Anthony Ragosta ’15: Civil Engineering Technology

Why did you choose SUNY Poly?

It was affordable, had great athletic facilities for a small school, and it was somewhat local. 

Why did you choose your major(s)? What did you like about your major(s)?

I always had an affinity for bridges and I enjoyed math and physics.  I did an internship in highschool which solidified my interest in this field.  I loved the impact that my work would have on the travelling public everyday. 

How would you describe your relationship with your professors?

 My professors all knew me personally, offered their own personal experiences, and made themselves available if I needed help. 

Was there an impactful academic experience during your time at SUNY Poly that stands out to you?

The capstone project.  You work all semester long in a group setting to do a full scale project that is based on real world documents with the close oversight of very highly qualified professors with field experience.  It was a great project to stimulate thought beyond your textbook. 

Did you complete an internship or conduct student research while at Poly? If so, please tell us about it.

I completed an internship during the summer after my junior year.  My internship was with a construction and material supply company.  This internship provided me with first hand estimating, logistics, and concrete testing experience which was invaluable for my quick integration in the workforce after graduation. 

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities (i.e. Clubs, Organizations, etc). If so, how did your experience in the clubs and/or organizations help with your academic and social experience at Poly?

I played baseball at SUNY Poly.  It was a great privilege to be a collegiate student athlete and it very strongly influenced my leadership style and my own overall growth. 

Do you remember your favorite class at Poly?

 Structural Concrete Design. It was challenging but very interesting; that is what I do for a living now. 

Best experience (academic or campus life) at SUNY Poly?

 The experiences I was a part of as a Student-Athlete. 

What do you miss most about your time at SUNY Poly?

The camaraderie.  Everything on campus is within walking distance, the suite-style housing provide a great independence but also fun social interaction, and the fieldhouse was a nice feature.

Do you feel SUNY Poly prepared you for life after graduation?

 Yes, I do. I am grateful for the choice I made to attend SUNY Poly for many reasons, my learning experience is certainly one of them. 

Do you have a piece of advice for incoming CET students?

Do not go through the motions just to get a good grade on that one quiz.  Learn how to learn, learn to be resourceful, and learn what interests you.  If you learn how to learn or where to look for information, you will be more successful in your own studies and more valuable to employers. 

What is your current position at ceEntek? What does it entail?

 I am the Director of Engineering and Operations.  I am responsible for widespread industry support in the design with a high-tech material (UHPC), serving on national code writing committees, and ultimately helping engineers leverage the value engineering process to use UHPC and create sustainable infrastructure. For operations, I am responsible for overseeing our supply chain, field operations for successful implementation of our material, as well as shaping and executing the strategic direction of the company.  

Do you have a piece of advice for CET students who are graduating? Tips for them to become successful in their career field after SUNY Poly?

I have two pieces of advice for graduating CET students:

1) Under promise and over deliver.  You will build better relationships throughout the industry as a result. 

2)  Find the niche in your field that interests you.  If you do something that you are passionate about, it feels less like work and as a direct correlation, you will find yourself excelling in what you are doing.