Ezekiah Kehinde

What are you currently studying and what do you hope to do with your degree / upon graduation?

I’m currently a junior majoring in Civil Engineering at Syracuse University. After graduation, I want to become a Project Manager in construction or transportation. I’ve always been interested in how projects come together and how they impact everyday life. I want to lead work that truly serves communities. My goal is to keep building both my technical knowledge and leadership skills so I can manage projects from start to finish and make sure they’re done safely and the right way.

I recently earned internship funding that helped cover my relocation and living expenses in Syracuse for the summer, which allowed me to fully commit to my internship. That support made it possible for me to focus on gaining experience without worrying about how I was going to stay there. I interned with the New York State Department of Transportation, where I worked on active construction projects and gained hands on experience with inspections, coordination, and seeing how plans turn into real infrastructure. One of my biggest takeaways was how critical communication is in construction. On a job site, miscommunication can lead to safety risks, delays, or even structural issues. Everything has to be clear and intentional. That experience showed me that engineering is about more than calculations. It is about responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. It pushed me even more toward my goal of wanting to become a project manager.

What, if any, impact did Uncommon have on your experience in college or in your internship? 

Uncommon had a major impact on me before I even entered college. Through the ACE program, I worked with Gilbane and gained early exposure to construction management. I was introduced to budgeting, cost analysis, and on site operations while still in high school. Because of that experience, I was not stepping into my internship unsure of myself. I already understood the importance of professionalism, communication, and accountability. Uncommon gave me real opportunities early on, and that foundation played a big role in preparing me for both college and the field.