Meet Megan Ooms, PE – Senior Structural Engineer & Chaos Coordinator
What drew you to Hoyle Tanner?
A combination of the type of work, including larger bridges and more complex structures, the people, and the work-life balance offered. The camaraderie in the office and between offices is unique and has a very cohesive flow. Additionally, the modified full-time schedule I have works really well for where I am in life right now with three younger kids.
What’s the coolest thing you are working on & why?
Jamaica bridge is pretty cool because it is such a complex project, and I get to jump in at the beginning (or beginning again). There is a slew of constructability challenges that need to be considered in the design of the replacement bridge, temporary bridge and demolition of existing bridge.
What’s your favorite part of the company culture?
Everyone is willing to help no matter how busy they are. Folks are willing to help with onboarding, teaching a new skill, fit in a task and so much more. There is true camaraderie here that goes beyond teamwork.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from a colleague?
I’ve learned how to do so much since starting at Hoyle Tanner, but one of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is how much can get done when a team truly works well together. It almost seems like folks go out of their way to help each other and really go above and beyond for the good of the team and the project. It is amazing to see how much of an impact that sort of mindset has on each other and the outcome of the deliverable.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your job?
How much fun it is! Some days can be challenging but it is so much fun to see the project come to life through all the phases and then into construction.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A bridge engineer. I grew up just outside New York City and was surrounded by bridges. There were signature structures over the Hudson River and interstate overpasses everywhere we went. I was mostly in awe of the size of the steel girders when I drove under a bridge overpass, and the length of the spans over the Hudson. The engineering that went into making that happen amazed me.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Ask questions. It was probably the first piece of advice I was given as an intern, but is important in every phase of this profession. Asking a question as an intern is just as important as asking a question as a P.E.. Assumptions can kill budgets, schedules and outcomes and asking questions is the best way to avoid that.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day at work?
Spending time with my family. I love taking the kids hiking or walking when the weather is nice. We have a hiking trail not far from the house, and that is our go-to after school or on a whim. On the days when the weather is pretty cruddy, we have dance parties inside and just turn the music up and have fun!
What are the top three emojis you use the most?
Face palm, laughing with tears, and shrug.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently (this week, this month, this year)?
I joined Hoyle Tanner! It really has given me a better work life balance with the reduced hours compared to what I used to be working. The benefit of having a great work-life balance is you get to be fully present in each part of your life, which means when I’m at work I’m fully focused and fully engaged in what I am doing and when I’m home I’m fully present with my family.
What’s a cause or organization you’re passionate about and why?
The Alzheimer’s Association has a special place in my heart because my mom was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in her 50s and passed away in her 60s as a result of the disease.
What’s your pump-up playlist or song lately?
My kids’ current music mood impacts what I tend to listen to and they have really good taste with finding fun and upbeat songs. This month, the playlist consists of songs from The Greatest Show which really is fun to blast in the Bronco with the windows down (when it is warmer).
Words to live by? Favorite quote? Why?
Be pleasantly aggressive. Ask for what you want.
I was given this advice as a kid and by following it, I have gotten so much more from life than I would have otherwise. It is so easy to assume that someone knows what you want, but the reality is that no one really has your needs at the forefront of their mind, even when they have the best intentions. Asking for what you want, being pleasantly aggressive to get what you want opens so many doors.
