Meet Jordan Dumas

“I value the resiliency I’ve gained from going through the School of Engineering program where I’ve been challenged to look at things from different perspectives.” –Jordan Dumas

At the 2024 Medal of Excellence Awards dinner, senior civil engineering major Jordan Dumas shared his experience of working for Turner Construction Company – one of the evening’s presenters – in their Kansas City, Missouri office, as well as their sister company Flatiron Construction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The recipient of a prestigious 2021 National Action Council for Minorities in Education Scholarship (NACME) will be working as a field engineer in Flatiron Construction’s Alexandria, Virginia office after graduating.

Why Rutgers?

I chose Rutgers Engineering for its quality of education and extensive alumni network.

Why did you decide to major in civil engineering?

It actually wasn’t my first choice. I started studying mechanical engineering due to its flexibility, but as I got deeper into my course work, I realized I was more interested in civil engineering, when I looked at the upper level classes. The civil engineering curriculum aligned more with the ambitions in the areas of construction and project management that I want to pursue after college, and so I ultimately switched my major.

What do you most enjoy about civil engineering?

I like the types of projects that civil engineers are involved in – from constructing buildings to developing and strengthening transportation infrastructure and roadways.

You’ve had several internships. What was your first one?

I was a research intern for NASA through the IDEA program during the summer in 2022. I contributed to improving the customer experience between NASA and the small businesses that were providing the technology needed for NASA’s projects. I did this by coding interviews and communicating my findings to my NASA colleagues.

What did you work on as a Turner Construction intern?

My internship was great. I worked as an estimating intern and gained a lot of experience in the overall estimating of projects. My overall experience made me feel confident in going into the construction industry and gave me more clarity on my career aspirations. I also enjoyed Kansas City and the barbecue.

What about your internship with Flatiron Construction?

As an estimating intern, I input new bid item codes into an existing database and created a comprehensive estimate for a project. I also attended the Engineers Forum for construction professionals throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

What about extracurricular activities?

I’ve been heavily involved with NSBE – the National Society of Black Engineers and have served on our chapter’s executive board as the technical excellence officer.

What do you think you’ll miss most about Rutgers Engineering?

I’ll miss the friends I’ve made along the way in my SoE journey.

What, so far, is your favorite SoE memory?

Attending the Medal of Excellence Dinner and having the opportunity to present the Corporate Partner of the Year Award to Turner Construction.

What advice do you have for future civil engineering students?

Make friends within your major, because it will make the stressful times easier.

What three words best describe your SoE experience?

Challenging. Collaborative. Perseverance.