Mechanical engineering graduate excited to continue work in energy industry after commencement

Montana Technological University distinguishes itself by delivering a deliberately distinct, hands-on educational experience where students make lifelong connections and land dream careers after graduation. For senior Sara Nehring, this promise has become reality. As she prepares to receive her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, surrounded by a supportive community of female peers, she’s secured a position with TriHydro, a testament to the University’s hands-on approach.  

Nehring is from Monte Vista, Colorado, a town about an hour’s drive north of the New Mexico border. When she was a senior in high school, Nehring focused on applying to colleges with strong program in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).  

“My top two choices for college were Montana Tech and New Mexico Tech, because in Colorado college is pretty expensive,” Nehring said. “With the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition, it was about the same price for me to come to Montana Tech as it was for me to stay in Colorado. I also knew I wanted to attend a small college.”  

Nehring chose Montana Tech, but did not have a particular major in mind when she arrived. She took a lot of math classes early on in case she wanted to choose a different path.  

“I came in undecided, but was thinking engineering. Mechanical engineering was the broadest field, offering the most diverse options, so I chose it. I always thought I might change, but I’ve enjoyed it. I knew it would open doors to whatever I want to do.”  

Nehring’s experiences at Montana Tech have been vast. As a freshman she was able to land a research position in the Montana Tech Carbon High-Temperature Advanced Research (CHAR) Laboratory run by Dr. Richard LaDouceur.  

“I really enjoyed working with other students, but I knew that research wasn’t for me,” Nehring said.  

She spent the summer after freshman year working on a wilderness trail crew for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado.  

“We spent four days backpacking, clearing trails, and then we would get three-day weekends,” she said. “I really loved it.”  

The next summer was focused more on engineering, as Nehring interned with Nucor in North Carolina.  

“I had a really good summer overall there,” Nehring said. “I met a lot of neat people. We had a really good intern community that I'm still in contact with.”  

Nehring decided to take another direction her junior year as she was an oil and gas intern with Ovintiv Inc. in Denver, with field trips to Midland, Texas.  

Nehring enjoyed her work with Ovintiv so much that during the Fall 2024 Career Fair, she interviewed with another company in the energy industry, TriHydro Corporation, and landed a full-time job after graduation.  

“They're an environmental consulting company in Lakewood, Colorado,” Nehring said. “I will be joining their energy team, where my work will encompass both oil and gas projects and remediation efforts, which aligns with my professional interests.” 

Nehring credits a lot of her internship and job-hunting success to assistance from Career Services.  

“They helped me format my resume so it looks good and the Career Fair is really amazing,” Nehring said.   

Nehring believes the small, tight knit community at Montana Tech pays off at the Career Fair.  

“Interns from other universities say they experience long lines and intense competition at their career fairs,” Nehring said. “At Montana Tech, the recruiters want to talk to you. If you spend an hour at the Career Fair and hand out 10 resumes, you should expect multiple callback interviews.”  

While Nehring is happy with the direction her professional career is headed, she says the highlight of her Montana Tech experience is the friends she’s made along the way. Her randomly generated roommate her freshman year in the residence halls still lives with her as a senior.  

“During Orientation week, we met a few people, and stuck with them,” Nehring said. “Those are still my friends, and two of the girls we met that week we live with.”  

Making friends with other women in STEM is important to Nehring. In addition to organic friendships, Nehring joined the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to network with other women in the field.  

“It’s nice to make those connections, especially being a woman in engineering,” Nehring said. “It's not uncommon to be the only woman in the class.”  

Nehring’s advice for prospective students is to step outside the familiar.  

“I strongly encourage prospective students to step outside their comfort zones. Leaving home to experience a new culture is invaluable,” Nehring said. “Montana Tech, like many universities, offers affordable pathways through scholarships and financial aid. You can always return home, but you can't redo your college experience.”