Major: Architectural Engineering and Construction Management
Class: 2010
Hometown: Hubertus, Wis.
Job: Project Engineer with JP Cullen
What was your favorite class? Did you have a favorite professor?
My favorite class was construction methods. It was fun doing the labs for that class. We learned how to frame a wood house, build a masonry wall and assemble steel members.
One of my favorite professors was Professor Wentz. His teaching style is great. His lectures were always entertaining but at the same time he forced us to work hard and learn the material. I have a great deal of respect for him.
What have you liked most about your MSOE experience?
I've enjoyed having the opportunity to experience and be exposed to so much. I've liked being involved with a number of student organizations and the people at MSOE.
Beyond academics, what have you learned at MSOE?
I've learned and have been able to practice things like teamwork, perseverance and, of course, time management.
What activities were you involved in at MSOE?
- Society of Women Engineers
- Mechanical Contractors Association of America
- American Society of Civil Engineers: Concrete Canoe
- Women's Volleyball/Student Athletic Advisory Committee ('05 - '08)
- Orientation Assistant and Peer Mentor
Did you do any volunteer work?
I tried to volunteer as much as possible. In Fall 2008 I spent a week helping with the Possibility Playground project located in Port Washington, Wis. That was a blast and was very rewarding. In the past I've worked at soup kitchens, helped with Special Olympics volleyball, helped the Salvation Army and participated in food drives. I've also been involved with an organization called Wisconsin Leadership Seminars since 2003 where I assisted as a counselor for high school sophomores.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time with friends and family. I love being outside whenever possible. I love water skiing, wakeboarding, camping, biking, canoeing, hiking, snowboarding and ATV riding. I also like photography, art, reading, movies, and I play piano.
What's your favorite memory at MSOE?
My favorite memories from MSOE are the MCAA trips to Orlando, Palm Desert and Scottsdale. Taking second place in the ASCE regional and competing in the national concrete canoe competition in Montreal are also favorite memories.
Do you have advice for students considering MSOE?
If you come to MSOE for engineering, make sure it is really what you want to do. You have to be willing to work really hard and be dedicated to do well here.
How (why) did you choose MSOE? I chose MSOE because the class sizes are small, you start with your major right away your freshman year and it is close to home for me.
Did you have any scholarships or financial aid that was not loans?
I had a few scholarships:
- MSOE Academic Scholarship
- MSOE Endowment Scholarship
- National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Scholarship
- Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Scholarship
- PHCC (Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors) Scholarship
- CMAA Scholarship
- Bruce Horner Memorial (MBA) Scholarship
- General Contractors Association of Greater Milwaukee Scholarship
What did the scholarships do for you?
The scholarships were extremely helpful and have assisted me on the path to accomplishing my goals.
Where are you working? What is your position?
JP Cullen, Project Engineer
Did the MSOE Career Placement Office assist you in any way to find a job?
The career Placement Office was great about keeping me informed. They were great about sending updates about interviews on campus and reminders about positions posted on Career Net.
Given your experience in the workplace, what advice do you have for students?
I suggest participating in more than one internship. An internship is a great opportunity to get involved in your field and participating in more than one can greatly help you decide what type of position you'd like to pursue in starting out your career. It is good to be able to compare different companies and keep your options open.
I also suggest being involved in some type of extra curricular activity. Whether it is a sport, a club, or a professional society, companies like to know that you can be social, interact with others, that you are involved, and can get along in a team.