If you could have lunch with top professionals in your field, what would you ask them?

For Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) students, this isn’t a theoretical question. Each spring semester, our undergraduate seminar course brings various industry professionals to campus. They present on topics in their field, network with EEE professors, and finally, sit down to lunch with a group of EEE students.

EEE senior Eva Lynch has attended these lunches since her sophomore year.

Senior Eva Lynch (back left), sophomore Sam Widjanarko (front left), and senior Jillian Hirsch (front right) sit down to lunch with Bruce Cooley, program manager at Citizens Energy Group (back right) after his presentation to EEE 390.

“The biggest thing I've gained from meeting these professionals is the realization that there are so many people inspired to make a positive impact on the environment in so many different ways. It's incredibly motivating to see the diverse range of careers and contributions within the field,” Eva shares.

The most recent seminar speaker, Bruce Cooley, is a program manager at Citizens Energy Group, and a member of the EEE External Advisory Council. He was eager to share not only about what they could do in a job like his, but also how to build a career as an environmental engineer.

“Every student I spoke with after class loved his presentation.  He talked about his personal path but also gave overall advice that I think anyone thinking about starting their career would appreciate,” said Margaret Whelton, the Manager of Industrial Experience and a continuing lecturer for EEE.

Bruce Cooley speaks to EEE students in the 390 seminar course.

Ms. Whelton’s role is all about preparing EEE students for their professional careers. This includes organizing seminars and speaker lunches, as well as working with industry partners to secure internships, co-ops, and full-time job opportunities for students. She works individually with students on their career paths through mentoring, helping refine resumes, and evaluating job offers. As a lecturer, she develops real-world classroom experiences that enhance students’ learning and skills.

“I am very proud to help launch future environmental engineers,” she says, “EEE is a small but mighty program. We have one of the largest environmental engineering programs in the country.  I always say I wish they had this program when I was in school. I truly believe EEE is the future of the environmental field.”

Naturally, Ms. Whelton is pleased when students like Eva feel inspired and motivated in their networking endeavors.

“These lunches have provided invaluable insights into diverse career paths, allowing me to explore my interests and identify potential career goals. Engaging in professional conversations has honed my communication, networking, and interpersonal skills, essential for success in any field,” Eva says.

Her experiences and conversations lead her to an internship last summer at Nucor Steel. Now she has a full-time job lined up with the company following her graduation in May.

However, networking opportunities don’t always come knocking on students’ doors, especially for EEE students. This is largely why Ms. Whelton organized lunches with students and professionals.

“The weekly networking opportunities provide our students the opportunity to connect with environmental professionals on a variety of pathways. They also get to practice their networking skills which will help them as a professional. The confidence and ability to talk with people of different ages and backgrounds is key in the professional setting.”

Hosting industry professionals for seminars and lunches has proven to be an exciting and valuable experience for EEE students. By fostering a supportive environment where students can engage with professionals, EEE ensures that future graduates are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. In conjunction with a stellar curriculum and a world renowned engineering degree, networking opportunities like these are paving the way for successful Purdue environmental engineers.