Career Transformations

Originally, I came from a science background with a BS in Human Biology from Michigan State University. A couple years had passed with little to no luck in the medical/ pharmaceutical industry, so I decided to go back to school.

I started Wayne State University’s Civil Engineering Program in Winter 2020. Being eager to gain industry experience early, I was looking for an internship with a civil firm after my first semester. I talked to AEW at Wayne State’s career fair. They gave me an opportunity to intern with them and I took it.

Funny Story, Sydney Kanan, my current supervisor, was the one who recruited me at Wayne State’s career fair! Sue was also there!

Nervous but excited, I really wanted to do well. I had originally come from a science background, so working for a company based in an entirely different industry was a bit unnerving. However, I had worked several construction jobs prior while in school, and having started at AEW in the field, it was a fairly smooth transition.

When I started my goal was to become a licensed professional civil engineer. That hasn’t changed. I will be starting my PE exam prep soon, with the hope of passing sometime next year.

Learn your programs! I was amazed by the lack of CAD training opportunities while I was in school. Having a thorough understanding of AutoCAD and all its functionalities is so important in this industry, especially if you have any desire of being a designer.

There is a push more and more towards paperless engineering. Being able to use CAD programs, 3d modeling software, Microsoft Office, document editors, etc. will all make you a much more effective engineer. Learn it early to give yourself an edge!

For me, probably earning my full-time position at AEW or passing my Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.