Job Application Package DATE: March 3, 2014 TO: Ms.

Susan Weeber SUBJECT: Job Application Package Skidmore Owings and Merrill Structural Engineer I I have chosen to apply for the position of Structural Engineer I with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in Chicago, IL. SOM was founded in 1936 by partners Louis Skidmore, Nathaniel Owings, and John Merrill as an architecture and engineering firm. Since its conception the company has propelled its way to the forefront of tall building design and innovation having participated in the design of several of the tallest structures on earth. This entry level structural engineering position can lead to future leadership positions with SOM. SOM recruits structural engineering students who have obtained a masters degree or higher. Even though I currently do not have a masters degree I am planning to attend graduate school in the fall. This application is therefore reserved for a few years from now but I still chose to include it in this package. The work done at SOM requires an advanced degree since their projects typically involve principles of engineering and mechanics not taught at the undergraduate level. This position would provide me with great experience and continue my learning process after the completion of my graduate studies. I chose to address the cover letter for this application to Mr. William F. Baker who is the partner in charge of structural engineering at SOM. I realize that he may not be the person initially reviewing applications but I felt that sending the letter and resume to someone with whom I have connections was appropriate. Mr. Baker has been a great inspiration to me and his advice has driven me to work harder and more diligently to search for solutions to new engineering problems. In order to give myself the best chance to succeed in this application process my cover letter and resume were crafted to appeal specifically to an architecture/engineering firm. I mentioned how I had been inspired by the work done in the past by SOM architects and engineers and stressed how I have manipulated my undergraduate curriculum to ready myself for a challenging career in tall building design. I also included how summer internships and other previous work have contributed to helping me see the whole picture of the construction of buildings. I have always dreamt of a career at SOM and this application serves as the first step towards that achievement.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate Student The second set of materials included in this package is for my recently completed graduate school application to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The University of Illinois is a major research institution whose civil engineering curriculum has recently been ranked number one in the United States by U.S. News. & World Report. Its reputation as a leader in the field of structural engineering research makes UIUC an attractive place to continue my education. Their laboratories and faculty are among the best in the world in their fields and the challenging curriculum will give me the confidence to attack any engineering problem in the future. The University of Illinois tends to be very selective in choosing students to enter their structural engineering program. Therefore it was critical to craft my personal statement to attractive UIUC faculty and to give me an edge against all other applicants. Since Illinois is at the forefront of research I heavily stressed my research experience and advanced coursework at Penn State. I mentioned how I had to teach myself the process of research as an undergraduate and developed the skills necessary to succeed as an engineering graduate student. I felt that it was also important to discuss how former Illinois alumni had inspired me to go above and beyond the normal preparations for becoming a structural engineer. Since the personal statement was my premiere opportunity to make my case for the chance to become enrolled as a graduate student at UIUC I was sure to pay attention to every small detail and perfect this document. The format used for the personal statement was developed through working with my adviser. He recommended that I break up the statement into a few major categories including research experience, academic history, and future goals. Initially I prepared an outline to help writing the document and it proved useful for keeping my writing organized. After approximately seven revisions my adviser and I came to an agreement as to what the best possible statement would be for my application. The document that I finalized is what I included in this package. The resume that was included with this application was very similar to the one used for the Skidmore, Owings and Merrill position. This was done since both positions involve performing advanced structural analysis and design and working on heavily funded and critical projects. The one major difference between the two was the objective statement. I changed the objective statement for the University of Illinois application to promote how my interest in graduate studies would lead to future careers in the building design industry and how I would contribute to the success of research at UIUC.

HRsmart Solutions - CH - Structural Engineering Professional I - (371)

https://som.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/352

Home >People >Careers >Opportunities Ideas Projects People Contact EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER SOM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status (except where certain characteristics are essential bona fide occupational requirements or where a disability is a bona fide occupational disqualification), as required by applicable law. SOM welcomes diversity in the workplace. SOM will make reasonable accommodation in the application process for applicants with disabilities, as required by applicable law. Please contact the Human Resources department at the location of interest to request accommodation. Questions If you have questions about the SOM Career Center, please email career.assistance @som.com or contact the office of interest. For a complete listing of SOM locations, please visit the "Contact" section of our website.

Job Details
CH - Structural Engineering Professional I - (371)
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Share this job as a link in your status update to LinkedIn. Job Title Location Career Level Category Education Travel Job Description
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP is a global, multidisciplinary practice providing architecture, engineering, planning, interior design and graphic design services to a broad array of public and private-sector clients. The firms legacy of leadership in design and building technology has been honored with more than 1,150 awards for quality, innovation and management.

CH - Structural Engineering Professional I Chicago, IL 60604 US (Primary) Entry Level Engineering Graduate School

SOM is currently seeking Structural Engineering Professional to join the Chicago office.

Job Duties include: Performs work on basic segments of a project. Assists in preparation of design and construction documents and solutions to general and engineering problems. Checks and coordinates details and dimensions. Performs basic drafting work. Computes and compiles structural engineering data from prescribed sources. Organizes own work efforts. Provides independent general drafting work relating to more complicated areas of the project. Reviews shop drawings, materials and sample submittals for general conformance with the structural engineering design concept.

Job Requirements

Candidates must have: Masters degree in Structural Engineering. Experience in structural drafting and design development. Demonstrated general knowledge of materials, detailing, and construction techniques related structural engineering principles, and codes.

***Mandarin language fluency is a plus***

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Login Forgot Password? Create An Account Application Submission Alternative We realize that all candidates may not be able to submit an online application. If you cannot submit an online application for a position, please submit your resume, cover letter and 3 to 4 work samples to the appropriate office (C/O Human Resources) via regular mail. Clearly indicate in the cover letter the position and location of the position you are applying for. For a complete listing of SOM locations and addresses, please visit the "Contact" section of our website. Copyright | Powered by HRsmart.

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January 21, 2014 Mr. William F. Baker, PE, SE, FASCE, FIStructE Structural and Civil Engineering Partner Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP 224 S. Michigan Avenue Suite 1000 Chicago, Illinois 60604 Dear Mr. Baker, Please consider my application for the position of Structural Engineering Professional I at the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. I am currently an undergraduate civil engineering student at Penn State University with a focus in structures and an expected graduation date of May 2014. I am well aware of the distinguished legacy of SOM and I would love to become a part of such a wellrespected design firm. The work produced by such talented and innovative structural engineers and architects at SOM has driven me to go above and beyond and do whatever possible to become a great structural engineer. Over the last several years I have been fortunate to gain much experience working with the design and construction of buildings. Even though my background is in structures I also have a very strong interest in the development of construction materials such as concrete and steel. I was employed as a materials inspector by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 2012 where I was able to see first-hand how concrete mixes were designed and tested. Working for Alexander Building Construction in 2013 gave me the opportunity to work very closely with structural engineers and architects during the initial construction phase of a large medical laboratory facility. Participating in the construction phase of the building gave me a much better understanding of how to produce designs that are both structurally sufficient and economical. As an undergraduate student at Penn State I was exposed to many great faculty members and a challenging curriculum which forced me to think in more detail and become very innovative. I chose to enroll in all design and behavior courses that were offered, some beyond the requirements for my degree. My engineering mechanics minor proved very useful in further understanding crucial engineering concepts including advanced strength of materials and failure analysis of solids. I served as the chief design engineer for the concrete canoe team and the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter. Both of these extracurricular activities allowed me to be innovative outside of the classroom and face design and management challenges not typically encountered by other students. The inspiration taken from structural engineers at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has definitely improved my work ethic and strengthened my interest in tall building design. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be employed by such a highly respected structural engineering firm. I thank you very much for taking the time to review my application and I look forward to your favorable response in the near future!

Sincerely, Matthew J. Gombeda 60 Quality Rd Lattimer Mines, PA 18234 (570) 579-8487

MATTHEW J. GOMBEDA
mjgombeda@gmail.com 113 Levashire Heights Apt. 101 State College, PA 16803 (570) 579-8487 60 Quality Road Lattimer, PA 18234 (570) 454-3609

OBJECTIVE:

To obtain a position as a structural engineer developing innovative designs that will utilize all of my knowledge and skills. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (structures) anticipated May 2014 Minor in Engineering Mechanics The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA Major GPA 3.91/4.00 Pennsylvania FE exam passed October 2013 Relevant Courses: Design of Concrete Structures Design of Prestressed Concrete Structures Design of Wood Structures Structural Analysis by Matrix Methods Advanced Strength of Materials

EDUCATION:

Design of Steel Structures Design of Masonry Structures Structural Design of Foundations Advanced Structural Design Finite Element Analysis

EXPERIENCE:

Construction Project Intern (May 2013 to August 2013) Alexander Building Construction Geisinger Medical Center - Danville Laboratory Project Compiled RFIs and reviewed submittals for structural steel fabrication Scheduled segments of the structural steel erection sequence Proposed creative solutions to resolve temporary framework conflicts around the existing building Grader - Design of Steel Structures Course (January 2013 to May 2013) The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Reviewed students homework and class activities submissions Developed solutions to structural steel design problems Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Intern (May 2012 to August 2012) Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 4-0, Materials Division Inspected Penn DOT approved asphalt, concrete, and aggregates at plants and quarries Oversaw lab testing procedures and recorded results of verifications for aggregates Recorded asphalt mix design testing and gradation test results

ACHIEVEMENTS:

East Penn Section of American Society of Highway Engineers Scholarship Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Concrete Institute Art Livingood Award Revit AutoCAD SAP2000 MATLAB C++ Abaqus Microsoft Office

(2010) (2012)

SKILLS: ACTIVITIES:

American Institute of Steel Construction (student member) (11/10 to present) Chief Design Engineer for the Penn State ASCE Concrete Canoe Team (8/11 to present) American Concrete Institute (student member) (1/12 to present) Prestressed/Precast Concrete Institute (student member) (7/12 to present) The Institution of Structural Engineers (student member) (4/13 to present) American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter President (5/13 to present)

Graduate programs | Structural Engineering & Structural Mechanics

http://structures.cee.illinois.edu/masters

Structural Engineering & Structural Mechanics

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
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Programs Undergraduate programs Masters programs PhD program Joint programs Course offerings

Graduate programs
Master of Science in Structural Engineering
In addition to the general information provided here, please refer to sections of the Graduate Handbook for the Structures Program where degree requirements and other official rules are given. All students are required to complete, and have approved, a Plan of Study. The Plan of Study must be completed during the first semester of graduate work. It must be approved by the student's advisor, and deposited with the assistant in Room 2129, Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory. Faculty & Students 12 fulltime structures faculty with interests balanced across Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics Typical enrollment of 70, full-time MS students 40-50 MS students graduate each year World-class laboratories for computational and experimental work Core graduate courses are offered at least once per year and specialized courses are offered at least once every other year Mission & Goals Emphasize fundamental, nonperishable knowledge to foster lifelong learning Encourage strong grounding in fundamentals of analysis/mechanics and design/behavior Offer a variety of opportunities for further specialization or development of additional breadth No single MS program fits the interests of all students; we have a large population of MS students with interests in many areas of structural engineering High quality of instruction and mentoring coupled with opportunities for depth and breadth are the strength of our MS program Organization Both non-thesis and thesis options are available 36 hours required for non-thesis option; 32 hours required for thesis option Minimum of three 500 level courses (graduate courses are numbered 4xx and 5xx; CEE 460, CEE 461, and CEE 465 may not be taken for graduate credit) A set of core courses in analysis and design is strongly recommended Options for additional depth in specific areas of structures or additional breadth in other areas Average time to complete degree is 3 semesters (2 semesters and 1 summer also possible) We make no programmatic distinction between students seeking a professional MS degree and those students preparing to enter the PhD program

Typical MS Program Mechanics and Dynamics (assumes Structural Analysis [CEE 470] completed during undergraduate studies) Structural Mechanics (CEE-471) Structural Dynamics (CEE-472) Finite Element Methods (CEE-570) Structural Engineering Steel Structures II (CEE-462) Reinforced Concrete II (CEE-463) Select one or more advanced design courses: Masonry Structures (CEE 467) Prestressed Concrete (CEE-468) Wood Structures (CEE-469) Steel Structures III (CEE-560) and/or Reinforced Concrete III (CEE-561) Earthquake Engineering (CEE-572)

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Graduate programs | Structural Engineering & Structural Mechanics

http://structures.cee.illinois.edu/masters

Other:

Geotechnical, Computing, or Materials

11-Month MS Program A professional-oriented MS program is offered in structural engineering. MS level courses are sequenced such that students can earn their degree in an academic year plus a summer term. This possibility is only for the non-thesis track. Each of the courses shown in the table below are given for 4 credits. A total of 36 credits is required for the MS degree. A minimum of three courses must be at the 500-level with at least two of them in structures. For more information, click here. Students who have not taken CEE 470: Structural Analysis as part of their undergraduate program may take this course as part of their MS program. CEE 470 is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.

Sample 11-Month MS Program Fall Semester take 3 or 4 courses CEE 462: Steel Structures, II CEE 468: Prestressed Concrete CEE 471: Structural Mechanics CEE 472: Structural Dynamics CEE 561: Reinforced Concrete, III Spring Semester take 3 or 4 courses CEE 463: Reinforced Concrete, II CEE 491: Decision & Risk Analysis CEE 560: Steel Structures, III 3 CEE 570: Finite Element Methods 1 CEE 572: Earthquake Engineering 2 Summer Term take 1 or 2 courses CEE 467: Masonry Structures CEE 469: Wood Structures

1 2 3

CEE 570 requires CEE 471 as a prerequisite CEE 572 requires CEE 472 as a prerequisite CEE 560 is offered only in alternate springs (odd years)

Structural Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801-2352 2014 Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics.

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Personal Statement - Matthew Jonathan Gombeda

I have chosen to pursue structural engineering graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, not only to continue my education, but to satisfy my passion for learning more about the behavior and design of structures. Challenging myself with additional advanced courses will build upon the knowledge I gained as an undergraduate. I have a strong interest in pursuing doctoral studies following the completion of the masters program. With its reputation as a world renowned engineering school, Illinois will provide me with the necessary resources for furthering my learning experience. If accepted I will direct all my enthusiasm and energy into ensuring that my research and studies are successful. As an undergraduate, I have been engaged in experimental research activities since I was a sophomore. Working independently and without much guidance, I was handed the task of developing lightweight mix designs for our concrete canoe team. It was my responsibility to become acquainted with the process of conducting research which entailed looking through standards such as ASTM, learning how to operate laboratory equipment, meeting with faculty, performing concrete slump and air tests, and diligently monitoring specimens at various stages throughout the process. This experience has given me the confidence to approach future tasks and assignments in an efficient and well organized manner. Working in the laboratory has also benefited me by supplementing concepts learned in class. In addition, research experiences have improved my time management skills because many of these activities have required evening and weekend commitments above and beyond my course work preparations. Some of my main areas of interest are prestressed concrete, large scale structural systems, and dynamic responses of structures. More specifically, I have always been fascinated with how structural cores and supplementary components are designed to withstand extreme loads such as from blasts and natural disasters and respond properly in an earthquake. These topics present ongoing challenges to structural engineers and I am always seeking a new opportunity to be creative and innovative. As an undergraduate at Penn State University, I took upper level and graduate courses and participated in extracurricular activities that heavily tested my engineering skills. I enrolled in courses beyond the typical curriculum; Design of Masonry Structures, Design of Wood Structures, and a prestressed concrete graduate course as a junior. I also took additional courses to complete a minor in engineering mechanics. These courses: Failure Analysis of Solids, Advanced Strength of Materials, and Finite Element Methods, were essential to better understand the behavior of structures. I am the current president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Penn State student chapter and the chief design engineer/co-project manager for the Concrete Canoe Team. As ASCE president, I have created a network with many professionals who have offered great advice for my professional engineering preparation. Performing design work on the canoe has challenged me to learn new technologies and sciences, always considering the need to evaluate the designs for efficiency and constructability.

After the completion of graduate studies I plan to work as a professional structural engineer designing tall buildings as well as other innovative and state of the art structures. I have developed a great passion for the design and behavior of super tall structures because they require revolutionary thinking in order to formulate creative and innovative solutions. One project, the Burj Khalifa, stands out to me in particular. This building has inspired me to dream big and always work diligently to resolve new and more complex problems. I have spoken to lead structural engineer William F. Baker on several occasions and he was able to offer invaluable advice for approaching such complicated designs. His influence has taught me to simplify and idealize structures so that they can be efficiently analyzed. He has also stressed the importance of being able to interact with architects and others on the project which has led me to improve my ability to collaborate with my peers on current assignments. Studying the work of the late Dr. Fazlur R. Khan has driven me to seek a much better understanding of the mechanics and underlying physical principles of structural design. Therefore I would like to enroll in upper level theoretical and applied mechanics courses to coincide with the typical structures curriculum. I have worked according to the notion that if the behavior of materials and structural systems is well understood then any design can be resolved. My goal is to leave my mark on structural engineering much like Mr. Baker and Dr. Kahn did. My desire to become a great structural engineer has driven me to be a motivated student and creative thinker. Enrolling in graduate studies will continue to challenge and inspire me and help to ensure that my drive to succeed as a professional engineer carries on. I look forward to taking advanced coursework to expand my knowledge and participating in cutting edge research. I will be sure to utilize everything I have gained throughout my studies to become a successful professional engineer. To me, structural engineering is much more than a career. It is a way for me to express one of my true passions in life and to take well understood theoretical concepts and evolve them into physical man-made landmarks.

MATTHEW J. GOMBEDA
mjgombeda@gmail.com 113 Levashire Heights Apt. 101 State College, PA 16803 (570) 579-8487 60 Quality Road Lattimer, PA 18234 (570) 454-3609

OBJECTIVE:

To become enrolled as a graduate student in structural engineering at a renowned research institution that will allow me to build upon all of my knowledge and skills. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (structures) anticipated May 2014 Minor in Engineering Mechanics The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA Major GPA 3.91/4.00 Pennsylvania EIT application pending, FE exam passed October 2013 Relevant Courses: Design of Concrete Structures Design of Prestressed Concrete Structures Design of Wood Structures Structural Analysis by Matrix Methods Advanced Strength of Materials

EDUCATION:

Design of Steel Structures Design of Masonry Structures Structural Design of Foundations Advanced Structural Design Finite Element Analysis

EXPERIENCE:

Construction Project Intern (May 2013 to August 2013) Alexander Building Construction Geisinger Medical Center - Danville Laboratory Project Compiled RFIs and reviewed submittals for structural steel fabrication Scheduled segments of the structural steel erection sequence Proposed creative solutions to resolve temporary framework conflicts around the existing building Grader - Design of Steel Structures Course (January 2013 to May 2013) The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Reviewed students homework and class activities submissions Developed solutions to structural steel design problems Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Intern (May 2012 to August 2012) Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 4-0, Materials Division Inspected Penn DOT approved asphalt, concrete, and aggregates at plants and quarries Oversaw lab testing procedures and recorded results of verifications for aggregates Recorded asphalt mix design testing and gradation test results

ACHIEVEMENTS:

East Penn Section of American Society of Highway Engineers Scholarship Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Concrete Institute Art Livingood Award Revit AutoCAD SAP2000 MATLAB C++ Abaqus Microsoft Office

(2010) (2012)

SKILLS: ACTIVITIES:

American Institute of Steel Construction (student member) (11/10 to present) Chief Design Engineer for the Penn State ASCE Concrete Canoe Team (8/11 to present) American Concrete Institute (student member) (1/12 to present) Prestressed/Precast Concrete Institute (student member) (7/12 to present) The Institution of Structural Engineers (student member) (4/13 to present) American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter President (5/13 to present)