| Job Title: | Engineering Account Manager, P.Eng |
| Employer: | Detechtion Technologies |
| Grad Year: | 2011 |
| Degree(s): | B. Eng. (Aerospace) |
| Major(s): | Aerospace Engineering |
| Expertise: | Engineering |
| Industry: | Engineering |
What makes you a good mentor?
I have been mentored! I have learned firsthand that pursuing your goals successfully is a team effort of advisers and mentors and it's truly more about who you know than what you know. Having the opportunity to avoid setbacks by learning from the mistakes and experiences of others has been monumental to not only seeing some major professional growth even during a down economy in Calgary, but also growing into a professional that I can respect when I look in the mirror! While everyone out there is looking for methods to "get rich quick", I've been building relationships with people I consider mentors for different aspects of my life, and through some of my projects, have had the chance to be that positive mentor to someone else. Simply put, I'm passionate to give back and pay it forward!
About Darnell Franco
I am currently performing duties as a mechanical engineer, aiding in the optimization of natural gas compression equipment. I have the pleasure of managing a portfolio of anywhere between 10-15 clients which provides a limitless amount of learning opportunities as producers aim to get natural gas out of the ground all the way to your home where it heats your stove, hot water tanks, and potentially your furnace! Prior to working at Detechtion, I spent some time working at General Dynamics as a Systems Integration Engineer. Since the price of oil fell sharply in 2014, I have been able to successfully remain employed, however I also was able to recognize how uncertain the career path truly is. Seeing colleagues and clients getting laid off was a wake up call, and since 2013, I have been getting more and more involved with entrepreneurial-focused projects with the long-term goal being that I can practice engineering for projects that are the right thing to do, rather than projects that are the most profitable to do.
Outside of that, I enjoy meeting new people, sharing experiences, and exploring where I can be of value! In my spare time, when I’m not enjoying time with the people closest to me such as my wife, parents and close friends, you can find me in the gym trying to stay in shape (key word “trying”), playing basketball, or volleyball, and in the winter, snowboarding at one of the many rocky mountain resorts!