Alumni Corner: Caleb Kleven

In 2023, Kleven graduated with a B.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology with a concentration in Environmental Systems Management. He also minored in Agricultural Business Management and Environmental Science. He currently works for KSI Technologies as an environmental engineer in training. His work focuses on stream and wetland restoration.

Time at NC State

I had an excellent time in BAET even despite the challenge of online and hybrid classes throughout the pandemic. My favorite part of BAET is that it allowed me to be part of a small, close-knit group of students and professors while having the resources of a large university. This led to a comfortable learning environment in my courses and labs, which allowed me to be successful.

During my time with BAET, I learned to think critically and solve real world problems that correlated with potential career paths. This allowed me to land an internship with KCI where I was able to work with their natural resources group and be hands-on with actual stream restoration projects. Stream restoration caught my attention early during my sophomore year as a possible career path and BAET courses gave me the background I needed to be prepared for the real world.

I was involved in ASABE where I was able to further my connections with my peers and also gain knowledge on possible careers and industries. I also spent a lot of time with the Men’s Basketball team where I served as a team manager for four years and the head manager for the last two years.

Career Path

I am an Engineer-In-Training for KCI where I work in their Natural Resources group. The courses I took for my concentration in Environmental Systems Management truly set me up for success with a great foundation of knowledge to succeed early in my career. At KCI, as a rotational engineer and now an Engineer in Training, I have participated in just about every aspect of a stream restoration project from finding sites, designing, constructing, and monitoring and maintaining the projects. Now, I spend most of my time now performing site assessments and designing the stream restoration projects.

Advice to Current Students

I would take advantage of your summers and pursue an internship at a company that sparks your interest. Internships are a great opportunity to build a relationship with a company and see if they are a good fit for you and your career goals. It can also reduce the stress of trying to find a job after you graduate, because the connections you make will likely be able to lead to a full time post-grad job. A couple of the most important things in choosing a career path and company:

The projects you will be working on and what your role will be within completing those projects.

The team you will be working aside. This is very important to ensuring your enjoyment of your job because you will be working beside your coworkers a lot of the time.

Don’t settle for anything because you can truly find a good company that allows you to work in something that you are passionate and are curious to learn more about.