KIMBERLY HAKOLA
Kimberly Hakola is already a Husky. But when it came time to pursue a graduate degree, she was more influenced by convenience and curriculum than by school loyalty.
"When I was looking at different degree programs, I realized I couldn't do a traditional program," Hakola said. "My husband is an officer in the Marine Corps and we move a lot."
"This program was the only one that I found that focused on the heavy construction industry. That's what interested me about the program – plus, it was my alma mater," she said.
Hakola said the online master's program allows her to keep working while doing schoolwork in the evenings and on weekends. More important, it allows her to pursue the program regardless of where she lives.
She first heard about the degree while living in Florida, but now lives in San Diego, where she works full time as a civil engineer with the U.S. Forest Service. She administers and inspects construction projects in recreational areas of the Cleveland National Forest. She's working towards certification as a Contracting Officer's Representative.
Hakola likes the fact that program courses start and finish at a set date, so they create a better sense of a group than other programs. "Due dates also keep me motivated and 'on task'," she said. She also appreciates the online discussion forums, where students post questions and comments about lessons or projects, and the online tools for creating student portfolios and submitting assignments.
Hakola was initially interested in environmental science, but decided to focus on construction engineering after an internship with the King County Department of Transportation.
"You actually get to see something happen. The results are tangible. A bridge is something you can drive across," she said of construction projects. "Construction is all about relationships and dealing with people. I'm outside and working with people."
Hakola was born in Omak, Wash., and spent time in Lake Stevens and Seattle. She earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the UW in 2000. Since then, she's lived on or near military bases in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and California.
"I'm excited to be actually working on my master's," Hakola said. "It's important to have your professional engineering license, but a master's is a nice bonus, especially in a tough job market. It will also give me the ability to teach at community colleges."
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