Candace Petrie’s motto is “never stop learning.” She carries that with her while working at I&M as a Distribution Project Coordinator in Fort Wayne and as a mother to seven children.

In this month’s “Powering through Parenthood” feature, Petrie explains why it’s important for her to introduce career opportunities available to her children focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

How long have you been at I&M and in what roles?

I have been with the company for 8 years. Much of my focus has been on Underground Network Engineering in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Elkhart and Muncie. I recently have been working on special projects which includes Scoping Distribution related projects in all districts.

Tell us about your family!

My family is a large family of nine! My husband, Steve, and I married in 2020 and welcomed a baby girl between the two of us in 2021. She is the anchor of our mixed family with me bringing four kids to the mix and two from my husband. We are always on the go and keeping busy with various activities from cross country to soccer.

How does I&M help you be a successful caretaker?

I&M has always been flexible with understanding that family comes first and allows an excellent work-life balance. The family-like environment of work allows me to decrease the stress that I may otherwise bring home.

What have you learned at I&M that you take home with you?

There should always be an emphasis on STEM learning. My 15-year-old has recently started a pilot program at his school where kids get into a learning path that is more career-focused starting their freshman year. I have been able to express how to strategize what careers are important with the expansive knowledge I’ve been able to gain from distinct roles I’ve worked.

I have also participated in Junior Achievement for my kid’s classrooms which has allowed me to get the word out that women in engineering is a growing field of work, and it’s been well received.

I also believe you should never stop learning something new. I&M’s LinkedIn Learnings are valuable tools to develop your knowledge and be open to learn from other groups. Take time to know other’s roles within the company so you can see where you fit into the overall company’s objective. 

Do you have advice for fellow caretakers?

One thing I am working to perfect is not letting the little things get to me. I do not think it is necessary to let negativity ruin my day, but instead learn and grow from the opportunities that life presents.

What is your favorite family activity?

I can’t narrow this down because of the massive age ranges of our kids! We usually do grouped activities. Some of my kids like to play video games with us, while others like to play board games and some like to play soccer. We try to spread the love as much as possible with the various interests.