Melissa Ward

When Melissa (Trahan) Ward ’06 found Michigan Tech she was only looking at in-state schools and opted to visit Michigan Tech to learn more about the environmental engineering program. After she visited, she was hooked. “I loved the UP, Houghton, campus, and the program. I only applied to one school and paid my enrollment deposit the day my acceptance letter arrived.” Years later, that initial excitement hasn't faded for her.

She says Linda Phillips, a faculty member in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department led the  International Senior Design program, which changed Ward’s life.

“I traveled with her to Bolivia in 2005. She taught me engineering is so much more than merely technical design. Successful engineering projects consider and respect members of the impacted community. If technology fails to address social concerns, then the design also fails. Looking back, those two weeks in Bolivia changed the course of my career, and Linda has been supporting me every step of the way.”

Ward didn't realize at the time that Michigan Tech was empowering her to be more than just her eventual degree title. “Sure, I was graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering (along with multiple job offers). But, I was also graduating with self-confidence, courage, and tenacity to keep reinventing myself throughout my career.”

When she graduated, she had two offers at Michigan civil engineering consulting firms. She took a position with her co-op employer SME, Inc. as a staff engineer. She worked as an engineer for four years in Michigan and Pennsylvania. While working, she also volunteered with Engineers Without Borders as a professional mentor to several college student chapters. “I found I was much more interested in the people and communities who were involved in our projects, not the actual design. I also loved working with college students.”

Melissa’s career completely rerouted when she decided to get a master's degree in sociology from Penn State. While working as a research associate at the University of Iowa's College of Engineering, she realized her calling in higher education. She now works as the Director of Recruitment and Student Services in Indiana University's School of Global and International Studies.” I never would have found my path without important experiences and people at MTU. (Shout out to Bonnie Gorman and John Lehman!)”

“Michigan Tech taught me the basics for career preparedness. I remember the students being focused on internships and co-ops. It was part of the culture—something you can't find on every college campus. Careers were a priority for students—an expectation.”

She says outside the classroom she enjoyed many outdoor activities from camping to  snowshoeing, curling to mountain biking. “My favorite will always be building the month-long snow statue! I loved the design phase, the construction, and the pride our team would have for the finished product. While I was statue chair, our team won first place in the Women's Division!”

Ward’s advice to students is: “Never let your degree limit you. A degree from Tech is powerful. You'll likely graduate with a job offer (or two) in your chosen field of study. But, Tech has prepared you to do more and to be more. Don't be afraid to push yourself and take a chance on a career path you never considered while in college.”

“Don't wait to be an expert. I have realized that very few people know as much as I think they must know. If you have drive and fresh ideas, you may go farther than you think.”