Growing up, I always excelled in math and science and loved building things. For a long time, I thought I might become a handyman or some sort of construction guy. My family, however, always insisted that I would become an engineer. The funny thing is that I didn't really know what an engineer was. As a kid, I thought engineers drove trains.

As I progressed through high school, I developed a passion for mathematics. Algebra, pre-calculus and calculus came naturally to me, and my friends often joked that I had swallowed a calculator because of how easily I understood the material. While I enjoyed my science classes, it wasn't until physics that everything started to click. For the first time, I could see how math and science worked together to solve real-world problems. Even then, I wasn't sure what type of career I wanted. I was initially drawn to construction management, but I also became interested in engineering after learning about the many disciplines, including biomedical, aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering.

When it came time to apply to colleges, I submitted applications to Drexel University, Duke University, Temple University, Lehigh University, Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University. I ultimately chose Drexel University because of its renowned Co-Op Program. Since I wasn't entirely sure which engineering discipline was right for me, I appreciated the opportunity to gain real-world experience before fully committing to a career path.

Although I considered entering as an undecided engineering major, a conversation with Drexel's Dean of Engineering changed my direction. After discussing my interests, strengths and hobbies, he confidently told me that I would make an excellent civil engineer. I trusted his advice and enrolled in the civil engineering program. During my freshman year at Drexel, I lived on the sixth floor of Kelly Hall alongside students pursuing many different majors. Within the first week of classes, I noticed that one student seemed to be in nearly every engineering course I was taking.

That student was Denny Howell III.

As we became friends, Denny told me about his father's engineering firm, D.L. Howell & Associates, in West Chester. He thought it would be a great fit for me one day, but at the time, I couldn't imagine making the hour-plus commute from Northeast Philadelphia. Still, I kept the company in the back of my mind. Over the years, Denny and I became close friends. We shared classes, completed countless group projects together and developed a strong working relationship that would later come full circle.

My first and second Co-op experiences were with Taylor Wiseman & Taylor (TWT) in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Those experiences provided me with valuable exposure to the civil engineering profession before I had even completed many of my core engineering courses. By the end of my time at TWT, I knew I wanted to become a Civil Engineer.

For my third Co-Op, I joined Langan, a much larger corporate engineering firm. I was excited about the opportunity and expected it to be a great fit. However, I quickly realized that my role primarily involved performing the same task repeatedly. Although I was successful in the position, I discovered that the corporate environment wasn't for me. I began questioning whether civil engineering was the right career path and started exploring construction management instead.

During my final years at Drexel, I took numerous construction management courses and developed a strong appreciation for that side of the industry. Despite my growing interest, I ultimately graduated with a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, I accepted a position with a construction management company and was excited to begin my career. Unfortunately, when I contacted the company after graduating, I was informed that someone was currently occupying the position and that my start date would be delayed by at least six months. While waiting for the opportunity to open, I took a job at Topgolf in Northeast Philadelphia. Although it provided temporary income, I knew it wasn't where I wanted to build my career.

At that point, I remembered the conversations I had with Denny throughout college and decided to give civil engineering one more chance. I called Denny and asked whether his father's company might have an opportunity available. He invited me in for an interview the very next day. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew D.L. Howell & Associates would be a great fit.

Unlike in some of my previous experiences, I wasn't limited to a single task. I was immediately exposed to all aspects of Grading Permit and Land Development projects, allowing me to understand how every piece of a project fits together. That hands-on experience helped me fully appreciate what civil engineering is all about.

Since joining the company, D.L. Howell has rebranded as Howell Engineering and is attracting the next generation of civil engineers. Today, nearly four years later, I am still learning something new every day. The greatest lesson I have learned is that civil engineering is about much more than mastering a single task. Howell Engineering gave me the opportunity to experience every aspect of the profession, helping me develop a well-rounded understanding of the industry and grow into the engineer I am today.

Looking back, I am grateful for every step of the journey, from not knowing what an engineer was to questioning whether engineering was the right path for me, to ultimately finding a career and company where I truly belong.

Now that Howell Engineering is part of the Drexel Co-Op Program, we bring on interns and Co-Op students from several universities every year. Looking back, I honestly wish I had the opportunity to do one of my Co-Ops here because it would have been my number one choice.

What I like most about Howell Engineering is that interns get exposed to all the different aspects of the industry. We have surveying, geotechnical, environmental, construction stakeout and civil engineering departments. Students have the opportunity to see what each one has to offer. Instead of doing the same task every day, they get exposure to different projects and different parts of the engineering process.

Coming from the Drexel Co-Op Program, I always felt that students learn the most when they can see a project through from start to finish. Over the past two summers, I have had the opportunity to mentor several interns and show them the different phases of a project, whether it's a grading permit, land development project, site investigation or field work. I also enjoy bringing interns on site visits so they can see how the plans we create in the office actually get built in the real world.

One of the biggest reasons I enjoy working at Howell is that everyone works together. It's not just about engineering, it's about the people you work with every day. We collaborate constantly, learn from one another and genuinely enjoy working together. The company also hosts events throughout the year that allow everyone to step away from their desks and spend time together outside of work.

I've been with Howell Engineering for almost four years now, and I can honestly say it has helped me grow into the engineer I am today. The company continues to evolve and expand, and I'm excited to see where we go in the future.

For students considering a Co-Op or internship, Howell Engineering provides the opportunity to gain real-world experience, work alongside great people, and learn what civil engineering is really all about. If you are interested in joining us as an intern or Co-Op, please visit our website at knowhowell.com!