
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."