Insights & Trends

 

Atwell is once again looking to connect with the next generation of leaders this fall at career fairs all over the country. We are looking forward to meeting passionate students and hear what they’ve accomplished during their time on campus. Stop by and see us at any of the following schools!

Georgia Southern — August 31^st

Michigan Tech — September 6^th

Texas A&M — September 7th

Michigan State University – September 13^th

University of Arizona — September 13^th

LSU — September 13^th

University of Wisconsin — September 14^th

Purdue West Lafayette — September 14^th

University of Oklahoma — September 15^th

Western Michigan — September 21^st

Michigan Tech   September 21^st

Colorado School of Mines — September 21^st

Texas Tech University — September 21^st

University of Alabama — September 21^st

Texas Southern University — September 22^nd

Michigan State University — September 22^nd

Tennessee State — September 23^rd

Kennesaw State — September 27^th

Arizona State University — September 28^th

University of Arkansas — September 28^th

University of Georgia — September 29^th

Howard University — September 29^th

Lawrence Tech University — September 29^th

Michigan State University — October 4^th

Grand Valley State — October 11^th

Colorado State University — October 13^th

Purdue West Lafayette — October 13^th

Florida Gulf Coast University — October 13^th

University of Colorado Denver — October 26^th

Michigan State University  — November 3^rd

Abdullah Soofi is a student at Michigan State University who realized electrical engineering was his passion after his first site visit.

By: Abdullah Soofi

From playing with remote control cars as a kid to learning how remote control cars operated, I have always had a fascination for electronics. As my interests developed and I was introduced to scientific methods and physics theories, electrical engineering became the most fascinating to study.

Electrical engineering is everywhere: automotive, chemical, electronics, telecommunications, utilities, consumer goods, etc. However, what interested me the most was how power was generated and distributed nationwide. Throughout college, I learned about transformers and generators and started performing electrical calculations for real-life scenarios. When I went on my first site visit, I knew I was hooked. I saw transformers and transmission lines up close and realized what my calculations and drawings could create – a powerful infrastructure that benefits everyone. Since then, I knew I wanted to focus my electrical engineering interest in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

During my first week at Atwell as an intern, I was introduced to the program SAM (System Advisory Model). This program helps you determine the performance of renewable energy systems, such as solar arrays and wind turbines. The engineer who mentored me shared training videos on how to use the program, walked me through the model he was working on, and then had me perform the calculations to see if I would receive the same results. I encountered a few hiccups since it was my first time using the program, but he assisted me every step of the way and ultimately, I got the same data as him. Having the ability to be introduced to new software and receiving hands-on experience on how to use the program in its entirety was an enlightening experience. It was rewarding to not only reach similar results but to work with different engineers to find a solution. To this day, learning and using SAM was my favorite task as an intern.

This past summer, I was exposed to 90%, 60%, and 30% reviews and taught the differences and levels of progression between the documents; wrote specifications and understood what variables you must consider in advising the contractor; and learned about other software like PVsyst – a tool to help study, size, and analyze data of PV (photovoltaic) systems. One of the most interesting projects I worked on was preparing an ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) winter readiness report for the state of Texas. Texas experienced many power shortages earlier this year due to the extreme cold weather and unstable power infrastructure, and this report identified solutions and implementable protocols so they are readily prepared should an event like this happen again. While creating the report, I was introduced to both ERCOT and the organization NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation). This process showed me how in-depth electrical engineers need to be in the work they do and how important it can be on a regional and national level. It fueled my interest in the industry that much more.

During my college classes, I am taught electrical engineering in a broad sense because it can be applied in so many different industries. At Atwell, I was exposed to a variety of projects and understood what to apply and how to apply my teachings in a real-world scenario. They provided the tools – like hands-on experience, training videos, or documents that other engineers created – to help me grow as a future electrical engineering professional. I worked with an inspiring team that took me under their wing and exposed me to the ins and outs of the AEC industry – like how they approach and complete tasks, which software they use, and how to use the software efficiently and effectively. This internship really helped me solidify my career choice to be an electrical engineer in the AEC industry.

Leah Harazin is a student at Michigan Technological University who found her dream role outside of the typical office setting.

By: Leah Harazin

Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for the outdoors. When I chose to pursue an Environmental Engineering degree, I knew that the ability to work outside would be a requirement for me and my career. The opportunity to be in the fresh air almost every day, explore, and learn about everything that surrounds me was – and still is – my dream.

I first heard about Atwell when they attended Michigan Technological University’s career fair in September 2021. They were friendly, caring, and talked to me like a professional – not just a number to satisfy their quota. The leaders I talked to spoke highly of the company. Even as an intern, Woody Siddall, Director of Talent Acquisition, asked what I wanted for my future to see if Atwell could help me achieve that goal. Woody didn’t make me feel obligated to fit within the posted job description, and instead, a job was designed for me based on my own interests and passions. After that, I knew I wanted to join Atwell for a summer internship.

Before joining the Atwell team, my leader asked what my ideal dream job would be. I told them I would love to spend 80% of my time outdoors and 20% in an office. Since starting my internship in May (except for the month of June for my military training), I have been outdoors every single day.  I have traveled across all of Michigan administering tests to classify land as wetlands and even stayed in Indiana for two weeks performing post-construction monitoring services. I had hands-on experience with wetland delineations, soil erosion and sediment control, and identifying and documenting plants. I learned about different aspects of hydrology, vegetation, and soil that I would have never known or noticed before – like how a chicory plant is used to make coffee and how the wintergreen plant is used for essential oils and flavoring like in wintergreen mints!

One of my most memorable work trips this past summer was a last-minute trip to Lexington, Michigan. For those who have never been to Lexington, it is a small, charming harbor village on the shore of Lake Huron. For four workdays, we delineated a site crossing over two county lines, which included mapping water bodies, water courses, agricultural drains/ditches, plant identification, and soil identification to determine if the area is a wetland. For the three nights we were there, and during my free time, I was able to kayak to explore the lake and unwind.

Throughout the summer, I have been a part of multiple projects. With our services typically taking two to four days for each project, I was always learning something new. The most interesting, and difficult, project I worked on was a potential solar farm in Michigan. This project was a sand mine, where the owner used the property to dig and sell sand causing water to backfill the sites. I was responsible for delineating the area and it was a rather large site with the most diverse vegetation and environment I have worked on yet.

Toward the end of my summer internship, I started my 20% in-office time. I expressed interest in learning about CAD software, and Atwell provided the tools I needed – a temporary license and an instructional guide – to explore the ins and outs of the program.

Having the option to work in the field and in the office is just one of many examples of why internships are instrumental for your career – it allows you to explore different avenues within your industry to see what you like and dislike before entering the professional world full-time. This past summer, I realized that my ideal job is working outdoors 95% of the time instead of 80%. I also realized that my teammates had a huge impact on me, and I was grateful to have inspiring leaders that saw me as an equal. I had the privilege to work with teammates of all ages and experiences this summer to help me paint a path of my ideal career progression. I am proud to say that I plan to extend my internship with Atwell until the end of the year, and I look forward to learning so much more about environmental engineering from subject matter experts.

Andrew DeWitt found his career inspiration at the Hudsonville Summer Science Institute and now helps other students find their career path as an instructor
By: Andrew DeWitt, Director of  Environmental Services

Before I went into consulting, I wanted to become a science teacher. Growing up, I had some incredible teachers and coaches who played a major part in shaping who I am today. I’m extremely grateful for those mentors and wanted to give back to the next generation by helping young professionals find their career path. I have been an instructor for the Hudsonville Summer Science Institute (SSI) since 2017 and am passionate about helping students find their path within science-related careers. Growing up in West Michigan, I am also an SSI alumnus, and this course and the great instructors are the reasons I pursued a degree in geology and biology. 

SSI is an integral part of high-quality science curriculum at Hudsonville High School – located in west Michigan – since its inception in 1977. The program offers 26 highly motivated high school seniors an opportunity to study the relationships between geology and ecology within the amazing state and national parks across the United States. I co-lead the program with Chris Bolhuis, who has been leading the program for 22 years – including when I was a student – and took over for his dad who started the program.

A high school course devoted to science 

Each year, we hand-pick the class from over 85 applicants through a very competitive application process, interviews, and reviews from at least five other teachers or coaches in the school district. Selected students get to study science in Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, Devils Tower National Monument, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Glacier National Park, among others. And they aren’t allowed to bring their cell phones! 

SSI students spend three weeks traveling across the country and studying, hiking, tent camping, and meal prepping together. Most instruction occurs within a park in a natural setting where actual geologic and ecological processes and formations are evident. Students complete daily assignments, daily quizzes, and essays as they travel, and they must pass a comprehensive final exam in to receive a high school science credit for the course. The students also spend some time doing volunteer work – usually at Yellowstone National Park – such as painting bridges, building horse fences, or removing debris.

There are many students who go on to pursue college degrees in ecology, biology, environmental science, or geology. I use my experience in environmental consulting to bridge the gap between the science behind the natural features the students learn about, and why they are important from a project permitting or capital project delivery perspective. I also help students better understand the career paths that are available to them. 

Supporting STEM education 

To my knowledge, there isn’t another course like this out there for high school seniors. Not only are the students gaining valuable, hands-on experiences to help them in their career journey, but they truly get to discover themselves. They push themselves on 22-mile hikes in the mountains, learn what it means to be part of a team, and build relationships with others who they may not otherwise have.

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this program and to work for a company that understands the importance of SSI for students. Through Atwell Gives, we sponsor one student to attend each year, provide scholarships for students who pursue degrees related to our service offerings, contribute financially to the program’s general fund, and commit to hiring two paid interns from the program at Atwell each year.  

It’s incredibly important to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Here at Atwell, we take pride in providing creative and sustainable solutions to support our clients’ needs and goals. Successfully doing so requires skills in critical thinking, communication, working collaboratively, and “thinking outside the box.” STEM education provides students with the tools to do those things.  

The students participating in SSI each year represent our future. They will be our clients, our employees, and our educators. Atwell’s support of SSI shows their commitment to supporting STEM education and investing in our future leaders.   

 

Our health and safety team strives to continually improve the performance of our health, safety, and management programs. We work on the principle of safety first to ensure every staff member goes home to their family safe and healthy every night. With this in mind, we’re highlighting important messages from the National Safety Council (NSC) for National Safety Month. This annual observance is every June and is aimed at helping keep each other safe in the workplace and anyplace.

For more than 25 years, National Safety Month has provided weekly resources to highlight leading causes of preventable injury and death so people can live their fullest lives.

Each week in June, we’ll be highlighting a different safety topic from the NSC internally. We will be going over these topics with our employees and encouraging them to take advantage of NSC’s weekly resources offered on each of these topics.

The topics this year include:

• Week 1 – Musculoskeletal Disorders: Some examples of MSDs include strains, sprains, muscle tears, tendonitis, pinched nerves, back pain, and ruptured discs.
• Week 2 – Workplace Impairment: Mental distress, stress, and fatigue, along with substance abuse can cause different forms of impairment. We’ll provide resources to recognize the signs in all its forms.
• Week 3 – Injury Prevention: We’ll learn about approaches to preventing injuries, including identifying hazards and assessing risks.
• Week 4 – Slips, Trips, and Falls: This week we’ll focus on reducing slips, trips, falls, falls from heights, and how technology can play a role in saving lives.

To learn more about NSC and National Safety Month, visit the NSC’s website.

 

We are honored to have 27 new and returning interns across the country that have chosen the Atwell/ RVi family as their second home for this summer! In the next few months, the interns will dive into our robust learning program with the end goal of helping interns find their niche within the industry and build the foundation for their future success.

We believe that interning is an instrumental, yet exciting stage in every young professional’s career development. The students learn new tricks of the trade, collaborate with industry professionals, find their passion within their field, and meet other students who are in the same stage of life as they are.

Here at Atwell and RVi, we aim to provide young professionals with the tools, resources, and knowledge to be confident in their career paths prior to graduation.  However, before sharing the ins and outs of Atwell, RVi, and our summer program, we wanted to take the time to introduce our 2022 interns.

We encourage each intern to reach out to one another, learn about each other’s personal and professional interests, and discuss their different roles and responsibilities within the industry. After all, networking is the best strategy for not only establishing new connections and friendships but finding the perfect job and company culture that best fits them.

We are excited to welcome the intern class of 2022 to the team and can’t wait to see the positive impact they will make not only to the company but to the industry as a whole!

ENVIRONMENTAL (POWER AND ENERGY)

Edie Carney | Remote
Michigan State University
Environmental Studies and Sustainable Parks Recreation and Tourism
Junior Year

Jillian Gray | Ann Arbor, MI
Returning Atwell Intern*
Michigan State University
Electrical Engineering Major
Junior Year

Leah Harazin | Southfield, MI
Returning Atwell Intern*
Michigan Technological University
Environmental Engineering Major
Junior Year

Victoria Northrop | Remote, AZ
Arizona State University
Biology Sciences Major
Senior Year

Drew Lauer | Southfield, MI
Pennsylvania State University
Environmental Systems Engineering Major
Sophomore Year

LAND DEVELOPMENT – EAST

 Corey Haskins | Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan Technological University
Civil Engineering Major
Senior Year

Emma Sayre | Naperville, IL
Iowa State University
Civil Engineering Major
Senior Year

LAND DEVELOPMENT – SOUTHEAST

Vincent Modarelli | Bonita Springs, FL
University of Central Florida

Mechanical Engineering
Freshman Year

Renee Morgan | Orlando – Maitland, FL
University of Central Florida
Civil Engineering Major
Senior Year

Adrian Perez | Orlando – Maitland, FL
University of Central Florida
Civil Engineering Major
Senior Year

Noah Witt | Bonita Springs, FL
Florida Gulf Coast University
Civil Engineering Major
Junior Year

LAND DEVELOPMENT – WEST

Jesus Mendoza | Mesa, AZ
Returning Atwell Intern*
Arizona State University
Civil Engineering Major
Junior Year

OIL AND GAS

Devon Brown | Pittsburgh, PA
West Virginia University
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Major
Senior Year

Lawrence Coates | Dallas, TX
Tarrant County College
Building/Civil Design Major

Mark Fenton | Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh
Mechanical Engineering Major
Junior Year

Vincent L. Fiorentino | Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh
Chemical Engineering Major
Sophomore Year

Rachel Kertis | Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh
Civil Engineering Major
Senior Year

Steven Leon | Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh
Chemical Engineering Major
Junior Year

Alex Matsche | Pittsburgh, PA
West Virginia University
Petroleum Engineering Major
Senior Year

James Nguyen | Houston, TX
University of Houston
Mechanical Engineering Major
Senior Year

Vincent Tassari | Pittsburgh, PA
Returning Atwell Intern*
Marietta College
Environmental Engineering Major
Senior Year

Deon Waldmeier | Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock
Civil Engineering Major
Senior Year

POWER AND ENERGY

Meila Gjurgjovski | Southfield, MI
Western Michigan University
Business Administration Major
Sophomore Year

Brendan Ireland | Southfield, MI
University of Michigan
Electrical Engineering Major
Senior Year

Claire Lautman | Lakewood, CO
Colorado School of Mines
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Major
Senior Year

Abdullah Soofi | Remote
Michigan State University
Electrical Engineering Major
Senior Year

RVI PLANNING AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Jackson Hartley | Austin, TX
Louisiana State University
Landscape Architecture Major
Senior Year