David Oppong, Civil Engineering Alum

Degrees
Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering ('18)
Master of Science in Civil Engineering ('20)

Current Residence
Memphis, TN

Current Employer
Allworld Project Management

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I felt a draw to the University of Memphis when I was applying to school and i had a desire to work in the community when I finished school.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
The exposure to professional societies and leadership roles were integral to meeting mentors and learning about the civil engineering industry. In addition to my technical education, I was able to build my soft skills

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Working in teams and also working with people from all walks of life. Also professionalism, how to write and how to conduct research to address problems and find solutions. I also was afforded the opportunity to take the first engineering leadership class that Herff offered. The skills I have learned help me in my career now and I have had the privilege of participating in the etiquette dinner for the past two years.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. Stephanie Ivey. She sparked my interest in the transportation industry and helped me learn that the road to a successful career does not have to be linear. She also provided me with the opportunity to attend graduate school and work for her to further my education.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Yes. National Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, Institute of Transportation Engineers, TLSAMP, Engineering Student Council

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
My professors had open door policies which proved to be very helpful. Also forming community with my fellow classmates and other Herff staff was paramount to my success. Involvement in student groups such as NSBE and TLSAMP was very helpful as well.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
I have made some of my closest friends while at Herff so any opportunity that we could be together whether it was social or academic created fond memories at the college of engineering. I also will always remember getting encouragement from Dr. P and Dr. Camp in the Civil Engineering Department.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Take the time to ask questions about the college and ask former students about their experience. The Faculty and Staff are very open and will take the time to ask questions.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
The skills that you learn from your initial years in school build on each  other so I wish I had spent more time grasping concepts when I was earlier in my school career.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
I would say so. The cost of attending helped sway my decision to attend. I would have taken more time the summer before to refresh my math skills and I also would have taken more time to ask more questions when I started school