Chris Bradford has many accomplishments of which he can be proud. He is an Engineering student at Carroll. He works part-time at Friendly Farm Restaurant. He has embarked upon a path towards transfer to the University of Maryland in Civil Engineering after he completes his Carroll degree. But Bradford’s most impressive accomplishment started when he attended an “Advice and a Slice” career development session at Carroll this past spring.

“Advice and a Slice” is a program which brings together students interested in a specific career field with working professionals for a panel discussion. This one was sponsored by the STEM Club and organized by Director of Career Development Barb Gregory. Employers representing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (collectively known as STEM) spoke with students about their experiences in the field.

Bradford attended the session because he was eager to learn more about the Civil Engineering profession. He networked with panelist Kristin Barmoy, the president of a surveying and civil engineering business called Hanover Land Services, Inc. She is also an adjunct faculty member teaching mathematics at Carroll.

Bradford told Barmoy that he was interested in bridge and highway design engineering, and that he had training in AutoCad and MicroStation software. He shared with her that he would like to find a summer internship. Barmoy was not hiring interns at the time, so she shared the name of a business associate who runs the office of a large civil engineering firm called The Wilson T. Ballard Company. The firm is in Owings Mills, not far from where Bradford lives.

Chris followed up on the internship lead from Barmoy and contacted Wilson T. Ballard. He immediately accepted an offer to work as a summer intern at the firm. He concluded the three-month internship with a reputation as a skilled and conscientious worker. Then, serendipity entered the picture.

What happened next is the stuff that dreams are made of. The president of Wilson T. Ballard was so impressed with Bradford’s performance during his internship that he created a full-time position for him starting in the fall.

“It is unusual for a student who is still pursuing an Engineering degree to be hired on as a full-time employee,” said Carroll Chair of Engineering and Mathematics Maria Burness. “Most STEM-related firms seek employees with a mature and developed skill set, so they usually wait to hire students after graduation. This is a testament to Chris’s hard work and talent. It is also a testament to how well Carroll prepares its Engineering students for the real world. Chris took advantage of all of the opportunities which Carroll offers.”

“I think that the key to Chris’ current employment is not only his performance in school, but his willingness to be persistent and follow my advice as someone who has ‘been there’,” said Barmoy. “This sequence of events happened because of Chris’ willingness to network. Most students did not speak to the panelists after the Advice and A Slice session ended. However, Chris was determined to’ go after it’.”

A humble Bradford shares the credit for his success with the college he respects so much. “I chose to attend Carroll because of the atmosphere and the quality of the instructors. Faculty and staff are very supportive,” said Bradford. “Most of all, I value the way Carroll has prepared me for my chosen field of study. All of my courses have provided me with everything I need to know. I am especially thrilled to be working in a drafting department at a company so early in my career,” said Bradford. “I have participated in helping a crew to survey a road in Southern Maryland and I am ready to move on to more complex tasks.”

Carroll chemistry instructor Dr. Raza Khan said, “Students who are interested in STEM fields, regardless of whether they are pursuing a specialized degree such as an Associate of Science in Engineering (A.S.E) or completing a more general associate degree in Arts and Science, are well-prepared because of their science coursework at Carroll. These students can succeed at pursuing challenging STEM majors when they transfer to four-year institutions.

I wish to thank Barbara Gregory who has been kind enough to coordinate Carroll’s Advice and a Slice event for the past three years,” said Khan. “I offer my special appreciation to the ‘How Things Work Academic Community’ that co-sponsored the event last year with the STEM Club.”

Bradford joined the STEM club last year. He has taken an active role as stand-in officer of the Club. And he never ceases to be amazed about how his academic and career aspirations have unfolded since he started drawing maps in crayons—thanks to the love and support of his family—when he was a small child.

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