UC student uses co-op to explore future engineering, public service careers

UC student uses co-op to explore future engineering, public service careers

Experiences from the Buckeye State to the West Coast help create a path

Engineers by nature are problem solvers. They like to think outside of the box, analyze situations and innovate to provide real world solutions to problems.

These traits resonated with Alex Woodall, a native of Sammamish, Washington, and now a fifth-year civil engineering major at the University of Cincinnati.

As a high school student in the Seattle suburb, Woodall could see himself in that role, but he also had a desire to become a public servant. He's a people person, a good communicator, an attentive listener and wants to improve the well-being of many.

Woodall excelled in math and science as a high school honors student, but he also had other civic-minded interests such as helping launch a new community newspaper and served as a writer and podcast producer. The publication started in Woodall's hometown after the area's longtime journal folded.

Alex Woodall examines a bridge beam used by UC students to understand bridge design. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.

"What do I want to do with my life? I want to create lasting, positive change in how people experience their daily lives," explains Woodall. "Whether it's adding a new metro line to improve access or building a bridge to connect neighborhoods, the built environment can have a profound impact. However, these projects often depend on legislation to bring them to life. By blending thoughtful engineering with the legislative framework to support it, we can create spaces that truly serve and uplift people."

Woodall says his experiences with cooperative education - he's had five co-ops at UC which include four at civil engineering firms and one in state government - are shaping his path for future employment

"The chance to try out those experiences before I make any life-altering decision was an amazing opportunity," says Woodall.

What type of civil engineering?

Woodall's first co-op was with Michael Baker International in Cleveland, Ohio, during his second-year at UC, which allowed him to work on roadway design for highways.

He handled utility labeling, ramp terminal detailing and other labeling for a $160 million central-interstate highway redesign and led design for a proposed traffic control signage on an $8 million street rehabilitation.

The experience was invaluable since Woodall determined that it wasn't quite the right fit for a future career. He discovered that eliminating what you don't want to do can be almost as valuable as finding your niche.

His second and third-co op experiences brought him back home to Washington state as a field engineer on a $140 million project with the American Bridge Company in Seattle, Washington. His co-ops for the company were August to December 2022 and May to August 2023.

Alex Woodall shown with other co-op and intern students at HDR Corp. in Cincinnati. Photo provided.

"I even had the chance to give my parents a tour of the bridge, which they now drive across daily on their way home from work," says Woodall. "It's incredible to think that, as a college student, I was able to contribute to such an important project."

During a rotation with American Bridge, a supervisor encouraged Woodall to explore structural engineering next. He emphasized the importance of gaining a well-rounded understanding of the civil engineering field and highlighted how on-site experience would force Woodall to read and interpret project plans that would prepare him to better understand how those plans are developed.

Woodall says the advice motivated him to step outside his comfort zone and continue making the most of UC's program.

Alex Woodall shown at a UC facility examining the beam of a bridge. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.

Co-op at UC

Alex Woodall (right end) is shown walking with other legislative aides for Washington State Senator John Lovick (center). Photo provided.

Will engineering and public service mix?

During the 2024 winter semester Woodall decided to try another co-op but one outside of engineering. He worked in the Washington State Legislature as a legislative intern. He worked closely with Democratic State Senator John Lovick researching background on potential bills and preparing reference information essential for testimony proceedings in the legislature.

"One of the most impactful experiences was shadowing the legislative affairs representative for the Washington State Department of Transportation," says Woodall. "This experience gave me valuable insight into how public policy and civil engineering can intersect, helping me to envision potential career paths that combine both fields."

The co-op allowed Woodall to continue exploring his interest in public service which had been ongoing since his arrival at UC.

During his first year on campus, Woodall was part of UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science Student Tribunal, serving as a first-year engineering president and senator for the group in UC Student Government. He later became student body treasurer and has remained active.

Alex Woodall shown with Washington State Senator John Lovick. Woodall enjoyed a public service co-op during a session of the Washington state legislature. Photo provided.

Alex Woodall shown in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

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