A (Bakery) Fresh Career At AES

I was welcomed into the Atlantic Engineering Services (AES) family as a Structural Intern during the summer of 2016, a few months before my final year at Penn State University. It's been almost two years since then, and I'm now closing in on my first year of full-time employment at AES as one of their Structural Designers.

I've always possessed a passion for buildings and design, and I'm thankful to have the opportunity to explore my passion and aid in bringing architectural visions to life daily in my profession. During my days as a Structural Intern, I remember that sense of excitement (and accomplishment) knowing that my "small-scale designs" were integrated into the "large-scale" project. Being able to see the output of my design work at AES on drawings for structures that were to later be constructed, instilled in me a sense of pride and motivation throughout my final college semesters. Though my contributions were "bits and pieces" of the project, getting my feet wet with real design outside of the academic setting and contributing to tangible, real-world projects was invigorating. I began to look forward to the day when I would play a larger role in the project process, becoming responsible for the comprehensive design of entire structural systems as opposed to single elements.

Within my first month as a Structural Designer at AES, I was granted the opportunity to be involved with the design of the new 18,000 square foot Oakmont Bakery, a project that is currently nearing completion. My responsibilities included creating and managing the 3D structural model, designing the building's gravity, lateral, and foundation systems, assisting in the coordination of the project structural drawing package, and designing additional miscellaneous items of the project. To be honest, I didn't expect such an opportunity so early on in my career, especially involving a new construction project. I am thankful for the exciting opportunity, and it was satisfying to see my first building come together phase by phase. I learned a lot about design and the design process in general and was able to develop my knowledge base and skill set through valuable experience and mentorship from my more-experienced peers at AES. I have since been involved with several other new construction projects and a broad range of other project types in various industries.

I've discovered and experienced early on that AES provides its employees with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and develop as an engineer and as a professional. AES challenges and grants responsibilities to their younger engineers, trusting them to excel in new situations alongside their experienced staff of mentors and role models. It quickly became evident that AES truly invests in their employees' futures and development, especially young employees that are thirsty for experience and are eager to learn more.

It is important for me, as a fresh face to the industry, to absorb as much new knowledge and expose myself to as many learning experiences as possible. At AES, I'm surrounded by knowledgeable and patient Project Engineers eager to share their experience and expertise. Furthermore, the younger Staff Engineers in the office who were in my shoes several years back are incredibly supportive and earnest in "paying it forward" by sharing their experiences and accrued knowledge with me and other fresh faces in the office.

When I was job hunting, I searched companies with impressive resumes and project history, leadership in the industry, forefront standing in the surrounding markets, and talented and supportive team members immersed in a challenging yet relaxed working environment. Additionally, it was important for me to consider a company that I could envision sustaining my entire career. AES hit all of these requirements, and after being here and seeing how they treat their employees and genuinely care about their professional and personal well-being, I can confidently say I made the right choice.

AES is not only a wonderful company to work for, it's an incredible family to be a part of. On a daily basis, I participate in a challenging yet supportive work environment, I pursue and practice what I'm passionate about, and I'm surrounded by people I consider as my second family. I'm thankful for the opportunities that I've been granted and I'm looking forward to what is in store for me with AES.