When Adrian Sæland shows up for work at his job as a construction coordinator with the RJP Consulting Group, he takes away two things: the journey that got him there, and where he came from. Sæland, originally from Sandnes, Norway, completed the Engineering Management MS program in just two semesters.
"As I grew up, both my parents were working full-time, raising four children and helping out my grandparents run their farm," Sæland said. "I developed a strong work ethic from observing and learning from them."
Sæland originally came to Temple after studying civil engineering at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, gravitating toward the business-focused MS program because he enjoys working with people. The program, combining engineering course work and courses from Fox School of Business taught by industry executives, has given him that chance.
"No price tag can be put on the skills I developed at Temple," Sæland said. "I apply what I learned there every day."
Sæland's role is meant to support construction managers who travel to various worksites, facilitating vendor logistics, comparing quotes and construction drawings and troubleshooting issues as they arise. He spends time in the office, and is beginning to get out into the field, as well. In other words, helping to manage various aspects of a project, from engineers, architects and general contractors to owners, vendors—a good start toward his goal of becoming a project manager within the next few years.
"Our job is to make every party involved in the project work together as smoothly as possible, as well as drive the project forward and make sure we are on time, within budget and with quality," Sæland said, adding that the Engineering Management program absolutely prepared him for practical life as a working professional.
"I learned how to reflect and learn from my own and other's actions," Sæland said. "Along with taking initiative to seek new knowledge and personal growth."
Click here to learn more about the Engineering Management MS program.