Over her college summers, Anderson interned at NASA and GE Aviation, where she gained real industry experience that helped her decide what career she was most interested in.
[2] Anderson's interest in math prompted her to pursue a career as an engineer, something she originally believed was a "train driver" during her senior year of high school.
Continuing on at ExxonMobil, she led a team of unit inspectors, process operators, and mechanical and chemical engineers in ensuring the quality and safety of refinery equipment in Beaumont, Texas.
Her leadership involved ensuring the equipment was usable and effectively produced end products like gasoline, waxes, diesel, plastic, and asphalt from crude oil.
Her likeness was among 124 others 3D printed into a life-sized orange statue that traveled the country as a way to inspire and encourage women in the STEM fields.