CE Roundtable: What Has Students Excited About Starting CE Careers?

Each month, the ASCE News Civil Engineering Roundtable showcases insights on important industry topics from a cross-section of ASCE members.

With spring graduation approaching on college campuses worldwide, we thought it would be a good time to check in with some of the most promising students – the ASCE 2018 New Faces of Civil Engineering college edition – to ask:

What are you most looking forward to as you enter the civil engineering profession?

Amos Chan

University of Toronto

“I’m looking forward to learning from civil engineering experts as well as other professions with which we collaborate.‎ I’m also excited to see how new technology can be leveraged to improve project delivery, and ‎for smarter buildings and infrastructure.”

Danielle Berman

Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University

“I’d have to say the thing I’m most excited about as I enter the civil engineering profession is getting to work on projects in my community and actually seeing completed projects that I’ve worked on.

“When I was visiting one of my mentors from my first years in college, she pointed out to me all of the buildings that she worked on the design for, and it got me incredibly excited for the day when I can point out my own projects to other people.

“I think an especially cool thing about transportation projects is that many times I’ll get to see a project from start to finish, as opposed to just working on a small piece. I don’t think that’s something all engineering graduates can say.”

Ian McKane

Rowan University

“I am most looking forward to all of the opportunities that are available in the civil engineering profession. I am looking forward to continuing my education and pursuing a master’s degree, which will make me more adept at making a difference in our world.

“After being very involved with Rowan University’s ASCE Student Chapter, I am looking forward to being involved with ASCE as a professional.”

Kofi Afriyie

Morgan State University

“The main reason I decided to pursue a civil engineering degree is to use infrastructure to solve the many problems we have in our communities. I am especially looking forward to learning about the diverse techniques and technologies out there that can make it possible to bring basic amenities to low-income communities at a faster and cheaper rate – without degrading the environment.”

Sarah Jakositz

University of New Hampshire

“As I enter the civil engineering profession, I am looking forward to being challenged. Classwork teaches you how to perform in cookie-cutter scenarios, as it is nearly impossible for even the best professors to mimic the many unforeseen obstacles you’re bound to face in practice. I’ve done well in school, but now I’m looking forward to seeing how my potential can grow once I’m free of the University’s sheltered walls.”

Audrey Gozali

Santa Clara University

“I’m most looking forward to making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of community members. I grew up wanting to be a doctor in order to serve others, but I’m glad I chose to become a civil engineer because we save so many lives by ensuring safety throughout our communities. I’m excited to use my skills to make our world a safer and more sustainable place.”

Upgrading from ASCE Student to Associate Member is easy – and free.