Got my first job! Working for M2E Consulting Engineers


Name: Gelon Weekes

Hometown: St. Kitts & Nevis

Degree: Civil Engineering with concentration in structural engineering

Weekes at his office desk reviewing structural plans.

What is your job title, and where are you working? I am a staff engineer for M2E Consulting Engineers.

How did you get your job? I attended a career fair at FIU and started at M2E as an intern. After I graduated in the summer 2017, I was offered a full-time position.

What surprised you the most about your first job? The friendly and welcoming environment at my job is something that I feel can’t be found anywhere. We are like one big family. We even have personal handshakes. We work hard throughout the week on various projects. The company recognizes our efforts by closing the office at 4:30 p.m. every Friday for happy hour. There’s always group activities such as bowling, gym workouts and even scuba diving lessons that we participate in.

What advice do I have for those beginning the job search process? Be patient, great things take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

  1. Create a LinkedIn account and become an active user. LinkedIn is a powerful networking platform to connect with professionals.
  2. Don’t be afraid to start off as an intern. Career opportunities can stem from your experience as their intern first.
  3. If you’re an international student like I was, remember to apply for Optional Practical Training at least three months prior to graduation. This will ensure that you have the necessary and proper documents to pursue employment.

    Weekes in Brickell, enjoying the view while conducting a site visit.

What does a day on the job look like? Currently, I am working on four different projects: a parking deck repair, garage crack repair, seawall concrete restoration and roof leak investigation. Typically, a day on the job is spent conducting site visits, writing memos and doing research. Each project is different in nature; they require different approaches.

How was your transition from school to work? How do you balance your time? My transition from school to work has been smooth. As a student, I was so accustomed to free time and daily naps. After employment and stepping into the real world, my time is dedicated solely toward my job duties. I am improving with balancing my time. I make sure that I prioritize what needs to be done.

What is the coolest thing about my job so far? The most interesting part about my job is having the opportunity to visit different sites throughout Miami for work. I get to see some really cool places and meet different types of people.