Mark Reinhart
Section Chief
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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 BA/Physics,
U.S. Naval Academy |
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Manage a section of
20-25 engineers and scientists in the application of
probabilistic risk assessment to the licensing and operation of
commercial nuclear power reactors. |
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Jobs will be all over the world in all facets of nuclear energy
technology.
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Take chemistry courses, physics courses,
engineering courses, etc. but also take broadening courses such
as language, history, etc. It helps to understand and
communicate with people in various cultures.
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Q:
When did you know you wanted to become a Nuclear Engineer?
Reinhart:
My interest started in the 7th or 8th grade when I
attended a presentation by Naval Reactors. The interest grew through
high school a high school physics class and was solidified in college.
Q:
What was your college experience like?
Reinhart:
I attended the U.S. Naval Academy and focused
toward the nuclear power program. I majored in physics with an emphasis
on nuclear. That was as close as was offered.
Q:
Did you co-op while you were an undergrad?
Reinhart:
The Naval Academy was essentially and integrated
co-op.
Q:
How did you get your first job?
Reinhart:
Upon graduation from the Academy, I was assigned
to the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Program.
Q:
What's the most rewarding thing about being a Nuclear Engineer?
Reinhart:
The technology is fascinating as are the people,
domestically and internationally.
Q:
Do you spend a fair amount of time traveling?
Reinhart:
Yes. However, I want to travel. A person could
adjust a career with more or less travel as desired. Personally, half
the education is the interface.
Q:
Do you have a mentor? Or did you in your college years?
Reinhart:
Not really. I developed my own vision and
direction.
Q:
Do you find yourself working more in a team situation, or more alone?
Reinhart:
More in a team situation, but some personal work
also.
Q:
Do you find you are able to balance work with social/family life while
working in your current job?
Reinhart:
Yes! But I have to be careful to not get
unbalanced. Also, I have to adjust to changing circumstances.
Q:
If you had to do it all over again, would you still become a Nuclear
Engineer?
Reinhart:
Yes. There are things I would have done
differently, but that is probably the case along every path.
Q:
Did you think that school prepared you for the way the work gets done in
the real world?
Reinhart:
Not really. School tended to emphasize precise
answers to questions. Actually, there is a spectrum of circumstances,
assumptions, and uncertainties to deal with, professionally, personally,
as well as technically.
Q:
Where do you see jobs for Nuclear Engineers in the future? What should
students be doing to prepare themselves to take on those roles?
Reinhart:
Jobs will be all over the world in all facets of
nuclear energy technology. Take chemistry courses, physics courses,
engineering courses, etc. but also take broadening courses such as
language, history, etc. It helps to understand and communicate with
people in various cultures. They contribute!
Q:
What other advice do you have for students?
Reinhart:
Life is full of "ups and downs." The "ups" take
care of themselves. It's how you handle the "downs" that count.
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