Matthew Hall is a third-year student majoring in civil engineering at the University of Cincinnati. We asked Matthew why he chose engineering as a career, his perspective on working in the AEC industry, and what made his co-op at THP this past semester different than anywhere else.
Why did you choose engineering as a future career?
From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to the engineering industry. My mom used to take me past construction sites, and we would sit there for hours just watching until she couldn’t bear it anymore. As I got older, I started getting more involved with my grandpa and his small engineering projects. These ranged from fun birdhouses to home renovations. I have always enjoyed being in a challenging and competitive environment, which made pursuing a career in engineering an easy decision.
What do you like about working in the AEC industry?
One of my favorite parts about working in the AEC industry is the freedom to be creative. This brings something new to every day and allows unique solutions to be used by the world. In addition, this industry has connected me with all types of professionals. I have been able to work with owners of projects, engineers, sales representatives, and many more. This wide range of people helps me develop a deeper understanding of the industry. It is important that I learn from everyone that I interact with.
What attracted you to THP?
As I reached the halfway point of my undergraduate degree, I became more interested in careers as a structural engineer. THP displays a large and diverse project portfolio that I wanted to get involved in. What really caught my eye about THP was the new construction projects. I loved seeing their buildings in the city, and I wanted to be a part of that. I was also attracted to the different service groups. I like the flexibility of being able to work with restoration, building envelope, and parking groups if I want to do so.
What makes co-oping at THP different than your other co-ops?
In previous co-ops, I had limited access to projects, and could only do small tasks. At THP, I have been able to play a larger role, for example, going on site visits, and helping with designs. This has allowed me to understand what an engineer truly is. Working at THP has made coming into work every day exciting, and I feel like I am truly part of the team. Being around people that prioritize my learning and offer insight has made this experience a co-op opportunity that I will recommend to everyone!