The class of 2020 didn’t get the traditional graduation ceremony that most of us experience. They do however have the honor of participating in what are probably some of the first ever virtual graduation ceremonies.
The Parametrix leadership team and supervisors recorded a special message for our graduates. Watch that here.
We would like to introduce you to the Parametrix Class of 2020 and congratulate them on this accomplishment. Read more about each below.
Piper Everson | Portland, OR
Oregon State University | BS, Civil Engineering
What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college experience? How to manage my time and do quality work even when I don’t find the topic interesting.
What was your favorite part of your internship at Parametrix?
During my internship I really enjoyed the fun office events (like the chili cookoff) and getting to work on a variety of interesting projects and tasks.
What made you decide to join Parametrix after graduation? One of the things that made me want to come back to Parametrix was the overall culture. Everyone I talked to during my internship was kind and willing to help/provide feedback which created a great environment for learning.
What are your career goals 5 – 10 years from now? I plan on gaining experience in Civil Engineering and working towards obtaining my professional license.
Elizabeth Goltiao | Puyallup, WA
University of Washington | BS, Civil Engineering
What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college experience? The most valuable thing I learned is that determination pays off. There were so many challenges (new concepts, assignments, classes, commuting) that I felt were impossible to overcome, but I always did because I wasn’t willing to give up.
What was your favorite part of your internship at Parametrix? Building new relationships. I have felt so welcome, and I really do look forward to seeing people at the office.
What made you decide to join Parametrix after graduation? I appreciate how patient and helpful everyone has been because they understand my level of experience and that I have no idea what’s going on sometimes. My supervisor, Brandon Moss, has been a great mentor.
What are your career goals 5 – 10 years from now? Of course, I want to be a licensed PE within the next 5 years. Another goal would be to become a project manager and client steward because I enjoy working with people and helping clients figure out what they need and ways we can help them.
Cori Klein | Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah | BS, Civil & Environmental Engineering
What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college experience? How to get stuff done and enjoy my time doing it. It is important to take time for the things that are important and have a balance of work and fun.
What made you decide to join Parametrix? I love that the people at Parametrix are so inspired. I think the people here genuinely care about what they do, and I can’t wait to learn from some of the best.
What are your career goals 5 – 10 years from now? I want to have my PE and be a practicing engineer with some awesome experience in a variety of states.
Anything else you would like to add? I am very excited to join this team and am so fortunate to have this opportunity, especially during these crazy times. I can’t wait to get started on the next chapter of my future!
Trenton Ribbens | Boise, ID
Dordt University | BS, Engineering
What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college experience? The importance of character. If you are humble, trustworthy, kind, and teachable, that goes a long way. Most people are willing to help out and share their expertise with this type of person.
What was your favorite part of your internship at Parametrix? The the variety of projects and tasks I was able to work on. I helped out with surveying, drafting, QC, field inventories, and many more tasks. I appreciated the variety because it helped me to understand what I enjoyed and I felt like a contributing member of the team rather than just an intern that needed to be trained.
What made you decide to join Parametrix after graduation? The primary reason I decided to join Parametrix is the people. The employee-owners at Parametrix are so willing to help each other out and collaborate with one another.
What are your career goals 5 – 10 years from now? I hope to have my PE license, have substantial experience from transportation projects, and be proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Anything else you would like to add? I am very thankful to have interned with Parametrix and am excited to be joining full-time!
Cedar Simmons |
Bremerton, WA
Johns Hopkins University | Master of Environmental Engineering
What inspired you to earn a master’s degree? I wanted
to stay technically fresh and relevant as I moved into management and business
development.
What was the most valuable thing you learned while earning your
degree? Never underestimate the power of perseverance and the day by day
putting-in-the-work.
What are your career goals? Work on projects that improve the water quality in the Pacific Northwest, keep learning how to serve people better, and always remain a little uncomfortable with wherever I’m at professionally – it’s very helpful when seeking improvement.
Daniel
Vasquez-Ventura | Portland, OR
Oregon State University | BS, Civil Engineering
What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college
experience? How valuable it can be to have even just a small network of people
that can rely on each other when assignments get on the challenging side.
What was your favorite part of your internship at Parametrix? Being able to observe how the company
operates through the bagel breaks, quarterly meetings and project wins
celebrations as an intern was a cool experience.
What made you decide to join Parametrix after graduation? By the end of my internship, I felt that there was still a lot
more I could learn from the teams I had worked with throughout my internship
and the other professionals in the office.
What are your career goals 5 – 10 years from now? Down the
road I plan on taking my experience to Mexico where I would like to offer my
services to improve roadway infrastructure in rural communities. To that end, I
would like to have obtained my PE license by the 5-year mark and compiled a
good portfolio of projects by ten years.
