Over the summer, two Northern Marianas College Pre-Engineering Students, Kyle Attao and Issac Han, gained valuable firsthand experience through an internship with the CNMI Department of Public Works.
Kyle Attao who recently graduated with an Associate in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Pre-Engineering, saw this internship opportunity as a way to get ahead of the curb as he prepares himself for a degree in Civil Engineering out-of-island.
“I chose my degree because I was curious about engineering. You hear on and on about engineers in the media and see all these civil works like roads, sewers, bridges, and other civil construction projects. I guess I just wanted to know more about what went into them,” said Attao.
Issac Han, a current Liberal Arts Pre-Engineering Emphasis student, chose to pursue his major at NMC to leverage the college's connections and build a strong foundation for his future career.
“NMC provides me with the perfect foundation for this journey, allowing me to adapt and thrive in ever-evolving professional landscapes while preparing to contribute to the growth and development of Saipan. My motivation is that I am one step closer to studying the actual major that I want to study, which is Architecture,” said Han.
During their time at DPW, they dove into the technical parts of the job and the importance of safety regulations.
“We learned a good amount about how to read document schematics and blueprints as well as some specific details regarding what goes into a legal structure. We also learned the regulations of building safety, and how local businesses generally meet these regulations,” said Attao.
“I gained insights into project management, understanding how thorough planning, efficient resource allocation, and collaboration are essential to successful project completion. Additionally, I observed the significant impact of well-maintained public facilities on the daily lives of residents and the overall functioning of society, said Han.
Han added, “This experience underscored the value of attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and the need for sustainable practices in public works projects. These lessons have equipped me with a deeper appreciation for public service and a commitment to contributing positively to my community.”
They described the most rewarding aspect of their internship being the experience of taking part in onsite inspections
“It was interesting to shadow the Building Safety Inspectors and see exactly where certain businesses were doing right, or wrong,” said Attao.
When discussing their choice to study at NMC, they both emphasized the importance of being close to home.
“I chose NMC because Saipan is my home, and it's always easier to pick home over elsewhere,” said Attao.
“I chose NMC because of the valuable connections it offers. My goal is to return to the island of Saipan after studying abroad, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact,” said Han.
In a message to students planning to pursue this career path, they both highlight the importance of never giving up.
“The best advice I can give is to keep on going, do your best, and try not to mess up. Also to study as much as you can,” said Attao.
“Remember that it's okay to work at your own pace. Everyone progresses differently, and you shouldn't feel pressured to match the pace of others. It's important to choose a course load that you can manage comfortably, rather than overextending yourself to keep up with others.”
DPW Secretary Ray Yumul expressed his enthusiasm for the students’ aspirations and their department’s ability to make this internship possible.
"We applaud the commitment of students like Kyle and Isaac who are actively pursuing careers in engineering," Yumul stated. "DPW is proud to provide opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience and contribute to our island's development."
For more information about the College’s pre-engineering program and the DPW internship, call (670) 237-6740 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..