Jake Hunnewell, EI joined Sebago Technics in 2021 as a Civil Engineer within the Project Delivery Group. Mr. Hunnewell graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He has worked in construction, including performing inspection-quality control for paving. Jake previously shadowed with Sebago Technics. In his current role as a Civil Engineer, he is a key member of a multi-disciplinary site development team. His responsibilities include, but are not limited to, grading design, stormwater treatment and drainage design, utility coordination and design, and permitting.
How many years of experience do you have as an engineer and where did you graduate from?
I am currently approaching 1 year of experience. I started my career as a Civil Engineer with Sebago Technics in May of 2021, after graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2020.
When/how did you discover that you wanted to become a civil engineer?
I knew I wanted to become a Civil Engineer when I started applying to colleges. I remember thinking “okay, I’m good at math, so how can I apply that?” Then, after a few Google searches, I chose Civil Engineering. I think I loved the idea of being able to design and shape the land around me.
What do you like most about the work you do?
Each project is like its own puzzle to solve. No plot of land is the same, no concept is the same, and each one comes with its own constraints and challenges. I love the process of piecing it together.
When you think about working at Sebago Technics, what makes you proudest or most excited?
A lot of things. I’m proud of our principles as a company (Ownership, Service, Collaboration, Responsive, Respect, and Success) because I feel that they align strongly with my own. I am proud of the dedication of each employee-owner to their work, because it shows care towards creating a quality product. I’m proud to be working in an environment where I can feel comfortable not knowing everything, and knowing that I’m surrounded by experienced individuals who won’t hesitate to take the opportunity to teach me something, and where I feel comfortable asking any and every question without concern of feeling judged (because no question is a stupid question).
I am also proud of the work we do, and that we are literally responsible for shaping the communities around us. I think it’s cool.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an engineer?
Research the kind of engineering you might want to do (Civil, Mechanical, Biomedical, Chemical, or Electrical) as they all vary tremendously. Even Civil Engineering breaks down into Structural, Geotechnical, Environmental, and Transportation. Look into all the disciplines because you might not like some, but within engineering there are plenty more to explore. Talk to different engineers about what they do and the possibilities within their discipline. Study hard. And when you graduate take your FE Exam.
