Nicholas Kowalski
- Project Engineer
- Halyard, Inc
School Information
School: University of California, Santa Cruz
College Major: Other
Years at College Works: 2011
Career Information
Working For: Halyard, Inc
Title: Project Engineer
Industry: Construction
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
• Manage heavy renovation, light renovation, common area upgrade, landscaping, exterior painting and ADU projects • Manage 30-50 projects concurrently • Preform regular building and job site walks to ensure quality craftsmanship and building cleanliness • Well versed with Procore construction management software for project tracking • Maintain competitive renovation pricing through project bidding • Hold preconstruction walks with contractors to determine scope of work and review best practices • Work with design to give project estimates and improve apartment layouts • Constant infield problem solving to determine best path forwards • Maintain a high standard finished product through diligent punch walks • Responsible for all contractor and resident communication
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?I have left the boring daily grind (a day job) and now I am making money while traveling the world.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting has taught me how to be a go getter; if you want something, you have to go out a do it yourself.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
College Works Painting definitely helped me land the sales job I had a LoopNet right after graduation. The skills you learn at College Works Painting are super important as well that you can also write the experience on your resume.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
It is easy to make excuses as to why certain things cannot be done or accomplished, but if you want to do something, the buck stops with you.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
This College Works Painting experience is going to be one of the hardest, but most rewarding things you have done in your life so far. Remember that it is too easy to make excuses that certain things cannot be done. Don’t make excuses, don’t think about it too much, just do it!
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Do it! It might seem risky or out of your comfort zone, but living in a new country and experiencing new things everyday is a great opportunity, especially when your young.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Finally completing my $12k house and getting that final check!
Last words of wisdom?
The College Works Painting internship is whatever you make of it. If your heart is not there, then your experience will probably not be as fruitful as you would like. You need to be committed.