WTS Orange County awarded Price Master of Planning student, Axel Hellman, and Viterbi Bachelor of Science student, Hilina Gudeta, certificates of completion of the 2015 WTS Summer Academy at their September 16th Awards Luncheon in Orange County. The Academy is an annual two-week program, which provides students an opportunity to better understand the transportation industry and what it takes to build, finance, and manage infrastructure in Southern California. Applicants are evaluated based on their personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal information.

Hellman and Gudeta were two of the 20 Ph.D., Master's, and undergraduate students selected to participate in this year’s Academy. The group visited 10 public agencies and private firms between August 4th and 12th including LSA & Associates, John Wayne Airport, Orange County Transportation Authority, Transportation Corridor Agencies, MetroLink, the Port of Long Beach, and more. During the visits, a variety of experts shared their projects, experiences with their organizations, and their personal and professional pathways to their current positions.

Hellman found the program valuable. “It was a great opportunity to make connections with people who I might be interested in working for down the line, as well as meet other students,” he noted.  “It makes me optimistic to know that there are so many opportunities in the transportation world.” 

Arpita Sharma

Arpita Sharma is currently studying public policy and planning at the USC Price School of Public Policy.  She expects to complete her dual Master in Public Policy and Master in Planning degrees in May 2017.  She can be reached at arpitasharma.net or at [email protected].