Co-op Chronicles featuring Eli Anderson

Eli Anderson is a second-year student majoring in Architectural Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. We asked Eli 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?

I have always excelled in math and enjoyed the creativity and flexibility in art. Both of my parents have art and design backgrounds, so I’ve constantly been exposed to art and how enjoyable and freeing it is. In middle school, I discovered I was better at math than most, and in high school I took an interest in the art and design that goes into buildings, so from there, architectural engineering seemed like the only career I could pursue with passion.

What do you like about working in the AEC industry?

What I like the most is the fluidity of the industry. Sometimes there are simple answers to structural problems, but sometimes there are not, and those problems require a lot of thought and creativity, which allows for individuality. There are several ways to solve complex problems, and it’s fun and exciting to see all the creative ways to fix them. It feels like I am learning something new every time there’s a discussion on how to solve a not-so-easy problem.

What attracted you to THP?

There are many things that attracted me to THP, but the main reason was the type of work they do in structural restoration. Learning about problems in existing structures has helped me identify issues in other structures and best practices for repairing them. This knowledge will also assist me in the design of new structures and how to extend the useful life of structures.

What was your favorite part about co-oping at THP?

I appreciate the warm and friendly culture of THP and being able to make site visits. Everyone is approachable, and I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking help. I am a hands-on learner, and they made it a priority to take me to project sites as much as possible. Through the site visits, I was able to learn more than I would have in a classroom or office setting. The site visits also allowed me to see firsthand how to identify distress, how to make repairs, and understand the best practices for fixing distress. Without these site visits, it would be very difficult for me to envision what problems can occur to structures and, even more difficult, how to properly repair the structures. I am very grateful for the opportunity to observe and participate in real-world work.