Arianna Rambaram

Current Occupation: Transportation Engineering

Undergraduate University: Florida A&M University

Graduate University: Purdue University

Answers from the Mentor:

1. What led you to pursue your current career sector?
   I used to draw buildings when I was younger and became interested in architecture, and then later in civil engineering. In my senior year of my B.S.C.E. program at Florida A&M I was finally able to take transportation courses, and, to me, they were the most enjoyable of all other civil engineering disciplines. Subsequently I went to Purdue for my masters in civil engineering. In addition to taking transportation courses, I conducted research on various aspects of transportation engineering including the nexus of transportation and equity. Since joining the workforce, I have worked on projects that use the concepts I learned in my schooling as well as projects aimed at making transportation infrastructure and services more equitable which I enjoy very much.
2. If you could give one piece of advice to graduate students exploring career options, what would it be? Consider the goals you have for your life in the short-, mid-, and long-term and what the pros and cons for various jobs in your industry are. For example, some jobs may require someone who is open to traveling often or even relocating, or who is able to work substantial overtime, or who does not need comprehensive benefits (e.g., retirement plan, certain insurances), etc. Jobs rank differently in each of those aspects so do not only pay attention to the salary to decide on which job to pursue. I am not saying there is a wrong type of job, but certain types of jobs may suit your desires and capabilities better than another type of job given the season of life you are currently in.