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 Manager Amber Schnader), 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: I manage projects of various sizes by hiring subcontractors, managing internal teams and coordinating with architects, engineers, and building owners. I’m responsible for ensuring quality, schedule, and budget remain on-track throughout the construction process.
Degree: Civil Engineering, Bucknell University
Why did you choose that course of study/degree? I was interested in architecture and construction from a young age. In high school, a construction superintendent gave me advice that getting a degree on the engineering/design side would be practical but he recommended applying it with a construction management career to see how the design functions in the field.
How long have you worked at Warfel? 7 years
What did you do before you came to Warfel? College
What is your favorite part of your job? Working with many different teammates, internal and external to the company
What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Make sure you learn the design and calculation process for engineering, but get an internship to see if you would enjoy doing that for a career, or if you would prefer managing the construction of those designs.
What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Be yourself in your interview; we value authenticity and honesty.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Everyone approaches a situation from a different perspective and with a different personality; it’s critical to take different viewpoints into account.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Home renovations, cooking/baking and outdoorsy things like gardening, kayaking, and hiking
What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? I never had to wear braces or a retainer to get my straight teeth.