#PittsburghMe: Meet Derek Vargo, Civil Engineering Technology Major

Meet Derek Vargo

Major: B.S., Civil Engineering Technology
Expected graduation: 2018
Hometown: Port Vue, Pa.
High school: South Allegheny High School
Scholarship from Point Park: Trustee Scholarship

Why did you choose Point Park?

Point Park offered me a good combination of a nice campus as well as the experience to get to enjoy the city. I grew up so close to Pittsburgh so I got to be involved in the city life a lot. I knew being able to get a good education in a city like this would be a great opportunity.

Have you had any internships? What were your responsibilities?

Yes, I had the opportunity to have an internship at Trumbull Corporation this past summer. My mom has been involved with this company for many years so she helped me land this opportunity. Because it is such a large company, I worked at a shop in West Mifflin where I was responsible for helping out everyone in the office with any of the small jobs they needed help with, as well as helping run errands for the company. I would pick up and drop off vehicles and keep track of how invoices were paid. My responsibilities varied across a wide range of tasks. However, I learned a lot at during my time there this past summer and just found out I will be returning there this summer.

Who is your favorite professor?

My favorite professor is probably Professor Matthew Pascal. Calculus is a very tough topic and he truly helped me learn so much and was able to explain things in such great detail. I feel like I’ve retained so much more information because of his teaching method. It goes beyond the classroom though; anytime I see him in the street or just in passing he always makes a point to stop and talk to me.

What do you like most about going to school in the city?

There are so many places that are within a 5-10 minute walk of this campus, which makes it a great place to be. For example, being just a few blocks from Point State Park makes it easy to walk down on a nice sunny day and catch some football and just enjoy the weather. Then, on your way back you can stop to eat at one of the many places Market Square has to offer.

What has going to school in the city of Pittsburgh taught you?

Being in Pittsburgh has shown me that I truly know that when I’m older and get my first house I will definitely be investing in a house that is in or very close to the city. The city life is something I want to be a part of for a long time. Yes, even with all the traffic.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

I would tell them that this is a great school and you can get a very good education in a variety of majors. There are plenty of opportunities around the city so there is really never a boring moment.

#PittsburghMe: Meet Derek Vargo, Civil Engineering Technology Major Monday, December 7, 2015