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>>> Background
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Name:
Derek Gardels
Nickname:
D-Rock (I have no idea where my friends came up with that).
Birthplace:
Kearney, Nebraska
School:
University of Nebraska
Major:
Civil Engineering
Expected date of graduation:
May 2009
What’s your post-graduation goal?
I would like to pass the FE and PE and become a successful professional engineer designing residential developments, golf courses, commercial developments, airports, and other big projects.
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>>> Olsson Life
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Job title:
Student Technician
Describe your job in 100 words or less:
During the school year, I work in the Omaha office on the Land Development team. I do a lot of drafting and CAD-related work. Most of our projects in the Omaha office are related to commercial developments. We do a lot of work with big-box companies, such as Wal-Mart and Costco, and other retailers. This past summer I worked in the field for the Holdrege office on the Municipal team doing construction testing. I performed field nuclear density tests and other soil and concrete tests. I also did some surveying for them.
How would you describe your job to a 6-year-old?
I help the engineers design and develop land for stores such as Wal-Mart.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Meeting deadlines.
How would you describe a typical Olsson employee?
Young. Motivated. Energetic.
What do you like most about working at Olsson?
I enjoy working at Olsson Associates because the co-workers in both of the offices I have worked in are very easy to get along with and very flexible. If you have special interests, they make sure to get you involved in projects you are interested in.
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>>> Miscellany
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Favorite hobbies:
Water-skiing. Golfing. Snow-skiing.
Favorite musicians/groups:
A little bit of everything: Nickelback, Hinder, Montgomery Gentry, Bryan Adams, ACDC, George Strait.
Favorite song:
Bazillions. It depends on the minute.
Favorite movie:
Bourne Ultimatum
Favorite junk food:
Mozzarella sticks
Worst job you’ve ever had:
Working at the Buckle Distribution Warehouse when I was 16.
Favorite magazine:
Sports Illustrated
Favorite city:
After Wilcox (Pop. 360), probably Omaha.
Superpower you’d like to have:
Ability to fly.
Role model:
Jesus Christ
Best college memory so far:
Ski trip to Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Where you went for your last vacation:
Black Hills in South Dakota.
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>>> Philosophical
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Three things you are passionate about:
Work. School. My faith in Jesus.
Have you had a life-changing experience?
I became a Christian when I was young.
How do you find balance in your life between the pressures of school, work, family, and friends?
That is very tough. That was the hardest thing for me when I got to college. You have to make time for everyone. Honestly, I just try to make sure I stay busy during the week and finish my work and homework early so that I have time for family and friends. Spending less time watching TV, and more time working and studying, has been the best solution for me.
What one piece of advice would you give to students who are considering internships?
Internships are very beneficial, especially in engineering. There is so much you learn from working that they never teach you in class. It makes the stuff you learn in class make sense and gives you a lot of experience for your future job.
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