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Hamilton Students Gain Real-World Insight from Industry Leaders

because they have real world experience,” highlighting the many pathways available
explains Starrett. in designing, improving and maintaining
“I was surprised that the planning public infrastructure. Wisconsin Transpor-
process takes years,” explains Hamilton High tation Builders Association is a statewide
School Junior Samuel Schmitt who calls the organization representing the companies
presentation informative. “It’s helpful to hear responsible for building and maintaining
from these professionals about how they are Wisconsin’s transportation systems. WTBA
looking for new people, which I think makes shared perspectives from the construction
it easier to see this as an actual career that side of large-scale transportation projects
can begin right away after college,” he adds. and emphasized the broad range of career
HNTB is a nationally recognized civil opportunities available within the industry.
engineering firm with offices in Milwau- Hamilton High School is grateful to
kee, Madison and Green Bay. The firm has HNTB and WTBA for investing their time
played a key role in many of Wisconsin’s and expertise to inspire the next generation
most prominent infrastructure projects. of engineers and infrastructure professionals.
During their visit, HNTB representatives
provided students with insight into civil
engineering and urban planning careers, www.hamilton.k12.wi.us

HNTB Visits Cristo Rey Jesuit

Hamilton School District School Junior Jonathan Nguyen. “It was High School, Milwaukee
Hamilton High School helpful because they have first-hand expe-
students had the opportu- rience as engineers and are able to actually
nity to learn firsthand about reveal what goes on behind the curtains.”
civil engineering careers Presenters included Mike Ernst and
from representatives of two major industry Josh Depies from HNTB Corporation, along
organizations. The presenters’ personal con- with Matt Grove from Wisconsin Transporta-
nections to the Hamilton School District tion Builders Association (WTBA). All three
made the impactful presentation all the more speakers share personal ties to the Hamilton
meaningful. School District, having either graduated from
“Hearing directly from profession- Hamilton High School or currently having
als in civil engineering and transportation children enrolled in district school.
really helps our students see how their class- ”Civil engineers design and build the
room learning connects to the real world,” infrastructure that shapes our communities,”
explains Hamilton High School Business and says Ernst. “This initiative provides high
Information Technology Teacher and Youth school students the opportunity to explore
Apprenticeship Coordinator Sheila Frafjord. civil engineering and discover the broad
“This presentation offers students a window range of career paths within the industry.
into the diverse and meaningful work hap- Through our relationship with Hamilton
pening in civil engineering. We deeply High School, HNTB is working to spark
appreciate the time and support from HNTB interest in the field of engineering so that Thank you to HNTB for hosting a field We look forward to having HNTB engineers
and WTBA. They truly helped our students together we can create a culture of growth trip of 12 CRJ students last fall to learn more visit CRJ this winter to speak with students at
imagine what’s possible,” adds Frafjord. that promotes learning, development and about civil engineering and design! They gave one of our career formation days!
“Personally, I loved hearing from real fosters success,” adds Ernst. a tour of the offices and gave a presentation
professionals in the civil engineering indus- Hamilton High School Sophomore about many different kinds of civil engineers,
try and thought it was generally awesome Evelyn Starrett enjoyed the presentation. talked about the college experience, and cristoreymilwaukee.org
and informative,” shares Hamilton High “It was helpful to hear from professionals answered great questions from our students.