How Wentworth's Co-op Program Helped One Alumna Discover Her Passion

For many students, the path to a fulfilling career isn't always a straight line. It often involves exploration, experimentation, and discovering passions you never knew you had. That was certainly the case for Kelsey Lanoue, a Wentworth Institute of Technology alum who found her calling in the dynamic world of life science construction. 

Lanoue, who earned both Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees, initially thought she'd pursue a career designing homes. But Wentworth's renowned co-op program opened her eyes to a different path.  

"Wentworth was always hands-on," Lanoue said. "The co-op program gave me the chance to experience different sides of the industry, and that's where I realized my true passion was in construction." 

Through co-ops at both a residential architecture firm and a construction management company, Lanoue gained invaluable real-world experience. McKay Architects provided her with an introduction to working at a residential architecture firm. For her second co-op, she split her time between a part-time role with a residential architect and a part-time role with a construction manager. Lanoue also completed a third optional co-op in the construction management industry.  

These opportunities allowed her to apply her classroom knowledge, explore different work environments, and ultimately discover where she thrived.  

"Trying different co-ops helped me understand what I really wanted in a career," Lanoue said. "It allowed me to take risks and grow, all while knowing I had the support of Wentworth behind me." 

Today, Lanoue is a successful project manager at The Richmond Group, a leading design-build firm specializing in life science construction. She credits her Wentworth education, and especially the co-op program, with giving her the skills and experience she needed to excel in this demanding field. "My architectural background gave me a strong foundation in understanding plans and design," she said. "But it was the hands-on learning and real-world experience from my co-ops that truly prepared me for my career." 

And Lanoue isn't just referring to technical skills. She believes Wentworth fostered her creativity and allowed her to develop a unique perspective that serves her well today. "It was very theory-based and very...studio-based," she said. "I think that Wentworth prepared me for [my career] early on." This foundation, combined with the practical experience gained through co-ops, enabled her to bridge the gap between architectural design and the realities of construction. 

Reflecting on her time at Wentworth, Lanoue emphasizes the importance of embracing the opportunities the university provides.  

"Don't be afraid to try something new once a semester," she said. "You might come to find you really like it."