From classroom to career: turning education into opportunity with CDM Smith's tuition assistance program

Stepping into your first professional role while simultaneously pursuing a graduate degree can be a lot to take on. For me, it was never really a question. I’ve always believed that the more you learn, the more value you can bring, whether that’s to your team, your clients or your own career. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how much CDM Smith would share, and invest, in this journey alongside me.

I first joined CDM Smith as a co-op while enrolled in Northeastern University’s Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership Program, a graduate program that equips engineers with the leadership and technical skills needed to become high-impact leaders. This includes the opportunity to apply classroom concepts by leading a high value “Challenge Project” for their organization. When I reached out to CDM Smith about this program, senior leadership immediately responded with a potential project I could work on. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was a firm that genuinely invests in its people. I stayed connected with colleagues during my studies and eventually transitioned to a full-time structural engineering role. Today, I focus on the structural design work of our treatment plants and construction services, which has given me the chance to contribute to impactful projects.

Senior leadership didn’t hesitate to encourage me to take full advantage of every opportunity available, including internal professional development programs and continuing my education through CDM Smith’s tuition assistance program. That enthusiastic, immediate support set the tone for everything that followed. Programs like the Emerging Professional Network and Career Compass mentorship program have played a huge role in shaping my experience here. They’ve helped foster a healthy, collaborative culture where I can build meaningful relationships, connect with colleagues across the firm and learn from those who came before me. 

Having access to mentors and a professional community who are all genuinely invested in my growth has made a real difference in my career. As someone who loves to learn, it’s incredible that I’m able to continue my education while working full time. 

Before joining CDM Smith, I did extensive research and was struck by the strength of the firm’s tuition assistance program. I quickly discovered that it is among the best in the industry. Few of my classmates are working full time while pursuing their master’s degree, and even fewer have access to a program that covers 75% of tuition with no dollar cap. Continuing my studies would be incredibly less feasible without this benefit.  

Beyond financial support, with each master’s class completed, I’m able to directly apply what I’ve learned back into my daily work. Certain tasks benefit from graduate-level knowledge. Having that academic foundation has made me a stronger contributor to my team. I’ve also appreciated the flexibility my manager provides to help me manage both priorities. When the weather’s nice, I’ll sometimes walk from our Boston office to campus, often with a coffee in hand. It’s become one of the highlights of my week. That balance has not only made continuing my education possible but has also helped me show up more effectively in my project work.

That day-to-day experience is paired with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects. Since joining, I’ve worked on several meaningful projects. One of my standout favorites is the Fairmont Sedimentation Plant Project. I worked with senior structural engineers to assist in the design of the flocculation basin perimeter walls and the structural concrete walls that are designed to retain the water within the structure. While it’s still in the preliminary design phase, it has the potential to be one of the largest projects I’ve worked on. Additionally, I recently worked on a structural repair project involving the Deer Island Treatment Plant outside Boston, MA, one of North America’s largest treatment plants. During a recent visit on site, a senior engineer and I assessed the necessary extent of the concrete pair. Knowing that my work could ultimately help those in each community receive clean, safe water is extremely rewarding.

Looking ahead, my goals are to complete my master’s degree, earn my professional engineering license and pursue CDM Smith’s Project Manager-in-Training program, which offers tailored support, mentoring and resources for early-to-mid-career professionals to develop leadership skills and earn project management certifications. My interest in project management has blossomed throughout my career at CDM Smith, alongside the desire to familiarize myself with all types of engineering and business. I truly feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what’s possible here.

CDM Smith’s investment in my success has only deepened my own commitment to the firm. When the time comes, I hope to be the one who picks up the phone, opens the door to opportunity for a curious co-op and tells them, “You can do this.”

Patrick Horan is a structural engineer in our Boston, MA office.