Alumna: Nicole Palazzo
Graduation Year and Major: Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Entrepreneurship, 2018
Employer: New Hudson Facades
Role: Mechanical Engineer
Q: What are some of your primary job responsibilities?
For the past several years I have been leading teams of engineers in creating 3D models of unitized curtain wall facades to be utilized for material purchasing, unit assembly, and site installation. I am now also managing the production engineering for our current project with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia by coordinating our manufacturing releases, documenting and tracking revisions, and overseeing fabrication in our factory.
Q: What is the most exciting part of your role?
The most exciting part of my role is how close I get to be to our product at every stage of the engineering process; I get to watch conceptual designs and 2D drafts turn into assemblies built in our own facility that will be used to construct new skyscrapers in major U.S. cities. It is so rewarding to be a part of a team that is reshaping iconic skylines around the country: being able to point to one of our completed projects and say “I worked on that” never gets old!
Q: Did you learn anything from your experiences at Villanova? How has VU impacted your career path?
As a student at Villanova, I developed an interest in 3D modeling through different projects for my major and minor that ultimately led to my initial success as an entry-level 3D modeler at NHF. My experience working with others across various group projects and clubs on campus helped shaped me into the dedicated team member and leader that I am today as a modeling lead and production manager.
Q: How did you land your job?
I started my job search at the Career Fair, where I was anticipating securing interviews with my top choice companies while preparing to do additional networking via LinkedIn if need be. I had been attending Villanova’s career fairs since my freshman year and made time at each fair to learn more about each company and their unique projects. My persistence and clear interest in New Hudson Facades is what landed me an interview and a full-time offer during my senior year fall semester, and I have been working here ever since!
Q: Any advice for current Villanovans?
Attend networking events, no matter how large or small, at every chance you get. The more you practice presenting yourself and your skills in a professional manner while the stakes are low, the more confidence you will have when it comes time to land your dream career!
