Even though he’s a mechanical engineer, Brad Matt, a 2002 alumnus, prefers to spend his time working hands-on at a construction site rather than in his office. Lucky for Brad, his jobs have provided him with a steady mix of both environments.
Never living in the same city for more than two consecutive years, he has spent the last 10 years working on international projects, commuting across the country and visiting Iowa and Jack Trice Stadium as much as possible.
During Brad’s first job at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, he spent the majority of his time designing, working on aviation fuelling facilities at airports and military bases. Since taking his recent job at Shaw Group—which was acquired by CB&I in February—his job has consisted of more applied work in the field.
Brad estimates about 75 percent of CB&I’s work is international and says he jumps at the chance to leave his office for a while because it mixes things up and keeps the job fresh.
In his three years at CB&I, Brad has worked on projects in Spain, Korea and Guam. Travelling to different countries sometimes every 6-7 weeks—like he’s done this past year while working on a project in Guam—has taken its toll, but Brad says it is also one of the best parts of his job.
“It’s a great experience just being able to see how other people live and work, and learning about their culture,” he says. Brad gets to experience the work environment in other countries, but he often tries to make time for fun, too.
“My coworkers and I call some of them ‘work-ations’ because usually on long trips you can go and see some of the sites. I guess that’s kind of the benefit we get back from sacrificing and being away from home,” he adds.
Growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Brad became accustomed to the easily accessed green spaces of the rural Midwest, something he often misses now that he lives in Dallas. Since all of his family lives in Iowa and he still enjoys watching Cyclone football, Brad says he tries to make the two-hour direct flight back to Iowa four or five times a year.
He used to buy season tickets to ISU football, but his job made it harder for him to get back to watch many games. As a different way to stay connected with the university, he started the Harold L. Matt Memorial Scholarship in Engineering, named for his grandfather.
He chose to give the scholarship to an active member of the Greek system because his time in Farmhouse Fraternity and working on the Homecoming committees were some of his favorite experiences in college.
“I like that personal effect and hearing about other people’s success,” Brad adds. “I’m able to meet the scholarship recipients and, with scholarships like this, I know where my money is going.”
Brad says he put the scholarship in his grandfather’s name because he provided some of his inspiration to become an engineer. He enjoyed visiting his grandfather’s farm in northeast Iowa and helping fix farm equipment.
Even though he’s always been a little more interested in the construction and application aspects of engineering, Brad says that looking back he probably wouldn’t change his decision to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, which he chose because of its versatility.
Brad explains that his biggest struggles when he first began in the fueling industry came from starting out on paper, saying that he learns faster doing hands-on work. “If I had to do that part of it again, I would probably start in the field,” he says, “so I would understand the projects sooner.”
Still acknowledging that coursework is extremely important, Brad says it was actually his leadership experience during college that was most beneficial to him. “Getting involved on campus and learning to work with people made the transition to the professional world easier,” he says.
Leadership and constant involvement helped prepare him for life after college, but his biggest lesson—and advice to current students—is to never turn down opportunities.
“If a project opportunity comes up, jump on it,” he says. “Because every opportunity you get is going to help you in the future. It’s going to open your eyes to different things.”