By PR Specialist, Li Wen Su
In a powerful display of mentorship and career exploration, global engineering firm Arcadis opened the doors of its Houston office to 20 high school students from Alief ISD. Hosted in partnership with the Alief ISD Education Foundation, the career day offered students a firsthand look at the many professional pathways within the engineering and architecture fields and a glimpse into their futures.
The immersive experience included a full office tour and five engaging learning sessions led by Arcadis employees. Students explored various specialties within the company, from civil and mechanical engineering to architecture and environmental planning. What made the day stand out was students' direct, candid interaction with professionals eager to share their experiences and advice.
“Students learned about Arcadis and our mission and passion—‘Improving Quality of Life’—and the different careers they could pursue with us,” Ruben Lopez, event organizer and certified project manager at Arcadis, said. “This is Arcadis giving back to our community in Houston.”
“One thing I learned is that Arcadis is a very remote career,” shared student Alejandro Rodriguez. “I truly loved hearing that Arcadis is a flexible company with its employees. One thing I won't forget about this trip is how Arcadis truly cares about its employees. I love the environment and the people I met here. I'm truly thankful for this opportunity to meet the Arcadis team and learn how an engineering firm performs.”
Arcadis employees took time to break down complex projects and day-to-day roles, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications. From engineering water filtration systems to shaping sustainable infrastructure, the Arcadis team emphasized the impact their work has on communities, especially in a growing and dynamic city like Houston.
“I learned about the inner workings of Arcadis as well as the professional work life of engineers,” student Duong Vong said. “I got to meet various professionals and learn about their roles and how they work toward improving the quality of life in the Houston community. I find this experience valuable and hope upcoming students could also have this amazing opportunity!”
For many students, the career day opened their eyes to new passions and possibilities.
“I learned more about the company policy of Arcadis,” student Vanessa Perez said. “I also learned about the architecture and mechanical engineering aspects of the company, and in general, the importance of it in the city. I was most interested in learning about the company's architecture and water filtration aspect. I was pleased to learn and hope to be a part of this company one day.”
The event wasn't just about exposure but also a stepping stone. Thanks to this partnership, Alief ISD students will now have the opportunity to apply for internships and potentially secure future job offers with the company. The initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of Arcadis and the Alief ISD Education Foundation to prepare students for meaningful, impactful careers in STEM fields.
“On behalf of the Alief ISD Foundation Board, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Arcadis for hosting an incredible Career Day experience for our students,” Clarence Anderson, Foundation Board Secretary, said. “Opportunities like this provide real-world exposure, spark new interests, and show our young leaders what’s possible beyond the classroom. This partnership reflects the power of the community in shaping bright futures, and we’re grateful for Arcadis’ commitment to investing in the next generation of talent.”
As the world continues to evolve, so must the opportunities we provide to our students. The Arcadis Career Day proved that when companies and schools collaborate, the results can be transformative, not just for the students, but for the future of the workforce and the communities they will one day serve.
