Before graduating, Joshua Bragg has a job waiting for him as a geologist
Get to know our students, and you’ll know what UMKC is all about.
Joshua Bragg, ’17
Program: Bachelor of Science in Geology
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Groups and organizations: President of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG)
Hometown: Albuquerque, N.M.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I like living in Kansas City – it’s an engineering hub. I enjoy living here for the culture, how active it is and how green it is. There are a lot of districts in Kansas City that offer different things.
I like the smaller class sizes at UMKC. I almost feel like my department, the Department of Geosciences, is like a family. This helped me academically and is helping grow my career.
Speaking of careers, you have a job waiting for you upon graduation. What is it, and how did you accomplish that?
I’ll be a field geologist at Burns & McDonnell.
The key was networking. I spent a lot of time researching local trade groups, attending events and meeting people. Some of those people became mentors, and helped me get this job.
I encourage people to network as much as possible, at least once a month. If something doesn’t happen overnight, it will eventually.
Why did you choose geology?
I wanted a career in the environmental field and realized the importance of geology in accomplishing this.
The program has some difficult subjects, such as, mineralogy and structural geology. These are the classes that make or break a geology student. But the benefits of the program are obtaining sound, scientific knowledge. There are also lots of educational and fun field trips that allow you to get to know your fellow geologists.
My college program has inspired me to never settle for mediocrity and follow my dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.
Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?
I have learned that I have a skill for writing and communication. I also learned that I loved science and rocks.
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