Engineering Classes Meet Real-World Construction on Co-op

Lauren Wadie

Lauren Wadie approaches engineering as more than calculations and technical specs. The third-year Drexel mechanical engineering student sees it as a mindset that demands creative problem-solving and practical thinking. Her choice of mechanical engineering stems from its versatility. "There are so many different fields to go into with this degree," she says. "As someone who gets bored easily, I love that one degree can open up many different doors."

Through Drexel's co-op program , Wadie has tested this mindset in two different jobs. Her first position focused on professional development. "I learned to stay professional in stressful situations and work directly with colleagues," she says. These social skills proved as valuable as technical knowledge.

For her second co-op, Wadie sought a position that would push her boundaries. "I wanted to be with a bigger, well-known company," she says. "I wanted management that was fully present, informative, and helpful with my learning." She found her match at LF Driscoll, one of the Northeast's leading construction management firms.

As a Project Manager co-op, Wadie manages three active construction projects. She coordinates between architects and subcontractors, tracks construction progress through site visits, and organizes project documentation.

The role connects her classroom learning to industry practice. She applies engineering principles daily, from understanding material choices to calculating dimensions and angles. "My engineering classes helped me connect how and why we use certain materials," Wadie says. "Why some parts are strictly only made with steel and why pipes are better when made of copper."

Construction sites have become her second classroom. "I took this field for granted," Wadie admits. "There's so much behind every detail of a building." During one site visit, she had a moment of clarity. "I was just looking around and thinking, 'Wow, I could really see myself doing this full time after graduation.' It really helped me confirm that this was the right degree for me."

When she returns to campus, Wadie will bring valuable insights about combining technical expertise with practical thinking. "Some engineers are very technical with their knowledge and fact-driven but forget to have common sense," she notes. "I am glad I can take that way of thinking with me everywhere."


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