In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Engineer Eric Kuklentz), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.
Describe what you do at Warfel: As a project engineer, I work with the project manager and field staff to track and maintain schedule and cost while coordinating between all trades involved on the project. I also work closely with our trade partners and clients to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to a level of quality exceeding the client’s expectation.
Degree: Civil Engineering with a focus in structures
Why did you choose that course of study/degree? I’ve always been very analytical and curious, so I believe I was naturally drawn to engineering. And as a freshman in college, I contemplated many different majors, but ended up taking the advice of my dad when he said: “Get the technical degree, then figure out what you want to do.”
How long have you worked at Warfel? Around 2 years
What did you do before you came to Warfel? I worked for a heavy civil contractor
What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is learning! Working for a general contractor gives me the opportunity to learn about all trades involved in construction. Apart from the technical side, I also learn how to communicate with many different personality types.
What is the least favorite job you ever had? I never really hated any job I had, but I disliked working for a general contractor doing road work as it was unnerving to be so close to traffic for hours a day.
What is your most exciting accomplishment? Buying a house!
What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Be curious and ask questions.
What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Be humble and willing to learn. Graduating in civil engineering, there are going to be things related to HVAC that absolutely stump me. But the people at Warfel and many of our trade partners are very willing to educate you if you ask!
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? You have to enjoy every day. You cannot wish away your time, even when you’re doing something you dislike at work. You cannot be counting down the days to your next vacation or watching the clock at work. You have to find the positives in every day and make the most out of what is put in front of you.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? Chip or Joanna Gaines. I would love to flip houses!
What do you wish people knew about engineering? Engineering is not a one-size-fits-all field. There are many different things you can do with an engineering degree, and engineering is required outside of autocad and mechanical plans. Although general contractors don’t typically get involved with “engineering” per se, there are countless occasions where we are required to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions in the field, and that’s part of what makes the job fun.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy running, doing home improvement, and being outside!
