Florida Polytechnic University senior Hans Arndt has always had an engineering mindset. He’s always been interested in knowing the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of how things work. As an intern at Wilson & Girgenti, a mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm with offices in Tampa, Florida, Hans is able to get hands-on experience before he leaves the classroom.
Having already earned a degree in business from University of Central Florida, Hans, 33, had the opportunity to experience the working world first hand as an electrician. But being on the job showed him that he wanted to be on the design end of the process – and to make it happen, he’d have to take up the challenge of going back to school.
Once Hans decided that he was committed to going back to earn his mechanical engineering degree, there was no question that he wanted to complete his studies at Florida Poly.
“As a Lakeland native, I got to watch Florida Poly be built from the ground up. Choosing to go to Florida Poly is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Hans. “It’s a really helpful environment where we get to learn a lot of theory, but we’re also given the chance to learn skills that will benefit our careers like working in teams, setting deadlines and being effective communicators.”
Those skills come in handy on the various design and consulting projects Hans is completing for Wilson & Girgenti. During the projects he’s engaged in work that has an impact on companies throughout the region.
“I feel lucky that the firm trusts me to work on client projects and contribute in a tangible way. But I will admit the stakes feel a little higher than in the classroom. There’s no partial credit in the real world,” he said.
In addition to the day-to-day projects, Hans enjoys sharing the unique benefits Florida Poly students can bring to a workplace.
“Hans has reinforced the high level of intelligence, work ethic, professionalism, communication skills, and problem-solving skills with which Florida Poly graduates enter the work place,” said Joe Girgenti, P.E., vice president of Wilson & Girgenti. The firm already hired a previous Florida Poly intern as a full time employee last year.
Hans feels that one of the major benefits of being a Florida Poly student is the emphasis that professors place on the importance of team projects and group work.
“I know that I’m a representative of all the other students at Florida Poly,” said Hans. “It matters that I show them what a great track record our school has of producing smart, impactful interns.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
(863) 874-8557
