"Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness." - Ola Joseph

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are thrilled to share an interview we had with two inspiring young professionals who are thriving in the A/E/C industry. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we couldn't be prouder to showcase their stories. We sincerely hope that their experiences will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for many young professionals in our industry.

2 Years of Experience | Georgia State University, B.S. Marketing, 2022

"Embracing discomfort is challenging, but the rewards are profound when you find yourself in places that would astonish your younger self." - Tiphanie Ellis

Extracurricular Achievements:

• Active Member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity (held chair positions of Public Relations Chair & Secretary).
• Assisted in the formation of a high school mentoring group for Grady High School: S.I.S (Striving in Sisterhood)
• President’s List
• AEC Internship for summer and fall of senior year
  
  

Hobbies:

I enjoy reading, water activities, exercising, trying new restaurants, playing piano, and spending time with loved ones.

When did you decide to pursue a career in this industry, and who or what inspired you?

While exploring various marketing internships during my time in school, I initially felt uncertain about which area to specialize in due to the abundance of opportunities. However, my enduring desire to make a positive impact on people and the community led me to discover an internship in AEC marketing, a field I had never encountered before. Intrigued, I decided to delve into it, and upon immersing myself, I realized I had stumbled upon something truly special. Building connections with passionate individuals in the field left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to continue pursuing a career in AEC.

What was one of the most challenging moments while studying at university, and what did you learn from this?

One of the most demanding experiences during my pursuit of a degree was the process of self-teaching discipline and organization. Before embarking on my university studies, I harbored the belief that certain traits were inherently ingrained in me. However, as I transitioned into adulthood, I came to the realization that there was much to learn and improve upon. This realization fueled my passion for learning, emphasizing the idea that no one can assist you more than you can help yourself. It helped me learn the importance of continually being a student, seeking guidance, mentorship, and information in both personal and professional aspects of life, regardless of one's age.

What do you like most about your job?

I absolutely love my job because it allows me to play a role behind the scenes in incredibly impactful projects that have a national reach. There's a special satisfaction in getting involved with community projects from the early stages and witnessing them come to life, making a real difference in the lives of people within those communities.

What is the next goal in your career?

In my career journey, my next goal is to step into the role of an Area Lead Marketer or something similar, taking on the responsibility of not just managing projects but also leading and guiding colleagues. I have a strong desire to craft and oversee marketing strategies while simultaneously fostering the growth of those working alongside me. The prospect of building and collaborating with a team to create, maintain, and strive toward achieving shared goals is something I'm eager to embrace.

What is your next goal?

My upcoming goal is to advance my education in marketing and business development. I thrive on challenges, and I believe this decision will open numerous doors, enabling me to creatively contribute to the ongoing development of both myself and the business landscape in BC. I'm excited about expanding my knowledge in the business world and exploring innovative ways to make a meaningful impact.

What advice would you share with your generation and the generations to come?

A piece of advice I'd offer to both current and upcoming generations is to never give up on yourselves and to banish self-doubt. There are no predefined limits to what you can achieve, and if you ever feel constrained, it's likely a boundary you've imposed on yourself – one that's meant to be shattered. Resist settling into a comfort zone just for the sake of safety. Embracing discomfort is challenging, but the rewards are profound when you find yourself in places that would astonish your younger self. The dreams and aspirations embedded in your heart are there for a purpose; don't let that hope fade away. Pursue it with everything you've got!

2 Years of Experience | Mercer University, B.S. Engineering, 2022

"Do not be discouraged from doing something you want to do because it is difficult. Any difficult career or endeavor can be done by being persistent and preparing for it." - Noah Wall

Extracurricular Achievements:

Prepared and presented geotechnical research on soil infiltration.

Hobbies:

Hiking, weightlifting, traveling, cooking.

When did you decide to pursue a career in this industry, and who or what inspired you?

I first took an interest in the engineering industry when I saw my father using AutoCAD while I was a kid. I was far too young to know what the plans represented or the math behind it, but I thought the three dimensional aspect of the program was really interesting. As I progressed through school, I found myself doing better in math than other classes. It wasn’t until I was exposed to a basic engineering course in high school that I really decided that I would fully pursue engineering.    

What was one of the most challenging moments while studying at university, and what did you learn from this?

The most challenging time I had while studying was preparing for my Calculus 2 final exam. Calculus 2 is a notoriously difficult course for engineering students, and my professor, Dr. Hartfield, is notorious for similar reasons. By the time the final exam came, a good percentage of the students had already dropped the class. Dr. Hartfield had a saying, “The only way you are leaving this classroom is in a mathematical bodybag,” and I had no intention of finding out what that meant, so I set out to prepare for anything that could be on this final exam. Numerous nights were spent preparing, and I went as far as to go to the university library to find some old, archived tests that Dr. Hartfield had given years ago. In the end, I passed the exam and I like to think that I learned that preparation is the most valuable tool you can have when overcoming difficulty.

What do you like most about your job?

Roadway design is a critical industry for the nation, but most of the countries transportation infrastructure has problems such as safety issues, overloaded roads, and substandard pedestrian accommodations. Creating solutions to the problems that affect the public is satisfying as it feels that you are making a difference that you can see. To add to this, often times we have the opportunity to work with the public by having meetings and hosting public information open houses to find the best solutions. 

What is the next goal in your career?

The next course of action for me is to study for the PE exam so that I can get my license. This test will happen four years into my engineering career, so while I will not start studying math problems just yet, I can gain practical knowledge now by learning from my colleagues.

What is your next goal?

My goal for myself is to make a difference. This can be through work, but it can also be through helping people around me or in the community. Last year, I volunteered for a handful of non-profit organizations doing trash pickup, invasive plant species removal, and more. These simple tasks are gratifying, and I realized I would like to continue to volunteer more in the future.

What advice would you share with your generation and the generations to come?

Do not be discouraged from doing something you want to do because it is difficult. Any difficult career or endeavor can be done by being persistent and preparing for it. For any endeavor, there’s certainly been someone in the world who was initially worse at it than you but still succeeded.