As an NAU undergraduate student Rose Voyles worked in departments across Cline Library before graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2020. How can working in a library help a Lumberjack gear up for an engineering career? We caught up with Rose to find out.
What departments did you work in at Cline Library?
I worked in Course Reserves, the MakerLab, the Office of the Dean, and Special Collections and Archives. Fun fact: I interviewed for my job before the fall semester began, started work on my first day of college, and worked until a week before graduation!
What have you been doing since graduating from NAU?
I have been working as a transportation engineer, with an emphasis in traffic engineering. I have experience and knowledge in traffic operation and planning, and I currently assist with reviewing citywide crash data for the City of Mesa Transportation Department.
Looking back, how did working at Cline Library prepare you for life after graduation?
I gained a lot of customer service experience, and I continue to use and refine those skills in my job every day. My current position entails networking with different levels of engineers, inspectors, and contractors, and I always want to ensure I am providing them with detailed information. When I worked in the MakerLab I grew my critical thinking and problem solving skills when machines broke or 3D prints were failing. Engineering applies this kind of critical thinking and problem solving every day when issues arise and new designs are needed.
Who at the library was especially influential in terms of your career readiness, plans or aspirations?
Damon Burke, my first boss when I began my first position in Course Reserves, and his successor Andrew Story both supported me when I was interested in cross-training in different positions throughout the library. I plan to grow and advance in my engineering career, and having their support as I pursued learning in new areas created a strong foundation for me.
What do you want to pursue next in your career?
I am working toward receiving my Professional Engineering license, which entails passing a nine-hour exam. I want to continue with assisting in analyzing crash data and designing projects to help reduce the number of seriously injured/fatal crashes that occur each year.
What has been the most surprising thing post-graduation?
Starting a new full-time job, moving to a new city [Mesa, Ariz.], and meeting new people was pretty surprising! Working at Cline Library provided me with a level of comfort for four years, and moving on past that level meant a lot of changes. But again, the relationships and experiences I created in my undergrad career really prepared me for these large changes that occurred after graduation.
What is your favorite library memory?
In December the staff and supervisors in the back of the library did a “Holiday Stocking Tree” and each student employee received a filled stocking with goodies. I always appreciated the sewing kit from Trace [Glau]!
What advice would you give to Cline Library student employees and other Lumberjacks?
Enjoy every moment in college! Time flies by, and cherishing the memories is something you’ll look back on throughout your life.