BOG knows that inclusive and diverse organizations outperform their competitors, and by attending career fairs we are able to bring our values and culture to emerging professionals. For more than two decades, we have been supporting career-advancing job fairs at a number of key universities.
During the months of January and February, we back away from our computers, grab our business cards and brochures and get ready to talk to hundreds of engineering students. Recently we attended the following events:
- The 29th Annual Civil & Environmental Engineering Career Fair took place at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on January 18. Principal Ben Pitts and Mark Patterson were in attendance.
- The Annual Career Fair and Scholarship Presentation Night, presented by Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC) Young Members Committee, was held at the DoubleTree in downtown Los Angeles on February 6. It was attended by Han Kim, Jesse Hamilton and Kevin Westervelt. Scholarships were awarded by SEAOSC from $500 up to $1500.
- The Cal Poly SEAOC’s 29th Annual Structural Forum, held at the Madonna Inn Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, took place on February 9. It was attended by Principal Larry Kaprielian, Paloma Grant and Jesse Hamilton. It was the largest of the three events.
First Things First
These events are essential for our company and the industry as a whole. We are able to network with our peers, as well as get a closer look at the talent pool.
“Our first consideration when attending these events is to attract young talent into the structural engineering field. As a whole, we want competent individuals to become part of the industry. When we meet face-to-face with students, they learn firsthand how we can help in the development of their careers.”
Kevin Westervelt, S.E. Principal
A Career Not Just a Job
A question students frequently ask is how best to transition from school to a working professional. We’ve all experienced this, and it’s rewarding to provide valuable advice on how we did just that. We share our ideas, knowledge and personal experiences on how to advance their career while maintaining work-life balance.
Students also want to know what it’s like to work at BOG. We have a wide range of diversity with a number of staff from different backgrounds as well as engineers at different stages of their careers. New hires are able to work and socialize with people their own age while learning from experienced professionals. When new engineers join us, they feel right at home with peers they relate to.
Many of us began our careers as interns, and we are proud to support engineers who are working towards their professional licenses and to provide career advancement.
It Starts Early at BOG
Internships play a vital role for students to get real-life experience and solidify their decision to advance their careers. Therefore, it’s not surprising that we have hired at least one intern every year since 1996 when we started the firm. This year we have invited Ryan Millward back, who interned with us last summer.
“My internship taught me concepts and lessons that will benefit me throughout the rest of my schooling, and confirmed in my mind that I have chosen the right field.”
Ryan Millward, Cal Poly SLO ARCE Student
A Proud Centerpiece
Every year at Cal Poly Structural Forum banquet, students design centerpieces for each of the companies in attendance and this year was no different. Of the nearly 50 companies, each went home with a coveted “trophy.” We now have 22 of them, one for each year we’ve attended since BOG’s founding in 1996. Some are eclectic, some are funky, some beautiful. They have a place of honor in our office—a tribute to our commitment to our engineering profession.
Please visit the Careers section of our website to learn about the opportunities available to join our dynamic team.