Inspired by her father and grandfather, Alex Reid ’15 knew she wanted to become an engineer from an early age. Now a Texas A&M University electrical engineering graduate and a project execution engineer III at Williams Companies in Houston, Reid has fostered a love for mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Before assuming her role as a mentor, Reid embarked on her academic journey. During high school, Reid remained steadfast in her pursuit of engineering, but she was unsure where she would attend college. After visiting Aggieland and touring Texas A&M, she immediately fell in love with the campus and knew she would call it home.
Reid grew to love Texas A&M’s traditions. People come to College Station from different backgrounds and experiences, but they are united by the traditions that formed the core of being an Aggie.
“We’re in a place with people from all over the world, but we’re having this shared experience of being students and sharing all these traditions,” said Reid.
Reid recalls working on her senior design project with her team until midnight and then heading over to Kyle Field to stand with fellow Aggies at Midnight Yell. Once they wrapped up their yells, their night would continue in the labs.
Reid enjoys coming back to Aggieland and connecting with the next generation of engineers. Returning to campus reminds her of why Texas A&M holds such a special place in her heart. While walking through the halls of the Zachry Engineering Education Complex, it is easy for her to see the impact of furthering education.
We’re in a place with people from all over the world, but we’re having this shared experience of being students and sharing all these traditions.
Mentee to Mentor
Surrounded by mentors throughout her life, Reid reflects on her earliest mentor, her mother, particularly since Reid is navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood with her own one-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Reid applies what she learned from her mother to help serve others, both personally and professionally.
In her role at Williams, Reid continues to benefit from mentorship, with two mentors supporting her in two distinct areas: one focuses on enhancing her technical skills for her engineering career, while the other aids in honing her leadership abilities, which is crucial in her current phase of life.
Initially hesitant to apply for the leadership position within the Women of Williams Employee Resource Group, Reid's perspective shifted when one of her mentors encouraged her to pursue the opportunity. Without this crucial support, she might never have taken the leap.
Reid acknowledges the common struggles faced by young professionals, including hesitancy and self-doubt. She emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth.
“When you are a young engineer or young professional there's a lot of hesitation and self-doubt and I know I used to be really afraid to make mistakes,” Reid said. “But mistakes are how we learn and how we grow.”
Beyond her role at Williams, Reid extends her mentorship to college students navigating the transition into professional careers. She frequently visits College Station, sharing insights with Aggie engineers and student organizations on navigating this transition and the impact Williams has had on her career.
Learning Through Others
Talking to a mentor often leaves one feeling inspired and motivated. One key lesson Reid emphasizes, drawn from her own experiences at Texas A&M, is the importance of learning agility. Both in academic and professional settings, individuals encounter unfamiliar tasks; embracing agility entails embracing uncertainties. By overcoming fears and dissecting mistakes, one can foster personal and professional growth.
Reid has approached her leadership and mentoring roles by prioritizing active listening. Establishing an environment where individuals can freely exchange ideas and insights has empowered fellow women of Williams to flourish. Reid's approachability and compassion have been instrumental in cultivating this supportive community.
As she pays it forward by mentoring college students and connecting with Aggie engineers, Reid advocates for a culture of support and empowerment. One piece of advice Reid offers is to stop, listen and support those around us to facilitate growth and success within ourselves and others.
If you are interested in learning more about Alex Reid, please click here. Williams will be at the upcoming career fair in the fall and is looking for interns for summer 2025.