Major: Architectural Engineering
Class: 2009
What is your current job title/name of the company?
I currently work for exp U.S. Services Inc. (Formerly X-nth Consulting Engineers) as an electrical designer in the themed entertainment industry primarily focusing on Walt Disney Parks and resorts projects (California and Florida). I work alongside with people from Walt Disney World (WDW) Architecture and Facilities Engineering (A&FE), WDW Facilities Asset Management (FAM), WDW Engineering Services, and Walt Disney Imagineering (Global).
Has your MSOE education prepared you for the workforce? If so, how?
It is nearly impossible to learn everything about engineering in a 4-5 year time span, however MSOE definitely sets the foundation for future success. Every curriculum is carefully planned by each department with prerequisites to ensure each student fully understands the material before moving on. MSOE is one of a few places where you can know absolutely nothing (about engineering, nursing, business etc.) when you walk in your freshman year and graduate a working professional.
Do you find that employers have a favorable image of MSOE graduates?
Absolutely, especially here at exp. a large number of graduates from MSOE work here now. I ran into an architect from A&FE who is from Wisconsin and noticed my MSOE lanyard and bag that I always carry around to meetings. One day after a project meeting at one of the theme parks, I walked by his office he stopped me and said, "Hey Jeff, you went to MSOE?" and I responded "Yeah I did". We instantly hit it off and he ended the conversation with "now I know my drawings (construction documents) are going to be perfect" in front of other people not familiar with MSOE. That speaks volumes about MSOE's reputation. As a side note, he attended a nearby university and graduated with his bachelor's and master's in architecture but considered going into the architectural engineering program to specialize in structural engineering at MSOE.
What advice do you have for current or prospective MSOE students?
The best advice I have to give to is to make sure your time here is meaningful. You can spend 4 to 5 years at MSOE and get nothing out of it, but you can create depth in your college experience by making the most of it. This can be done by being proactive in your studies, professional organizations, volunteering or any extracurricular activities to name a few ideas.
What are your tips for success?
Here's my list:
- Smile.
- Take the initiative.
- Allow yourself to succeed, fail and everything in between.
- Ask for help when you need it. Reach out to others in need.
- Continue to practice your talent(s) other than your profession or career.
- Respect, Appreciate and Value Everyone.