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When Jill Kennicott arrived at �ǿմ�ý, she knew she wanted to be an engineer. Years of competing in robotics from elementary school and high school sparked her interest in mechanical engineering, while a growing curiosity about construction led her to add a minor in construction management.

What she didn’t know was how many opportunities �ǿմ�ý would provide to help shape her career.
“I originally thought I wanted to design construction equipment,” Kennicott said. “But because of my experiences at �ǿմ�ý, I’ve discovered that I want to become an HVAC design engineer.”

The senior from Mundelein, Ill., chose �ǿմ�ý for its scholarship opportunities, proximity to home, and small class sizes, which made it easy to build relationships with professors. “I wanted a place where my professors would know me, and �ǿմ�ý has absolutely been that place,” she said.

Outside the classroom, Kennicott has taken full advantage of opportunities to get involved and lead. This fall, she will serve as president of both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and �ǿմ�ý’s student chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), after previously serving in leadership roles in both organizations.

Those experiences have expanded her professional network, strengthened her leadership skills, and opened doors she never expected. She was introduced to MCAA by construction management professor Kristy Willis, who encouraged her to attend the organization’s national conference as a freshman. “Through MCAA, I’ve connected with mechanical contractors from across the country, learned more about the industry and even landed my current internship,” Kennicott explained. She’s a Design-Build/Engineering intern with Helm Mechanical, gaining valuable hands-on experience while preparing for her senior year.

Professor Willis also introduced her to Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI), an initiative within MCAA that empowers women pursuing careers in the mechanical industry. Last fall, Kennicott applied for—and received—a competitive WiMI scholarship.

As part of the application, she submitted a video reflecting on the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field and highlighting the women who have inspired her, including Willis. Receiving the scholarship allowed her to attend the annual WiMI Conference in Coronado, Calif., where she joined students, contractors, and industry leaders for three days of keynote speakers, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and community service.

“It was incredible to be surrounded by so many accomplished women who were also so supportive of one another.”
As she begins her senior year, Kennicott is looking forward to leading two student organizations, completing her mechanical engineering capstone project, and competing in the MCAA Student Chapter Competition.

“Getting involved has made all the difference,” she said. “The experiences I’ve had outside the classroom have helped me grow as a leader, build confidence and prepare for the career I want.”

—Emily Potts