Jhoanna Martin: Building her future in Civil Engineering
When Jhoanna Martin was looking for a study programme, she knew she wanted an education that combined theory with hands-on experience. That search led her to Civil Engineering at Saxion. Although she was excited to begin, she also wondered whether she would be able to succeed in such a challenging programme. Looking back on her first year, she is proud she embraced that challenge. The experience has helped her grow academically, professionally and personally.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
"The projects have been the highlight of my first year. They don't just ask you to design something; they encourage you to think like an engineer. Every project challenges you to consider sustainability, circularity, climate resilience and climate adaptation while working towards a practical solution. I really enjoyed this because it showed me that Civil Engineering is about much more than construction. It's about creating infrastructure that benefits people for years to come.
My favourite project was Construction Management. It felt like the closest experience to working on a real construction project. We had to plan carefully, communicate effectively and make decisions as a team while working towards a shared goal. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but that's exactly what made the experience so valuable. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, trust my abilities and learn how to perform under pressure.
Turning theory into practice
One of the things I appreciate most about the programme is that the theory we learn doesn't stay in the classroom. We immediately apply it in practical assignments and projects, making everything much easier to understand.
During my first year, I learned how to use professional software such as Civil 3D and Revit to create technical designs. We also learned surveying techniques, made our own concrete, designed bridges and visited active construction sites during excursions. These experiences helped me understand how the concepts we learn are applied in practice and made me even more excited about my future in Civil Engineering.
Learning from the people around you
The lecturers at Saxion are approachable and genuinely care about their students. They take the time to get to know you, creating a supportive learning environment where asking questions never feels intimidating. Their industry experience also helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and real engineering projects.
The students contribute to that positive atmosphere as well. Everyone is friendly and approachable, and because we work together on so many projects, you quickly get to know your classmates. Working with people from different backgrounds has taught me that successful engineering isn't only about technical knowledge. It's also about communication, collaboration and learning from each other.
Growing through challenges
The biggest challenge during my first year was learning how to work effectively with different personalities while balancing multiple deadlines. Group work isn't always straightforward, but it taught me one of the most valuable lessons I've learned so far: every team member brings different strengths.
Instead of focusing on our differences, I learned to recognise what each person was good at and divide the work accordingly. At the same time, I developed stronger time management skills and learned how to prioritise my responsibilities. Looking back, these lessons have been just as valuable as the technical knowledge I've gained.
Looking ahead
After completing my first year, I'm still exploring which specialisation within Civil Engineering suits me best, and I enjoy having that flexibility. I'm looking forward to my second year because it will allow me to explore different specialisations in greater depth and continue discovering where my interests lie.
My first year has shown me that Civil Engineering is about much more than designing roads, bridges or buildings. It's about solving real-world challenges, working together and continuously learning. That's what has made my experience at Saxion so rewarding, and it's what I'm looking forward to most as I continue building my future as a civil engineer."