Short Feature with Men's Basketball Sophomore Trent Suddeth
Sophomore Trent Suddeth, a civil and environmental engineering major from Winter Park, Florida, answers a few questions about student life at Carnegie Mellon, his internship experience and what's next, what he's excited for this semester, why he chose his major, and what he likes about Pittsburgh.
1. What do you enjoy about campus life?
I think the biggest thing is how collaborative everyone is when it comes to school work. Everyone wants to see others succeed, so most people are willing to help others out. It makes the learning process a lot easier when you have peers willing to help you out. I would also say that in my major that the professors are approachable and want to see you succeed in their class. They encourage people to come to office hours and they make their best effort to help.
2. What do you get involved in outside of basketball?
I honestly haven't been too involved with many other long term commitments outside of school and basketball over my first two years. I wanted to make sure I was giving my full attention to my two biggest commitments. I have recently been accepted to join SAAC for the next school year. I am excited to join the group and help make a difference in our community.
3. What did you do during for first collegiate summer?
Last summer, I worked for JRaymond Construction Company in Orlando, Florida. I was a part of their construction intern program for the summer. My jobsite was a brand new Publix that was in the early stages of the build. My day-to-day tasks included assisting with layout coordination, assisting with subcontractor coordination, material deliveries/quality control, on-site document control, requests for information, and safety paperwork. Basically, I did anything my superintendent wanted me to do. I am still unsure on exactly what I want to ultimately do after graduation, but the internship gave me a great idea on what to expect about entering the construction field.
4. What are you excited about this semester?
Obviously really excited for Carnival and the break from school that comes with that. Freshman Carnival was very chaotic because you didn't really know everything that was going on, but this year should be even better with the experience of last year. I am also excited to play in the softball intermural league on campus with my teammates. Lastly, I hope to make some Pirates baseball games this spring.
5. What are your summer plans?
Going into this summer, I will be working for Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Washington, D.C. I will be a part of their intern summer program. I got the job from the TOC job fair that was on campus in the fall. I got to meet with a lot of great companies at the fair and received a couple of job offers, but ended up deciding to work for Whiting-Turner.
6. Why did you select your course of study – what class have you enjoyed the most?
I am in the Civil & Environmental Department. My father is in the general contractor field and my brother is a professional civil engineer, so I mainly chose my field because I am familiar with it due to my family. I also enjoy it because I like the tangible aspect of civil engineering and how it shapes our society. My favorite class so far in my department has been Solid Mechanics Lab because I enjoy applying the concepts in class to real examples.
7. What class would you recommended someone take?
I would suggest for incoming engineering students to take the Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering course. It does a great job giving a solid breath on what the major is about. It also has three great projects during the semester that were really enjoyable.
8. What have you enjoyed about living in Pittsburgh?
The best thing about living in Pittsburgh is the sports culture that surrounds the three main teams in the area. I have been fortunate to go to at least one of each sporting event and they were all incredible. My first Penguins game was my first hockey game I have ever been to, so it was quite the experience.