Growing up in Hillsborough, New Jersey, just fifty minutes from Manhattan, Graham gravitated towards hands-on learning and enjoyed the craft of woodworking. At Penn College, he found the perfect balance—playing Division III lacrosse while gaining real-world experience to pursue a career in building construction. As a student, Graham consistently made the dean’s list, excelled on the field, and earned two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and multiple certifications. Today, as a project engineer for ISEC Inc., a leading commercial construction firm, he leverages his skills on projects across the country—combining professional growth with the opportunity to travel.
My neighbor is an alumnus and he told me about Penn College when I was a sophomore in high school.
The lab spaces and workshops were like a dream come true when I first toured the school. I ended up choosing Penn College because of the unique majors and the lab-to-classroom ratio. I always learned better in a hands-on setting, so it was a no brainer. Another huge selling point was the ability to play lacrosse. When I first was looking at the school, Penn College had a club team that I was looking to play on. A few weeks before my freshman year started, we were upgraded to a division III program. I was given the great opportunity to walk on the team and that was something I could not say “no” to.
I was looking for education that was mostly hands-on. I always learned best by doing, and I knew that if I wanted to be as successful as possible in college, I would need to pursue a hands-on education.
My interest started with woodworking growing up. I wanted to continue that and thought residential construction was the best route.
I was a member of the men’s lacrosse team and the leadership council for the lacrosse team. I was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for a year.
It was the best decision I could have made in college. Starting school, I knew nobody. Lacrosse gave me the opportunity to meet friends and become part of a community.
I would tell them to go for it and to go all in. Take advantage of what the school has to offer. In my time at Penn College, I was able to obtain two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and multiple certifications. The school has a lot to offer and it is there for the taking.
I currently am a Project Engineer for ISEC Inc.
I get to build really interesting projects that take me to places I never thought I'd be able to go.
Whether you’re drawn to the technology behind residential construction or have an interest in rising to management, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.
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