A Glimpse of the Future: A Student's View

“During my time at UW-Madison I have learned many things both in the classroom and in my extracurricular activities. Learning good technical, communication, and leadership skills are all part of a solid foundation for future career success. While all three components are important, exhibiting positive leadership can separate an individual in the workplace.

“The courses I have taken under the Construction Engineering and Management curriculum have given me the technical background to make the right decisions and the tools to effectively communicate those decisions to those around me. This classroom knowledge is important but experience, as they say, is the best teacher.

“Students here at UW-Madison are blessed with an abundance of opportunities to gain such experience. Opportunities such as the co-operative education program, American Society of Civil Engineers, Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge teams, and the Construction Club are just a few of the opportunities promoted by the department to help students gain experience in a variety of settings.

“My personal interests led me to join the Construction Club, which I have been a member of for three years. During that time I have been able to not only see, but also be an active participant in many activities. After a year of being a member, I was encouraged by some of my peers to run for an elected position within the Club, which I did. I can look back now and say that it was one of the best decisions I have made while in college.

“I have filled several different officer positions within the club, each with an increasing level of responsibility. In fulfilling the tasks of the office, I learned many valuable lessons from both my peers and members of the construction industry. The opportunity to attend such events as the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin Convention also helped broaden my knowledge of industry and leadership issues.

“By becoming an officer in the Construction Club, I grew as a person and a leader. I am very thankful for the opportunities that are provided on campus to gain leadership experience. I encourage any students interested in civil engineering to take full advantage of the opportunities to gain leadership experience. Whatever your individual preferences are within the discipline, there is something for everyone to get involved in.

“As I near the end of my college career, I know that the lessons and experience I have gained both in and out of the classroom will serve me well as I begin my career. The leadership experience I have gained by getting involved in the Construction Club has given me the confidence that I need to make the transition from student to professional.”

— May 2006

Awad Hanna
2314 Engineering Hall
1415 Engineering Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1691

Phone 608/263-8903
608/235-2436

Email: hanna@engr.wisc.edu

Copyright 2006 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Date last modified: 22-May-2006 Date created: 22-May-2006 Content by: aedawes@wisc.edu@engr.wisc.edu Thank you for visiting http://www.engr.wisc.edu/cee/cem/future/May2006testimonial.html