Michael Klein Has Wanted to Be an Engineer Since He was a Young Kid. His Summer Experience at KHS&S Strengthened His Resolve.
Middleton High School Engineering Magnet student Michael Klein doesn’t know if he will major in mechanical or some other form of engineering. But he’s known since he was a young kid that engineering was in his blood. That’s why he jumped at the chance for a summer job with KHS&S as a Design Phase Assistant in KHS&S’s Preconstruction / Themed Services Division. Working with seasoned veterans of the trade on real projects hasn’t dimmed his goals. It’s only strengthened his love of the field.
The summer work opportunity is part of KHS&S’s commitment to promote and support construction careers in local markets they serve.
Meet Michael and learn more about his KHS&S experience and how he wants to contribute to the industry in the future.
When did you become interested in construction design?
I became interested in construction design through the two-semester drafting class and other engineering courses offered through my curriculum at Middle High School.
What do you like the most about construction design?
What I like the most is the challenging nature of the work and the fact I can do real-life work that matters to people.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at KHS&S?
I have most enjoyed being able to learn from my boss and coworkers. I’ve also really enjoyed just the work itself.
What is the most important thing you have learned at KHS&S that will help you in the future?
The most important thing I have learned is how to approach work tasks and the practicality associated with the work we do.
Did you encounter any surprises about the field of study or about working in general during your time at KHS&S?
I didn’t expect to be able to jump right into working on real projects and performing real work assignments. It was a very pleasant surprise.
What challenged you the most?
The biggest challenge was the complexity and nature of the work I was able to do.
What is your ultimate career goal?
My goal is to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. I’m open to other engineering majors, too, but I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I was a little kid, and that hasn’t changed. The experience at KHS&S has proven to me more than ever that I want to do design work for a career.
Do you have any advice for other students?
My advice is simply be interested in the field, and always look for new opportunities to learn.
Is there anything else you would like to add about your KHS&S experience?
I want to thank KHS&S for the opportunity that I have been given to work and learn. Working at KHS&S has been a blast, and I want to keep working as much as I can, even if it is just for the summer.
About Middleton High School’s Academy of Engineering
Hillsborough County’s Academy of Engineering at Middleton High School is a nationally recognized pre-engineering curriculum of Project Lead the Way (www.pltw.org). Courses in this rigorous curriculum include: Introduction to Engineering, Principes of Engineering, Digital Electronics, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Civil Engineering / Architecture, Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Design & Development. Students use the same industry-leading 3D design software used by companies like Intel, Lockheed Martin and Pixar, such as Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD.
