Jessica Mastriano, Engineering Entrepreneurship, Class of 2026

What drew you to pursue an engineering degree at Rowan, and how did you know this field was the right fit for you?

I was drawn to pursue an engineering degree at Rowan University because of its Engineering Entrepreneurship program, which uniquely blends technical engineering education with business and innovation. I was especially interested in developing both an engineering and business skill set, as I felt this combination would open doors to a wider range of career opportunities. I truly knew engineering was the right fit for me after completing my internship this past summer, where I was able to apply what I had learned in the classroom to real-world projects and see the tangible impact of engineering work.

My industry experience as a Rowan engineering student allowed me to connect classroom learning with real-world application, giving me clarity and confidence in my career path. It reinforced my passion for engineering by showing me the direct impact this work has in the field. - Jessica Mastriano, '26

Can you describe your co-op, internship, or industry role and the type of work you were involved in as a student?

This past summer, I completed an internship at Earle Asphalt Company, where I worked closely with both project engineers and field engineers. This dual exposure gave me valuable insight into the civil engineering and construction industry from multiple perspectives. In the office, I assisted with reviewing construction plans, estimating quantities, and mapping out materials needed for projects. In the field, I observed daily operations, construction sequencing, and on-site problem-solving, which helped me better understand how designs and plans are executed in practice.

How did your coursework or clinic experiences at Rowan prepare you for working in an industry setting?

My Junior and Senior Engineering Clinics played a significant role in preparing me for an industry setting, particularly in developing foundational project management skills. Through these clinics, I gained experience in planning, teamwork, communication, and meeting project deadlines. Applying these skills in my internship allowed me to see how the same principles used in academic projects are scaled up and applied to larger, more complex real-world engineering projects.

What was the most valuable skill or insight you gained from working in the field while still an undergraduate?

The most valuable insight I gained was understanding how critical effective communication is between office teams and field teams. Seeing how information flows from design and planning to execution helped me appreciate the importance of clear documentation, coordination, and collaboration to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.

How has this experience influenced your career goals or what you hope to do after graduation?

This experience had a major influence on my career goals, as I ultimately accepted a full-time position with the company. Having such a positive and hands-on experience helped me identify the area of engineering I am most excited to pursue after graduation and gave me confidence in my decision to enter the construction and civil engineering field.