Dimensions - March/April 2008 - 6

Conversation and Insight On March 15, 2008, eight students from universities around the country participated in Dewberry’s annual business meeting. The group shared their thoughts on future employers in a panel discussion before Dewberry’s senior personnel. The discussion provided insight on what the nation’s newest architects and engineers are looking for as they explore employment opportunities. When asked about her current employment goals, Sherri Cook said she is trying to prepare herself for a career that probably doesn’t yet exist. Cook mentioned that she has a good idea of the field she’d like to pursue and knows of firms that provide these services; however, she’s aware that when she starts her career, after graduate school, the firms and the services they provide will probably have changed or may not exist. Cook also shared that she finds it challenging to determine a career path in such a fast-paced, changing industry. Students Discuss Career Expectations of Future Employers Outlining Expectations The students were also asked what expectations they hold for their future employer. Many of the students commented on an employer’s training and education benefits. One student mentioned that he would like the freedom to focus on projects that hold his interest and to help obtain work; he would not be interested in an environment where he felt pinned down and told what to do. More than one student mentioned that they would work for an employer that holds similar beliefs and goals for society as their own. Wendy Bertani mentioned that with the number of hours she plans to spend at work, the office’s environment is very important. She said that she would like an employer who helps her give back to the community. Deliberating Options Since most of the students had interviewed for internships and full-time positions, the students were asked to share questions they typically ask firms. Many discussed benefits—specifically the work environment’s flexibility and available training—and what kind of work they would be doing. Nina Wilson specified that she always investigates the firm’s mission and how it corresponds to its active projects. Most of the students volunteered that these issues are more important than salary. Entering the Marketplace A final question, which produced the most diverse answers, was what current issues would most affect the students’ careers. Brian Wolfgang commented that he felt owner-based design would greatly impact his future career goals. The current economy was also listed as a concern, as well as an employer’s ability to cross-train its employees. A firm’s ability to change was discussed as significant, and another student felt that sustainable design was paramount. Cook mentioned alternative energy, corresponding technology, and regulations that would most likely push these changes as having the greatest impact on her chosen field. From left: Kevin Ivan Lugo-Nunez , B.S. surveying and topography, University of Puerto Rico, May 2009; Brian Wolfgang, B.S. civil engineering, Penn State, May 2008; Joshua Griffin, M.S. civil engineering, NC State University, May 2008; Sherri Cook, B.S. civil engineering, Virginia Tech, May 2008; Dell Nunaley, director, Human Resources; Cary Lincoln, B.S. geography, University of Mary Washington, May 2008; Nina Wilson, B.A. architecture, The University of Texas at Austin, May 2009; Wendy Bertani, B.A. architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago, May 2008; and Jacobo Flores, B.S. civil and infrastructure engineering, George Mason University, 2010. 6

Dimensions - March/April 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dimensions - March/April 2008