice for Aspiring STEM Professionals

Swift’s advice to those considering a career in STEM is simple yet powerful: “Be curious and fearless.” Engineering is about solving problems, and the best solutions often come from bold ideas and diverse perspectives. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the ‘simple’ ones, and seek opportunities that stretch you beyond your comfort zone.”

She also emphasizes the importance of clear communication, citing Brené Brown’s insight that “clear is kind.” In STEM, clarity matters—whether you’re explaining a design, managing a project, or leading a team. “Communicate openly, set clear expectations, and don’t shy away from tough conversations. It builds trust and makes collaboration stronger.”

Finally, she reminds aspiring professionals that STEM isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about courage, creativity, and connection. “Build your network, find mentors, and never stop learning. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every failure is a stepping stone toward success.”

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