In the Spotlight - Shannon Valentin, '19
Winter 2019
Shannon Valentin, Civil Engineering senior, specializing in Structural Engineering and Construction Materials, takes time out of her busy schedule to share why and what exactly she loves about Civil Engineering. In Shannon's own words, EFL:
I originally thought I wanted to study Biomedical Engineering because growing up I saw how biomedical advancements have helped my family. But something didn’t feel right. The summer before my freshman year I went on a construction job-site tour with my, now, mentor to see her in action on an average work day. I ended up falling in love with the construction industry. I never thought Civil/Construction was a field in which women could really advance. However, after seeing how my mentor managed projects and led her team made me realize that this is something I could do.Having had three different internships as a CIV student has solidified my love for the field.
I was fortunate enough to have had my first internship in the fall of my sophomore year with Grace Industries. As my first real experience working with state engineers, architects, surveyors, foreman, and laborers, it was invaluable. The following summer, I worked with AECOM Tishman as an Assistant Superintendent at an Ambulatory Center for NYC Langone. Through this position, I learned that to fully understand a project you have to go out into the field. Recently, I began a different internship at AECOM Tishman. This time on the One Vanderbilt Avenue project in Midtown New York City. As an Intern MEP Project Manager, I learned more about the “behind the scenes” daily tasks necessary to keep the project moving along smoothly. During my time on this project, I learned the importance of teamwork. Everyone depends on each other to help keep the project moving along on time and on budget. Overall, what I loved most about all of my internships was the ability to work in and out of the office. I was fortunate enough to have supervisors who not only showed me on paper what was going on with the project, but also took me out onto the field to see how it becomes reality.
Aside from internships, I like to stay involved in the Stony Brook community. I am proud to be a part of Stony Brook’s Undergraduate Fellowship Program, the American Society of Civil Engineers SBU chapter, and the High School W.I.S.E Mentorship program. I was introduced to the Undergraduate Fellowship Program during my Freshman Seminar 101 class and thought it would be a good way to begin becoming more involved on campus, little did I know it would help shape my entire college experience. As a fellow, I served as a peer mentor for the incoming freshman students, as well as a Teaching Assistant in a Freshman Seminar 101 class. While in the program, I met an amazing group of students who are now my closest friends at Stony Brook. Together, we help each other grow and bring out the best in one another. In my sophomore year I joined the ASCE SBU Student Chapter, now I am the club Treasurer for the second year in a row. Being a part of this organization has given me the chance to meet professionals, learn more about the Civil Engineering community and become aware of the opportunities I have in this field. Lastly, being involved with the High School W.I.S.E Mentorship program is something in which I take great pride. Personally, I was not exposed to any type of engineering as a high school student. Therefore, being able to introduce engineering to girls in high school is very important to me. Engineering is fun and definitely something that women can do.
Outside of all my academics and work life, some of the things I enjoy most are being with my family and friends, cooking, traveling, and painting. My family means everything to me and much of my success I owe to them. They keep me motivated and determined to be the best that I can be. Just these past couple of years, I have been lucky enough to travel all around the country and world with my family and friends. Whether it’s Galapagos with my parents, Orlando Universal Studios with my best friends, Punta Cana with my fellow friends, or Iceland with my boyfriend, I can never sit still. There is so much the world has to offer, I hope I can continue to travel and experience all different types of cultures with the people I love most in my life.
As graduation approaches, I’m planning to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and enter the workforce. Happily, I was recently offered a full-time position with AECOM Tishman upon graduation. I am very excited about this opportunity because I will be returning to the One Vanderbilt Ave project. I find this project to be fascinating, since I will be able to see a building constructed from the ground up. Although, I am still considering going back to school to pursue a Master’s degree, my main goal is to work under a Professional Engineer for five years and then apply to get my own Professional Engineer’s License. My long-term goal is to become a Project Manager and then a Project Executive.
In closing, I would like to share my favorite quote. “No dream is too big. No challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach.” Not only am I a woman in engineering, but I also plan to become a Project Executive, a position which is not frequently occupied by women. This dream will never be too big, and its challenges will never be too great; I have the confidence, love, and support to do what it takes to accomplish my life goals.