Having graduated from the University of Vermont four years ago, I find myself reflecting on where I was, where I am today, and where I will be in four more years. Looking back, feeling excited by all I’ve accomplished and learned – looking forward, both excited and anxious for what is to come. Like my view to the future, a mix of semi-clear (dithered, some may say) and semi-decided with a destined path forward – each day starts off with a clear vision, a windy path, and multiple routes to the end…
“It ain’t easy being me…” A phrase I say often to bring levity to everything I do!
Three Things I’ve Learned in Three Years of Engineering
1) Embrace Imperfection & the Journey
In my time at Hoyle Tanner, I’ve been learning when and where perfection is and isn’t necessary. Starting a career in civil engineering is a major shift from the linear journey through school – from each course preparing you for the next, to experiencing something totally new. Feeling prepared in some ways, but not in others. It’s easy to feel defeated, like you’re behind or not good enough to do the assignment you’ve been tasked, but in these moments, I continuously remind myself: if it were easy, it would be done already.
2) Build a Supportive Community & Support Your Community
Creating a supportive and collaborative environment is key to success. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues who are always willing to help and share their knowledge. This sense of community has made it easier to ask questions, learn, and grow. Whether it’s training new staff or working on projects, I’ve found that having a reliable network of people around me has made a significant difference in my professional journey.
This theme carries over into how I want to interact with my community and the clients we work with. The emergency floods in Vermont presented a unique and challenging opportunity for me as an engineer. While it was heartbreaking to witness the devastation in a place I consider home, it also reinforced the importance of my work. The floods required rapid engineering solutions to restore drivable roads and ensure community safety. This experience was bittersweet; it was rewarding to see the immediate impact of our efforts, but it was also a stark reminder of the urgency and gravity of such situations. Being part of the response team allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the community, reaffirming my commitment to making a positive difference through my career.
3) Overcome Fear & Take Opportunities
Over my three years at Hoyle Tanner, I feel like I’m consistently finding myself face-to-face with some sort of challenge. Whether it’s design and CAD-related or is more related to presentations, challenging situations always seem to find me – which is half of the fun!
Having been a been part of the design and plan development for the emergency repair work following Vermont’s 2023 flooding, I was asked to give a presentation at ACEC Vermont’s annual meeting, in front of a crowd of about 200 people. At first, my answer was absolutely not – I could not imagine myself on a stage presenting in a room like that. I mulled it over for a few weeks, but while talking to a friend, I laid out the whole situation and explained how I could never give the presentation. Her response was simply, “So it sounds like everything you said was positive, except that you’re scared. Are you really not going to do it because you’re scared?” Following this conversation, I had a lot to think about, wondering how many times I let fear stop me in the past. Hearing this perspective, I knew I had to do it. I couldn’t let fear be the only thing that stops me from anything. The positive feedback I received after the presentation was a testament to the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. Taking opportunities, even when you’re scared, can lead to personal and professional growth.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
To any college or high school student considering a career in transportation engineering, I would emphasize the importance of not letting insecurities hold you back. Everyone experiences doubts, but it’s good to push through and focus on the impact you can make. My experience presenting at the ACEC conference taught me that fear shouldn’t be the reason to decline an opportunity.
Looking Ahead
In the next three years, I aim to continue growing professionally and personally. I aspire to leave a lasting mark on my community and get more involved in professional organizations. Ultimately, I hope to become a project manager, leveraging my communication skills while maintaining technical proficiency.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences and lessons learned. Engineering has proven to be an exciting and fulfilling career, and I look forward to what the future holds. If you’re on a similar path or have insights to share, I’d love to connect – let’s keep learning and building stronger communities together.
