Building a resume for the future: A story of giving

In addition to learning all the theory behind his mechanical engineering coursework, Christopher Flegel is building a resume with practical experience he’ll be able to apply to a variety of engineering careers in the future.

Helping to achieve his career goals is the Robert and Margaret Bredeson Scholarship, which allows Flegel to focus on his studies and devote time to an internship.

Last summer, Flegel worked as a student-engineering intern for the Energy Management Division of the University’s Facilities Management Department, learning the ins and outs of managing energy efficient buildings. The internship turned into a part-time job for the school year. He’s now gaining knowledge in HVAC systems.

The scholarship also made it possible for Flegel to devote more time to his studies in mechanical engineering—a field Flegel has been infatuated with since he was old enough for his first Lego set.

Flegel said the scholarship allowed him to take advantage of unique opportunities like joining the University Running Club, which Flegel said is a large time commitment for him, and joining the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) team. He hopes to work in the automotive industry some day.

Flegel is grateful to his scholarship donors for allowing him to spend his short time at the College of Science Engineering the way he wanted to—free of financial burden.

“If I didn’t have it, I would be working at least 20 hours a week to make ends meet,” Flegel said. “With studying and trying to have some relaxation time, it definitely made a difference.”