Civil Engineering
Biography
Hello, I'm Ally Slater, a Civil Engineering student in the 2026 cohort of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program (Heath IBEP) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
From a young age, I've been deeply interested in science and enjoyed analyzing and solving physics problems. This early passion guided me towards a career where I could apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts.
My decision to join Heath IBEP was influenced by discussions with a close family member who recently graduated from a previous cohort. Their experiences inspired me to:
- Challenge myself
- Step out of my comfort zone
- Seek similar opportunities
I value working closely with peers to solve problems and gain insights from diverse thought processes across various career fields. I believe Heath IBEP will enable me to bridge the communication gap between business and engineering in my future career.
I've had the privilege of working as a summer intern for two companies, which provided valuable insights into potential career paths:
- Most recently interned with the Tennessee Valley Authority's Generation Projects and Fleet Services division within the Major Projects department.
- Interned with Propex Geotechnical Solutions (now Solmax) and specialized in CAD drawings for geoengineered slope stabilization systems
These internships helped me discover a growing interest in Project Management roles that will allow me to leverage both my engineering background and leadership skills acquired through Heath IBEP.
I aim to pursue Project Management positions where I can combine my engineering expertise with leadership and management skills. My internships have reinforced my desire to work in roles that involve collaboration between engineering and business professionals.
