Joshua Miller
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Bio-Based Products, Residential Building Science and Technology
Current Job Title: Research Scientist 2
Organization: Minnesota Department of Health
How did you find this job?
I found this job through an industry contact I was introduced to while working for the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate research assistant.
StoneScapes, General Manager/Vice President
My daily tasks include working on the objectives of the Environmental Protection Agency's Radon Grant Program. I answer questions that people have when they contact the Minnesota Department of Health, design and undertake projects that deal with Indoor Air Quality, collect and analyze data from current projects, and create summaries of my research. I also work with other professionals in the industry to increase the Indoor Air Quality in Minnesota buildings.
The real world knowledge that I gained in my Residential Building Science and Technology classes, along with my internships in multiple areas allowed me to become a well-rounded and very qualified graduate.
The biggest misconceptions people have are about the builders in the industry—that they will build a low quality product just to make a profit. In reality, builders are looking for ways to improve their projects.
What surprised me the most after graduating is that it is very hard to get respect as a young individual in this industry.
Acquiring good internships in multiple areas of your field of study will prove to be invaluable. Work with your professors to meet their professional contacts and attend some industry training conferences. In some cases, when students have the right kinds of experience and maintain close contact with their professors, they get recruited by multiple companies.