Advice, tips, and strategies for successful careers from former students turned EIs (engineer interns) who aim to become PEs (professional engineers).

Name: Kurt Krasick
Office location: Olathe, KS
Team: Olathe Geotech

How did your career with Olsson begin?

I began my career at Olsson working in the soils/construction materials lab, performing various tests that determined specific soil properties that would in turn be used to shape the geotechnical reports we produce.

What advice can you give to students who aspire to become EIs?

That’s a simple answer – study for and pass the FE exam! However, my best advice for becoming an Olsson EI is to work hard. Take the shifts that nobody else wants, perform the tasks that nobody else wants to do, work longer hours than most of your peers, and be able to take directions from others. Also, realize and grasp the opportunity to become a leader! Take a risk and anticipate what your supervisors want you to do and have it done before they even ask.

Describe a project (or projects) that challenged you and how you worked to overcome those challenges.

So far, my biggest challenge while working at Olsson has been obtaining our lab’s AMRL, CCRL, and AASHTO certifications. I overcame this obstacle by seeking out others in the company who had already helped to obtain these certs for their labs. That made me realize that almost every situation you will face at Olsson has been faced by others, which provides a sense of comfort knowing that more than likely you can find someone willing to offer advice.

What do you enjoy most about being an EI and why?

I enjoy not having to attend school anymore! Beyond that, I enjoy that I’m one step closer to becoming a PE.

How do you maintain a successful work-life balance?

I think it is important to maintain and even create time for your hobbies outside of work. This can be achieved by focusing on and completing tasks that you know need to be finished today, but bearing in mind that there is always a tomorrow for others.

What are you most looking forward to in your professional future?

I look forward to capitalizing on the opportunity that has presented itself to me, helping to bring more work and new clients to Olsson, while maintaining excellent relationships with the clients others have worked so hard to create.

Any additional insight you’d like to share?

A simple quote:
“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
-Thomas Edison