Major: Architectural Engineering
Class: 2010
Hometown: Westchester, Ill.
Type of scholarship(s): MSOE Presidential Scholarship, MSOE Academic Scholarship, SAMMY Milk Mustache Scholarship, MSOE Sorority Scholarship and the ASHRAE Gus Larson Scholarship.
Favorite personality trait: Adventurous and wacky
Favorite food: Pancakes... any time of the day
Family pet: My cat, Greta
Job: Currently, I am working as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Environmental Systems Design (ESD) in downtown Chicago. I design efficient mechanical systems for commercial building projects worldwide. At the moment, I am part of projects in Chicago, Boston, and Dubai. It is a superb entry-level career that MSOE allowed me to attain. While at MSOE, I interned in the college program at Walt Disney World as an operations worker at Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster and also worked in the marketing department as an office assistant.
Did the Career Placement Office assist you in your job search?
I got the job with ESD through on-campus interviews provided by the Career Services Office at MSOE. Career Services sets up the interviews with ESD then they advertised that ESD was coming to campus to interview students. I signed up, interviewed, and they were interested. So after three interviews, I got an offer – and it is all thanks to MSOE Career Services providing the opportunity from the beginning.
What did you like most about your MSOE experience?
I really appreciate how MSOE lets you dive straight into your major. From my first day at MSOE, I began learning about architectural engineering in the classroom, in labs and even from faculty experiences. I deeply appreciate how much the faculty guide you and care about your education and well-being.
Beyond academics, what have you learned at MSOE?
By participating in a number of extracurricular activities, I learned that only by getting involved do you truly develop as a person. There is only so much one can learn from books, but by interacting with others outside the classroom, you learn to innovate, lead, guide and communicate with others.
What's your favorite memory at MSOE?
I'll never forget my first St. Patrick's Week at MSOE. It was fun and crazy-full of activities and competitions which I participated in with my sorority, Lambda Zeta Nu. We made a carnival booth, competed in the indoor engineering olympics, danced on stage at the variety show and cheered on the MSOE sport teams. I even got to run around campus with the St. Patrick's court and dismiss participating classes early.
What have the scholarships done for you?
The scholarships I received have allowed me to meet a variety of people who either share my scholarships or sponsor the scholarships. It truly gives you an appreciation for learning. We are given the great privilege of learning at MSOE which many people cannot receive. Knowing that, I vow to continue to learn and grow as an individual my whole life.
Why did you choose MSOE? Are you happy with your decision?
I chose MSOE because I knew it would prepare me for the engineering world with its experienced staff and hands-on laboratories. Not only did I choose MSOE for the great future it would provide me, but also because it was a place where I could enjoy my college years. It is located in the heart of a city full of activity; however, the school still has a comforting family atmosphere. I love it here, and I am thankful for all the experiences and knowledge MSOE has given me.
Given your experience in the workplace, what advice do you have for students?
Having started working professionally now, my advice to current MSOE students is to pay attention and get a firm educational foundation. It is much easier to grasp concepts and rules of your workplace once you understand the engineering basis of where it is coming from. Moreover, do not be afraid to ask questions. You will never learn without satisfying your curiosity. Finally, develop relationships with your peers and your professors. These are the people that will get you far in your career now and in your future. You need strong professional relationships to climb to the top of the ladder of success.