Every person in the GW Engineering community contributes to the fabric and culture of what makes us great and unique. As an institution of higher education, we often celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty. However, without the tireless work of GW Engineering staff, nothing would be possible. From our facilities, to our technology, to supporting our events, the staff at GW Engineering keeps our school moving forward. Each month we will highlight one staff member in our Local Hero editorial feature. Take the time to meet the people who are at the foundation of our school.
The Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services at GW Engineering fosters academic, professional, and personal growth for all our graduate students. Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, Austin Reading, is a key part of this process Read below to learn more about May’s Local Hero, Austin Reading!:
Q: How long have you been working at GW and what is your position?
A: I’ve been working at GW for about six years and my current role is Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions. I also went to GW for undergrad, so I’ve been around GW since Fall 2012.
Q: What led you to this career?
A: After I finished undergrad, I worked as a government proposal coordinator and it just wasn’t for me. I had always really enjoyed my job as a student worker and I just had a feeling this would be a much better fit for me.
Q: Why did you choose GW?
A: I had a fantastic experience as a GW undergrad. Like many, I initially came to GW as a first-year student wanting to study political science in D.C. I remember visiting campus when I was still in high school on a lovely fall day and feeling like I was “at home.”
Q: What is one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at GW?
A: I wish I had known more about the challenges of having meaningful communication and cooperation across different parts of the university.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at GW Engineering?
A: Definitely, the people. I work with a fantastic team who are really dedicated and are experts in our field. We work together like a well-oiled machine and I’m very fortunate to work with them.
Q: Why would someone want to work at GW Engineering?
A: It’s incredibly rewarding to support such a dedicated and passionate group of students as those who study at GW.
Q: What is your biggest work pet peeve?
A: Probably just when people don’t follow instructions when they’ve been clearly laid out.
Q: What’s your ideal way to spend the weekend?
A: Something low-key with friends, usually. I also love going to the movies and just exploring the city.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from the past year?
A: On our way back from India in December, my colleague Stephanie and I spent a day in Munich to see the famous Christmas markets.
Q: Tell us something people don’t know about you.
A: When I was a student, I played the trumpet in GW Bands.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I don’t have any pets myself, but I grew up with a Westie and I recently went to a Westie meet-up with my dad and his 10-month-old Westie, Fergus.