Justin Sebens
Justin Sebens
Class Year
’11
Current home
Maple Grove, Minn.
Major(s)
Physics
Current Position
Engineer at SRF Consulting Group
Justin Sebens ’11 mastered a lot of material as an undergraduate physics student at Carthage. But perhaps the most important lesson — instilled in him regularly by Physics Department faculty — was to think outside the box.
This skill has come in handy in his current position as an engineer at SRF Consulting Group, a full-service consulting firm with engineering, planning, and design services in Minnesota.
As an engineer, Mr. Sebens oversees transportation projects, including light rail transit modeling and operations, intelligent transportation systems, and highway noise studies.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I love the variety of projects I get to work on and being able to see something that I worked on get built and be operational. Each day as I drive to work, I see projects that I worked on and it is very satisfying when you see work improving people’s lives by minimizing their delay on their daily commutes.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“I think the best way Carthage has prepared me so far is by teaching me
time-management skills. While at Carthage I had to balance track and cross country practice while keeping up with the demand of the Physics Department. Carthage also prepared me by teaching me leadership and communication skills that I use every day in my job.
“Professor Douglas Arion was my adviser and always pushed me to my limits. Every day was a new challenge and I knew that no matter what, I could go to him with questions about anything.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“I was never one to really socialize or mingle in large groups. Through the career prep course and Character Quest, I learned my strengths and where I needed to improve. I utilized what I learned every day and have created some very strong professional relationships.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“I ran track and cross country, so I enjoyed hanging out with teammates on the weekends, playing sand volleyball, and Character Quest. Each experience helps me form lifelong friendships and bonds.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Take full advantage of the small-college feel. There were days when I thought my friends who went to large public schools had better opportunities than I did, but after attending a large school for grad school, that thought was far from the truth. The relationships you make both with faculty and students will help define who you are. Try to be a member in as many groups as you can; your four years at Carthage are the best years you have to create relationships and work on your skills at a professional level.”