Caitlyn Randall, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in structural engineering from UC San Diego in June 2023, is now a Construction Project Manager at the Disneyland Resort. Reflecting on her academic and professional journey, she shares her insights, discusses her initial attraction to structural engineering, overcoming obstacles such as impostor syndrome, and offers practical advice for success in coursework while fostering connections with peers.
Choosing UC San Diego's Structural Engineering program wasn't an obvious choice for Randall initially.
"I wasn't sure about my career path coming into UC San Diego," she admits. However, the program's flexibility and diverse focus sequences caught her attention. "The ability to choose between civil structures, aerospace structures, and geotechnical engineering sequences appealed to me," Randall explains. This freedom allowed her to explore courses like aerospace structures, broadening her understanding and igniting her enthusiasm for structural engineering.
Throughout her academic journey, Randall encountered various challenges, with impostor syndrome being one of the most prominent.
"I constantly doubted my intellect and skills," she confesses. This challenge is common among students, but Randall’s resilience and determination enabled her to overcome it. "I started to focus only on my skills and abilities," she recounts. By halting comparisons and emphasizing her strengths, Randall effectively shifted her perspective.
A highlight of Randall’s time at UC San Diego was the mentorship she received from Professor Hyonny Kim.
"Professor Kim's dedication to both education and student well-being was evident," she recalls. His guidance not only helped Randall navigate challenging coursework but also provided invaluable insights into potential career paths. Such mentorship highlights the supportive environment fostered within the Department of Structural Engineering, where faculty members are invested in the success of their students.
Following her graduation, Randall embarked on a career as a Construction Project Manager at the Disneyland Resort. In her role, she oversees projects for the resort's hotels, managing everything from defining project scopes to coordinating communication between various stakeholders. This position allows her to apply her structural engineering expertise in a dynamic and diverse setting, demonstrating the versatility of a degree in structural engineering.
For incoming and current students, Randall offers advice gleaned from her own experiences.
"Don't be afraid to ask for help!" she urges. Randall emphasizes the importance of utilizing resources such as office hours and forming study groups with peers. "You'll be taking most of the same classes together with your peers, and it's helpful to have a group to work with, study with, and celebrate with once you finish (and pass) your midterms and finals!" These avenues helped Randall stay at the top of her game and facilitated a more effective learning environment.
Lastly, Randall highlights the importance of embracing the journey, encompassing both highs and lows, as she shared, "It's important to stay resilient and persevere in adversity as it builds strength and ultimately helps you grow into the person you're meant to be."