Engineering Alumnus Discusses His Experiences at Point Park Thursday, December 16, 2010
Meet John Frydrych
Major and degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology, Master of Science in Engineering Management
Year of graduation: 1991 (undergraduate), 2003 (graduate)
Occupation and current employer: Civil Engineering Consultant and Eastern Regional Manager for R.A. Smith National, Inc.
Now living in: Murrysville, Pa.
Why did you choose to attend Point Park?
For my undergraduate degree, I wanted a small and comfortable setting to attend classes and earn a degree that met my needs and in a field of interest to me. Point Park offered a degree in civil engineering technology that offered a practical approach for real-world design and construction.
I came back to Point Park for graduate work when the Master of Science degree in engineering management was first offered in 2001. The new program was ideal for me at a point in my career when new opportunities were developing. Point Park further prepared me for career advancement and success as a licensed professional engineer; managing very sizable projects, overseeing technical staff and balancing a variety of budgets.
How did Point Park help you prepare for your career?
The course work at Point Park offered practical, real world engineering in a field that interested me, civil engineering. My interests in design, construction, and surveying were matched with the program offered at Point Park.
The master of science degree offered advanced study and better prepared me for advancement as a consulting engineer where overall project management, oversight of staff and budget tracking are most important.
What was your most beneficial experience at Point Park University?
Being a full-time student in a non-traditional setting and working with practicing professionals offered a unique environment to learn. The course work pertained to real-world applications, the computer labs offered the latest hardware and software applications and overall program prepared me for a rewarding career.
What is your favorite memory at Point Park University?
The Downtown experience: Walking to and studying at the Point. Always enjoying the Downtown shops during the holiday seasons.
Group "study" at San Remos Pizza Shop (if it is still up the street, around the corner).
Surveying the Point with our class and spending many Saturday mornings and afternoons collecting data while learning specific survey techniques and equipment.
Graduating summa cum laude in 1991 and then returning to Point Park for graduate work in 2001. Returning for more says it all!
What advice do you have for today's students?
Apply yourself at not less than 100% and take advantage of all available resources. It is most important in today's environment to be steps ahead of everyone else, everyone who is looking for the same outcome as you. Work closely with professionals, set up networks to interact and work as hard as you can.