Engineering Career Connections Recognizes Professional Development Champions

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Those recognized included (L-R, top to bottom): Crafton Tull, Gayle Taylor, Garver, Terry Howell, Sarah Hernandez and Suman Mitra.

Engineering Career Connections takes pride in recognizing faculty, staff and employers for their roles in helping students with their professional development. This year, the offices presented the following awards:

• Crafton Tull, a planning, design and surveying firm, was named Small Employer of the Year. The company was praised for its multifaceted engagement with the College of Engineering and its company culture, which supports both interns and full-time employees from a holistic perspective.
• Garver, an engineering, planning and environmental services firm, was named Large Employer of the Year. Garver was recognized for Garver Launch, its internship program, and Ignite, an event that ensure that interns receive support and develop a sense of community, while emphasizing the needs of first-year interns.
• Gayle Taylor, academic coach, was named Staff Career Advocate of the Year. Taylor's nomination said that she has been "a true partner to Engineering Career Connections in numerous ways," including making student referrals to programs, helping make connections for students looking for work and offering direct referrals for students who need the support of the Engineering Career Connections.
• Sarah Hernandez, associate professor of civil engineering, was named Faculty Career Advocate of the Year. Hernandez's nomination noted her emphasis on professional development inside and outside of the classroom. Said one student, "She introduced me to cutting-edge research opportunities…Under her guidance, I was able to develop and refine my skills. Her support was instrumental in securing my National Science Foundation internship."
• Suman Mitra, assistant professor of civil engineering, was named a Career Hero, an honor based on student nominations. Students described Mitra as compassionate, insightful and dedicated. He was particularly regarded for his assistance in research, where he mentors students to ensure they are focusing on their professional development alongside their technical growth.
• Terry Howell also was named a Career Hero. He was selected for his dedication to student success and his ability to meet students' needs. One student said, "During a critical moment in the job search process, I reached out to him about the timing of our professional preparation curriculum, and he immediately rearranged the course to ensure that we covered interviewing, resume writing and offering negotiation during the week of the STEM Career Fair."