UA Little Rock student gains global experience in Ireland

December 29 - January 4, 2026

By Mara Crumby

Alex Tarpley, a junior civil and construction engineering major, spent the summer interning in Dublin, Ireland, where he gained life-changing experience that expanded his outlook on life, sharpened his professional skills, and deepened his passion for engineering.

Tarpley, a native of Russellville, spent two months working with TST Engineering, where he helped transform raw land surveying data into detailed design files that engineers use to plan infrastructure projects.

“I was initially hesitant about going, but I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Tarpley said. “I had never been out of the country before, and I didn’t want to miss the chance to see the world, learn new skills, and grow both personally and professionally.”

Through World Endeavors, a global internship program, Tarpley secured a position with TST Engineering, where he gained hands-on experience in land surveying and digital modeling. He worked with advanced tools like laser scanning software and ground-penetrating radar technology to map project sites and detect materials within structures. These are technologies he had never encountered in the U.S. before.

“They would bring me the data points collected by the survey machines, and I would simulate the points and draw where manholes, fences, and other topographic features were,” he explained. “That way, the engineers could reference the file and design around these obstacles. It really helped me understand how the data collection connects to the design process and bridged the gap between the two.”

The experience also deepened Tarpley’s understanding of engineering from an international perspective. He collaborated with colleagues from Ireland, France, Turkey, and Brazil, learning how engineering, design, and construction differ across countries.

“It’s not just working with people who think and act like you,” he said. “It was a new level of communication. I had to focus on how I explained things and learned how others approached problems differently. That experience will make me a better engineer.”

A hands-on approach to career readiness

The internship aligned closely with UA Little Rock’s emphasis on experiential learning. Civil and construction engineering students are required to complete 800 hours of work experience before graduation, a requirement that Tarpley says is critical for career readiness.

“You’ll never be able to analyze every situation just by what a textbook says,” he said. “I’ve been out there and encountered things that aren’t covered in the classroom. That kind of experience is invaluable for understanding how work happens in the real world.”

Tarpley’s time in Dublin also reinforced his career goals. When he graduates in May 2027, he plans to continue working with Volkert, the professional services firm where he is currently employed as an engineering intern.

While the internship was the centerpiece of his summer abroad, Tarpley also took full advantage of his time in Europe. On weekends, he explored Ireland’s natural beauty in seaside towns like Howth and Bray, hiked scenic trails, and visited historic cities including Galway.

He also traveled beyond Ireland, exploring Stirling, Edinburg, Brussels, Paris, Rome, Heidelberg, and Lucerne, and even attended the British Open Golf Tournament. One highlight was visiting Heidelberg, Germany, where his mother is originally from.

“The architecture in Heidelberg was beautiful. It felt like walking through a fairytale,” Tarpley said. “There’s something about Dublin and Galway too. They were just a joy to be in. When everyone around you is having a good time, you are too.”

Looking back, Tarpley says the experience not only taught him valuable professional skills but also changed the way he views the world and his future.

“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “Even though I was hesitant to go at first, I will never regret it. I learned about different lifestyles, gained new perspectives, and it even made me appreciate what I have here at home. It’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

At UA Little Rock, Tarpley is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and vice president of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he helps students prepare for intense competitions that involve building concrete canoes and steel bridges. These competitions provide students with additional opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Whether designing infrastructure in Arkansas or collaborating on projects abroad, Tarpley is confident that the skills and perspectives he gained in Dublin will shape his career for years to come.

“Studying and working abroad showed me how engineering is done differently around the world,” he said. “It’s an experience that will stay with me as I continue building my career.” 

Photo Caption:

While studying and working in Dublin, Alex Tarpley (above) learned how engineering is done differently around the world. 

Photo Credit:

(Photo provided)