Insights from Gina Capobianco: ‘Mastering’ Environmental Engineering

Join Gina Capobianco, a recent graduate, as she dives into her experience within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s online masters in environmental engineering. Balancing a full-time role at CDM Smith, she highlights the program’s project-based learning, flexible online format, and career advancement opportunities that have shaped her professional path and elevated her expertise.

Why did you choose the Master of Engineering with a named option in Environmental Engineering?

I chose this program due to its course load and focus on project-based learning. With a few years of industry experience before I started the program, I valued the lessons learned from working in a group and on a project. UW-Madison was the only school out of three to reach out to me to set up a call to discuss the program and answer any of my questions. The call with program director Jane Carlson made me feel valued and supported before even accepting the offer of enrollment.

How did the program support you and your goals?

As an online student, I always felt supported. My advisor was available to answer any of my general scheduling or program requirement questions. I was able to take a construction project management course that interested me as an elective even though it was not typical for the environmental engineering program. The professors were quick to answer questions, and the school in general fosters a culture of collaboration. Students were encouraged to collaborate, and I never felt isolated as an online student. Classes were generally in the evenings which allowed me to work full-time through the program. Some classes were self-paced which allowed for even more flexibility.

What would you tell others who are considering applying to this program?

One thing a mentor of mine told me when I was considering a master’s was that education is something no one can ever take away from you. As someone who values life-long education, I knew a master’s was another step toward that goal. I recommend reaching out to Jane with any questions about the program. The program has a flexible timeline, including summer classes to help move through the program quicker. I also recommend taking advantage of the new connections that an online program brings. I am in upstate New York and am now connected to engineers across the country from this program.

As a recent graduate, how has the program impacted your career?

Having my master’s degree has made me more confident as a professional and as an engineer. I attended the New York AWWA conference recently and listened to a presentation on PFAS removal that was very reminiscent of my capstone project. The UW-Madison program gave me real-world problems and examples to work through with the help of advisors that are relevant to my work as a consulting engineer. I really appreciated the project-based focus of the program. I recently passed the PE exam in environmental engineering, and I felt that the program at UW-Madison prepared me well not only for the technical topics, but also with time management skills. Working full time while completing my masters was similar to studying for the PE while working full time.