While living in California during a drought, John McCarl decided to shift his career from the defense industry to water resource engineering. McCarl says living in the West heightened his awareness of the “critical significance of water.”
“I wanted to be part of the solution,” said McCarl, who holds an undergraduate degree in industrial and systems engineering.
To achieve his goals, McCarl enrolled in CU Boulder’s Water Engineering and Management Professional Master’s Program (WE&M PMP).
McCarl said he successfully juggled full-time work with the online program, and later adopted a hybrid (online and in-person class) approach after he moved to South Denver, allowing him to interact in person with fellow students and professors.
McCarl now works for Hazen and Sawyer engineering and consulting firm, designing water treatment facilities.
“What sets this program apart are its strong industry connections,” McCarl said.” It helped me expand my professional network, introduced me to new contacts, and paved the way for internships and future job opportunities.”
McCarl said the program's network of professional engineer instructors and their recommendations played a crucial role in securing his initial job. The instructors also provided "tips, tricks and guidance" which proved invaluable during the the certification exams for his Professional Engineer license.
“I managed to continue working while earning my master’s degree, enjoying the best of both worlds," he said.