A love of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and a desire to incorporate design into her career is what ultimately led Elizabeth Remer through Dunwoody’s doors, where she would cross paths with Associate Professor Polly Friendshuh.
Her husband, Austin, a lineman, suggested she consider the job security that comes with a career in electrical design because, “Everyone will always need electricity,” he said.
RESEARCH
As she researched, she discovered the only two-year Electrical Construction Design & Management program offered in Minnesota was at Dunwoody. So, she scheduled a visit.
It was a typical monthly Open House event. Faculty and current students staffed tables lining the room, filled with student projects and program information. Remer walked over towards the table where the electrical faculty were answering questions about their programs. She struck up a conversation with Friendshuh, who began her career as one of the first women working in the electrical field in Minneapolis. During their 20-minute conversation, Friendshuh stressed the need for more women in the trades.
“That conversation is really what sold me on Dunwoody,” said Remer. “She was (and is) so passionate, and it really drew me in.”
As a student she found that the faculty, staff and being a part of the Women in Technical College (WITC) program helped her prepare for her career in more ways than the curriculum she signed up for.
“I have been exposed to some incredible networking events as well as a strong support system,” Remer said. “The WITC program has monthly engagement sessions that have taught me a lot about advocating for myself as a woman in a male-dominated field as well as information like financial literacy and mock interviews.”
Because of this, she says she has the confidence to show up as an equal team member.
RECOGNITION
Being top of her class is not a new experience. Afterall, she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2018, with a bachelor’s degree in art history/museum studies from Arizona State University.
It did not take long for the faculty in the Electrical Construction Design & Management to recognize her academic prowess as well – they nominated her for the Academic Excellence Award, describing her as driven, hard-working, and skilled, among other glowing adjectives.
The criteria for the award includes maintaining a minimum grade point average of a 3.0; having a solid work ethic; participating in extra-curricular activities; showing collegiate camaraderie and a pursuit of excellence, self-awareness, and academic motivation as a leader while putting forth outstanding effort to achieve academic and career goals.
“We nominated Elizabeth not only for these attributes but for the passion she shows in everything she does. The respect she both gets and gives to her fellow classmates is amazing,” Friendshuh said.
“Receiving this award is an honor and a delight,” Remer said. “It is always validating to know that your hard work is being acknowledged and recognized. I do the work for myself but being seen feels nice.”
RELIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE
For their capstone, Remer and eight of her classmates participated in the 16th Annual Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge, hosted by ELECTRI International. This included putting themselves in the role of an electrical contractor in which they delivered a construction proposal for a Trimble Phase 2 project using Building Information Modeling (BIM).
“She keeps everyone on task, by providing leadership to the project,” Friendshuh said.
Remer said this class project has been one of her favorites because it allowed them to solve real-world problems in an actual building.
“It has been a fairly intense process, but we are working with, meeting and touring real-world businesses to get accurate information for what is happening in the electrical world right now,” Remer said.
The team is still awaiting the competition results, expected in late July.
Prior to graduating, she began an internship with ArchKey/Parsons, as a BIM Specialist. That position transitioned to a full-time position after receiving her diploma.
“She truly exemplifies Dunwoody’s tradition for excellence, and we know she is going to be a force to be reckoned with out in industry as she continues her career,” Friendshuh said.