CCEE student ambassadors help guide the path of prospective students

Front (left to right): Ting Ting Lin, Courtney Fry, Cecilia Sanchez, Andres Aguilar-Alvarez.  Back (left to right): Isaiah Coleman, Brayan Esquivel, Lillie Williams, Ethan Steadman. Not pictured: Elizabeth Michelle Bates, Kaitlyn Zych.

 

When prospective students are considering applying to CCEE, they can be plagued with many questions as they try to differentiate NC State’s program from others. They may wonder what makes the department special, what programs are available for new students and how can they get involved on such a big campus?

That’s where the CCEE undergraduate ambassadors step in. This year’s ten carefully selected ambassadors come from diverse backgrounds and areas of study within the department and bring their different perspectives to the table to help guide potential students.

A student ambassador’s role is to be a representative of the department while maintaining a wide range of responsibilities including outreach, recruitment events and providing a student perspective while giving tours to potential students and visitors. 

“Student ambassadors are chosen based on their ability to speak confidently and knowledgeably about opportunities within the department,” said program advisor Dr. Rudolf Seracino. “They should be enthusiastic about representing the department and engaging with prospective students, and committed to actively participating in the program.” 

A few of CCEE’s student ambassadors weighed in on why they chose NC State’s program, their campus and department involvement, and plans for the future. Answers are edited for clarity and brevity.

 

Andres Aguilar-Alvarez, Senior, Civil Engineering

Why did you choose NC State? 

I chose NC State because the CCEE department is among the best in the nation. I like how supportive the department is in helping students look for internships, jobs and research opportunities.

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? 

I am currently involved in the American Concrete Institute student chapter. This semester, I also became involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

What has been your favorite class at NC State? 

My favorite class so far has been Reinforced Concrete Design, which I took with Dr. Rudi Seracino. It was interesting to learn about the design that goes into concrete.

What is your favorite part of Fitts-Woolard Hall? 

My favorite place is the computer lab; it’s a place I can really focus and get work done.

What are your plans after graduation? 

I’m really interested in pursuing my master’s, so it’s between going straight into the work industry or going for my master’s.

 

Elizabeth Michelle Bates, Senior, Environmental Engineering 

Why did you choose NC State? 

I choose NC State for the opportunities being a part of the Wolfpack provides. Earning an engineering degree from NC State’s ABET accredited program opens the door for several opportunities before and after graduation. 

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? 

I work as a Student Team Lead on the Engineering Career Fair Team and have leadership positions in the NC State Air and Waste Management Association and Global WaSH chapters. 

What has been your favorite class at NC State?

My favorite class at NC State has to be either CE 383 Hydrology and Urban Water Systems or CE 488 Water Resources Engineering. I have been able to directly apply what I learned in class to my internship. 

What is your favorite part of Fitts-Woolard Hall?

My favorite part of Fitts-Woolard Hall is the Environmental Engineering Teaching Lab. It provides a space for hands-on experiments to learn more about processes discussed in class. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan on joining the workforce as a water resources engineer and start working toward becoming a professional engineer. After a few years, I plan to return to academia and earn a master’s degree in business or economics. 

 

Ethan Steadman, Junior, Construction Engineering

Why did you choose NC State? 

I chose to attend NC State because it offers students a strong sense of community and opportunities to pursue their interests. 

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? 

I enjoy playing intramural sports through NC State’s Wellness and Recreation Center.

What has been your favorite class at NC State?

My favorite class I have taken thus far is CE 263 – Introduction to Construction Engineering. This class taught me important and practical information necessary to pursue a career in construction.

What is your favorite part of Fitts-Woolard Hall?

My favorite part about Fitts-Woolard Hall is the study lounges. I like using these spaces to complete school work and meet up with friends in between classes.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on working for a general contracting company in the Triangle area after graduation.

 

Lillie Williams, Junior, Civil Engineering

Why did you choose NC State? 

Throughout high school, NC State was always one of my top choices due to its reputable engineering program. After touring the school and getting a feel for the atmosphere, I felt it would be the best fit for me both personally and academically. I talked to several alumni who all spoke very highly of their experience at NC State and felt that an NC State education would provide me with the opportunities necessary for a successful future. 

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? 

I am a part of the Goodnight Scholars Program, and I am involved in CRU ministries.

What has been your favorite class at NC State?

My favorite class at NC State has been CE 250 Introduction to Sustainable Infrastructure. I took CE 250 in my first semester after transferring into the civil engineering department and immediately felt assured that I made the right decision to join the department. The projects and assignments we completed were very applicable to my past internship experiences, and I felt I was being prepared to answer real-world questions.

What is your favorite part of Fitts-Woolard Hall?

My favorite part of Fitts-Woolard Hall is that it has tall windows on each floor that create an open and bright atmosphere. Fitts-Woolard is the first thing that catches my eye while on Centennial Campus, and I always look forward to my classes that meet there.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to work for a consulting engineering firm, specifically on a water/wastewater team. I have internship experience from the last two summers in this field and would love to pursue a career where I can work in this sector of civil engineering.