On July 14, Barry Isett & Associates (Isett) welcomed nine students from the Northampton Area School District Summer Career Mentorship Program for a day of career exploration, mentorship, and firsthand exposure to the diverse professions that help shape communities throughout Pennsylvania.
The Summer Career Mentorship Program connects high school students with professionals who can provide guidance, industry insight, and real-world perspectives on potential career paths. During their visit to Isett, students met with professionals from 11 departments across the organization, learning how a wide range of disciplines work together to solve challenges and improve the communities they serve.
Exploring Careers Across Multiple Disciplines
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to hear from experts representing municipal engineering, structural engineering, MEP engineering, geotechnical engineering, civil land development, environmental services, surveying, landscape architecture, grants management, code services, and construction quality assurance.
Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, discussions centered on the personal career journeys, experiences, challenges, and successes that helped shape each professional’s path. Team members shared lessons learned throughout their careers and highlighted the many opportunities available within the engineering and consulting industry.
Students also gained a deeper understanding of how professionals from different disciplines collaborate to bring projects from concept to completion. By seeing these connections firsthand, they were able to appreciate the variety of career opportunities available within a multidisciplinary consulting firm and the impact these professions have on the communities they serve.
Student Takeaways
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is helping students discover opportunities they may never have previously considered. Through conversations with Isett employees, students learned that career success is often built on continuous growth, strong relationships, and a willingness to take initiative.
One student reflected on the importance of lifelong learning, sharing:
“The first and most important thing I learned was to always take in more information and that you can never stop learning. No matter the age or where you are there is always something to learn.”
Another student emphasized the role relationships play in professional growth:
“Relationships are everything. The more connections you have, the more successful you will be. You need the social skills and public speaking skills to build and maintain strong relationships.”
Several students also recognized the value of taking initiative in the workplace.
“Taking initiative in the workplace shows you are the right person for the job. You can do this by watching others do things you do not know yet, or asking coworkers if they need help. Initiative shows you are ready for the next step.”
These reflections highlight the lasting impact of career exploration experiences. Beyond learning about specific professions, students gained valuable insight into the personal and professional qualities that contribute to success in any field.
Investing in the Future Workforce
The students heard from professionals across Barry Isett & Associates, including Josh Fry, PE; Lauren Walls; Nhan Khuat; Jassen Mantz; Michael Lachman, RLA; Michele Lewis; Rob Hammond, MCP; Collin Stout, EI; Marcus Rivera, WPIT; Lori Girvan, PG; Jonathan Kiechel, PE; Cody McCuean, EI, PLS; Eric Dinter; Josh Ambruch; and Brett Johnson.
By sharing their knowledge, experiences, and advice, these professionals helped students explore careers they may not have otherwise encountered and provided valuable insight into the many ways individuals can make a meaningful impact through their work.
Isett is grateful to Northampton Area School District for its partnership and commitment to preparing students for future success. Opportunities like the Summer Career Mentorship Program help bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring the next generation of professionals while strengthening the future workforce and the communities it will serve.
