W&L Outcomes: Cat Caples ’25 After making connections through the W&L alumni network, Caples will be working as a mechanical and design engineer at Hardwire LLC.

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
July 8, 2025

Cat Caples ’25
Majors: Integrated engineering and computer science
Hometown: Reisterstown, Maryland

What are your post-graduation plans?

I will be working full-time at Hardwire LLC in Pocomoke, Maryland, as a mechanical and design engineer. I got this job through Washington and Lee alumna Emily Wolfing Tunis ’05, who is the senior director of advanced programs at Hardwire.

What did you study at W&L, and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?
I studied engineering and computer science at W&L, and I also took many interesting classes in other departments to fulfill my FDRs (Foundation and Distribution Requirements) and credits. My engineering classes at W&L taught me more than just engineering and math skills; they taught me about self-advocacy and hard work. This major was very challenging, so asking for help played a major role in how I understood the material and benefitted from my learning. I learned the importance of taking charge of my education by utilizing every resource that W&L provided me with.

How did your career plans evolve throughout your time at W&L? Did you always know what you wanted to do?

I always knew I wanted to do something creative and be part of something that helped people and made a difference. I didn’t want a desk job where I crunched numbers and didn’t speak to anyone all day. I wanted to collaborate, learn and do important work. I knew engineering would help me do this and that this degree would allow me to explore an industry I enjoy. I had an engineering internship the summer after my junior year that solidified my love for engineering and having a personal role in a company. My post-grad job search was nothing but seamless. Countless rejections left me feeling discouraged, and I realized I needed to stop filling out online applications and utilize the W&L alumni network, just like everyone told me to. I connected with many alumnae, asking for advice on how they leveraged their W&L physics and engineering degree. Professor Kuehner connected me with Emily Wolfing Tunis ’05 who, when giving me career advice, asked if I would be interested in her company. She set up an interview with their head of human resources, and I was soon in Pocomoke doing an in-person visit. I accepted their offer, and I could not be more excited for the opportunity to work at such an innovative company under a female W&L mentor.

Is there one class that ended up changing your perspective or that really surprised you?

There is not one specific class that changed my perspective, but outside of my engineering classes, I was super involved in the theater and art departments. These classes and professors (specifically visiting professor of theater Nafeesa Monroe and professor of theater Owen Collins) showed me the importance of liberal arts and exploring what you are interested in. I took multiple classes with these two professors, notable ones including 3D Printing for Theatre with Collins and Stage Combat with Monroe. It was fun to pursue my creative passions through electives like these!

Which faculty member had the most impact on you, and what did you learn from them (either inside or outside the classroom)?

Professor Kuehner had the most impact on me. Like I said above, self-advocacy was a big part of my success at W&L. I consistently asked Professor Kuehner for help whether it was with engineering classes, my capstone, my career search or anything else. No matter what I needed, he made it clear that he always had my back and would be willing to help me with anything. He really showed us that he cared about more than just our academic success, but our overall well-being and happiness. He was an incredible mentor for me, and I will always be grateful for his support and hope to stay connected long after my graduation.

What clubs, organizations, athletic teams or other extracurriculars were you involved in that had an impact on you?

I was a part of the women’s lacrosse team, and this was the greatest part of my W&L experience. My first three years, I learned how to work hard and have fun on the field. The upperclassmen girls taught us the team culture and the meaning of “I am third” (our team motto that means putting the team and the program before yourself). I was taught how to honorably represent my team in every setting. This year, I was a co-captain of the team, and my perspective changed. I saw the vision of the former leaders as an inspiration for how I wanted to lead this team. I am forever grateful for the values I learned and the relationships I made through this program, and I know these are both things that will last forever.

I also was a part of the Delta Society, where I made lifelong friends and priceless memories. I loved going to a Division III university where I could be involved in multiple groups and explore the things I am interested in. I was also a part of Generals Repairs Club, Cybersecurity Club, Morgan’s Message Club and First-Year Orientation Committee.

What internships or other summer experiences did you partake in, and how did those experiences shape you and your career plans?

I had an internship the summer after my junior year at TAI Engineering in Owings Mills, Maryland. I had a very important and immersive role. I contributed to the development and testing of a patent-pending (now patented as of February 2025) sensor-integrated tri-clamp for industrial process engineering.  I made meaningful connections with my coworkers, and my experience showed me that I wanted to have a job where I was able to collaborate and also do important work that makes a difference in the world.

What’s been one of your favorite experiences over the last four years?

My favorite experience was traveling with the lacrosse team to play Tufts at the US Lacrosse facility in Baltimore. This facility is five minutes away from my house, so my whole family came. We were really nervous to play this team since they had so much success before. I went into the game thinking, “I’ll just try my best and have fun with my team.” We ended up beating them 16-5, and it was such a special moment for us. Having moments like these with the team is priceless, and I will always savor the feeling of working alongside these women toward a common goal. We were part of something bigger than ourselves, and you don’t get many chances in life to do that.

How did the Office of Career and Professional Development support you, and which resources did you find most helpful?

I got a lot of advice from Dean Steele about my resume and connecting with alumni. I have a great relationship with Lauren Vance since she was a volunteer coach for our team all four years. She helped me with advocating for myself after I got my offer letter for my current job. One-on-one meetings were the most helpful so I could get personal help catered to me.

What career-related advice would you give to next year’s graduating class?

Don’t rush your process! It is stressful and draining, but you will find something that is right for you. There is a lot of pressure from the students in other majors who have their jobs lined up the fall of their senior year. Don’t let that discourage you, because everyone has a different timeline. Definitely use the alumni network because they truly want to help you and know the value of your W&L education and what you can bring to the table.

Who or what has inspired you along the way?

The people at W&L inspired me and will continue to inspire me every day. Being in an environment of hardworking and loving people made all the difference for me. When I was a first year, I saw the older girls on my team excelling at school, in their relationships and on the field. I wanted to be just like them, and they helped me do the same.

What’s your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment has been my own personal growth. In many ways at W&L, I have watched myself grow into the woman I am today: a stronger leader, a better learner, a genuine friend and a trustworthy teammate. Not one moment can sum up my pride because I am proud to have chosen W&L and to have had all of the experiences that have shaped me.

How has studying the liberal arts at W&L shaped how you see the world?

Liberal arts is a special type of education that creates a well-rounded thinker. It has shown me the importance of knowledge in general and the impact of learning around many different types of professors and students. Like I said before, the W&L liberal arts education impacted me by showing me that it is possible to explore many different passions at a high level.