During an all-hands meeting at my placement site at Michael D. Baker Incorporated, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to a large group of team members attending remotely. Because this took place during my first week, I was still learning how the organization operated and occasionally felt as though I had been dropped into open water.
At the same time, I had considerable freedom in deciding how to present myself to so many potential new connections. Part of me felt the pressure of that opportunity, but I was also excited and committed to making the most of it.
I decided to approach my introduction differently than I had in the past. Along with sharing my pride in participating in the NAFHSA program this summer, I discussed my interest in photogrammetry, a specialized skill I have been developing through my studies in environmental science.
Photogrammetry is the use of overlapping photographs to make measurements, maps, and three-dimensional models of real-world environments. It can support activities such as site documentation, environmental observation, mapping, and the visualization of physical spaces.
Later on, my introduction sparked conversations with several members of the organization and later gave me the opportunity to discuss technology and its broader applications in environmental work. The experience allowed me to connect something I had studied academically with a professional setting in a way I had never experienced before.
It was meaningful to see that a technical interest of mine could encourage thoughtful professional conversations. This became a pivotal moment as I continued developing my career interests, and it strengthened my belief in the saying, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” By choosing to speak openly about what interested me, I created an opportunity to learn, connect, and better understand how my field of study can relate to my future career.
Blog Author: César Galindo – Class of 2026
Published on July 5, 2026