A Blend of Architecture and Engineering Helps NJIT Scholar Land in Project Management

Following graduation from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Hilsson Angeles will start working at general contracting firm Burns & McDonnell as a construction coordinator.

What helped him get there was a tremendous work ethic, which he inherited from his parents, and an interest in both architecture and engineering. Indeed, he’s earning a dual bachelor’s in architecture and construction management technology.

Outside of the classroom, Angeles, who’s a native of the Dominican Republic, worked part-time as a student mentor, interned in construction, joined the NJIT chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and served as a range coach and secretary for the Archery Club. He credits those experiences, insightful professors and the support of NJIT’s Educational Opportunity Program as keys to becoming a diligent student and a proud member of the Class of 2024.

What led you to double-major in architecture and engineering technology?
As I progressed through architecture school, I began to develop new perspectives on life and what I wanted to do, leading me to lean more toward engineering technology. Although my line of work is more along the project management side of construction, I still value heavily what I learned in architecture and engineering as it not only allowed me to understand more perspectives and documents, but it also conditioned me to become a hard worker and great public speaker.

Best piece of advice from a professor?
Take advantage of opportunities to move forward and work hard while you can because work isn't always going to be as available as it is now (Adjunct Instructor Paul Toscarelli).

What skills did you develop while interning at Whiting-Turner?
I learned about the fundamentals of working for a general contractor, including how to review and read different kinds of submittals and shop drawings as well as the essentials of writing contracts. Also, communications techniques and terminology that I’ll use at Burns & McDonnell. 

Best part of being in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers?
The sense of belonging, especially after meeting so many established professionals in my field. This comfort allowed me to prosper and make all kinds of connections that proved to be useful later on. In fact, one of the professionals who I met within SHPE during my freshman year was a project manager for Burns & McDonnell, and she ended up being the same person who interviewed me when I applied for a full-time position. 

How did the university's Educational Opportunity Program help you?
EOP served as the main guide during my time at NJIT and was a support system for me financially and in some instances emotionally. Not only did EOP give me a job that I could manage during my tough semesters, but the advisors listened to my complaints and gave me some of the best advice I could have ever received in my time of need. On top of all that, EOP gave me the head start that I needed to acclimate to college through its summer program. My parents never went to college and hardly even finished high school, so having a professional team and a supportive community helped me become a diligent student.

Where in the Dominican Republic did you grow up?
I was born in Santiago de los Caballeros. When I was very young, I would spend my time there and at my grandparent's house in Los Bueyes, but unfortunately, that didn't last very long. I moved to New Jersey when I was four but would return often to see family and still grow up within the rich culture there.

What do international students bring to NJIT?
Knowledge, diversity and culture. Without these factors, my experience here would have been bland and not as eye-opening. Being someone from a country with a consistent outlook on life, I was astonished and changed when I was exposed to different ways of thinking that broadened my understanding of the world around me. 

What do your parents do for a living? 
My father is a salesman and delivery man for corner stores around the Trenton area and my mom works as a secretary. Growing up I would occasionally work alongside my father, developing my communication skills and learning what it takes to keep the lights on. That said, I mainly grew up with my mother who throughout my childhood worked anywhere she could — from cleaning to public service.

What did you learn from them?
From my father, I learned integrity, strength and good public presence. From my mother, I learned dedication, a yearning for improvement and most importantly, a strong desire to make the world a better place for future generations.