Alumni Profile
Blade Wayne
My first exam in college was Chemistry and I bombed it. I immediately thought "No way I can do this". But I had a lot on the line. It was sink or swim right off the bat and the small groups is what made the difference. Even if you're not struggling, the small groups are what could make your B an A."
Where I've Been
Cities
- Nyack, Pittsburgh
- Oneonta, Honolulu
Organizations
- Kiewit Infrastructure
- Nan, Inc.
- US Army Reserves
Positions
- Field Engineer
- Cost Engineer
- Project Engineer
- XO/Platoon Leader (USAR)
What I've Done
What types of work have you performed? What projects have you worked on?
On site construction management and construction estimating for bids. I have worked on the Tappan Zee Bridge project, Homer City AQCS Project (power plant outside of Pittsburgh), Estimating in Oneonta, and currently a Project Engineer in Honolulu.
What have been some favorite aspects of your work?
Long hours and high stress....Just kidding. Becoming familiar with drawings and envisioning the future work being built.
What was one of your most satisfying days as an engineer?
Taking an aspect of the construction project and planning it from cradle to grave. This takes well planned cost management, crew coordination between trades, schedule planning, "QC'ing" your work, and great documentation.
Was it worth it? What has your engineering background made possible for you? What value has it added to your overall life?
Overall, yes. Don't get me wrong, there are cons to my specific field but it's important to understand that all fields with have nuances you don't enjoy. For construction and being a civil engineer it has been a blessing because it is very very easy to land a solid job. Its brought me to Hawaii and I don't think I will ever leave. I couldn't imagine myself living here if you had asked me many years ago in EAS 199.
Why it Matters
What would you say to the first-year students currently sitting in your shoes?
My first exam in college was Chemistry and I bombed it. I immediately thought "No way I can do this". But I had a lot on the line (big scholarships, parents expectation, the fear of being a panini maker my whole life). So it was sink or swim right off the bat and the small groups is what made the difference. Even if you're not struggling, the small groups are what could make your B an A.
It's also an opportunity to meet other engineers and get some practice tutoring and leading. Have fun in college but remember why you're there. Its to setup the rest of your life. Just think if I had quit I may not be surfing, scuba diving, laying on the beach on a weekly basis for the rest of my life.