Boston, Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design: Advize Career Interview
A career in civil engineering, as described by a Project Manager at Terracina Design, offers a dynamic blend of technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving.
Early childhood fascination with building evolved into a successful career path, encompassing coursework in surveying, structural, and transportation engineering, and culminating in a rewarding position focused on land development and master planning.
A typical day involves managing multiple projects, including emails and meetings, alongside hands-on design work, analyzing intricate systems like water networks.
Proficiency in specialized software, alongside strong communication skills, are essential.
The most fulfilling aspect is the tangible impact of creating communities, while the biggest challenge is balancing landowner desires with site constraints.
A willingness to learn, listen, and seek diverse perspectives is key to success, particularly benefiting from the experience of seasoned professionals.
Entry-level positions, such as Design Engineer, provide a solid foundation for advancement. Patience and persistence, especially in pursuing a professional engineering license, are crucial for long-term career growth.
The interviewee's emphasis on the importance of junior and senior-level classes, especially in structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering, along with surveying, highlights the practical skills needed to thrive in this field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Boston Blake
Civil Engineer Project Manager
Terracina Design
Texas Tech University 2013
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Engineering - Civil
Construction
Operations and Project Management
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Career Path of a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design
Boston's career path started with an early interest in building, leading them to pursue civil engineering; "building stuff linking logs" in childhood evolved into coursework in surveying, structural engineering, and transportation, culminating in a construction internship before entering land development, where they now focus on "overall Master planning."
Main Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design, explains that the field encompasses diverse disciplines such as "Transportation, Geotech, structural," and land development, the latter of which is Boston's focus. Their land development work involves "road designs, sanitary sewer design, water network design, storm infrastructure," and master planning for communities, encompassing a broad range of civil engineering aspects.
A Day In The Life Of A Civil Engineer Project Manager At Terracina Design
A day for Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager, varies greatly between managing multiple projects—including "send[ing] all [their] emails, get[ting] all [their] meetings"—and hands-on design work, such as "analyz[ing] how a water network is going to be built underground," ensuring structural integrity for decades to come. This blend of management and detailed technical analysis is a key aspect of their daily and weekly planning.
Most Important Skills for a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design
For a Civil Engineer Project Manager, mastering software like "Civil 3D," "WaterCAD," and "StormCAD" is crucial for daily tasks and network analysis to ensure sufficient water pressure and prevent flooding. Beyond technical skills, strong communication—being "open and honest with clients and colleagues"—is paramount for success in this role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Civil Engineer Project Manager At Terracina Design
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design, finds the most rewarding aspect of their career to be "building cities and building communities," a passion stemming from childhood SimCity games, now realized in seeing "people in their homes...walking around a neighborhood that you designed."
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Civil Engineer Project Manager At Terracina Design
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design, identifies the biggest challenge as balancing landowner desires for maximum development with the existing site constraints, stating "getting the most bang for a buck for a developer". This involves navigating complexities like topography, water, and sanitary services to create feasible and profitable projects.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Civil Engineering As A Civil Engineer Project Manager
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design, appreciates the tangible results of "seeing what people are using what we built," as well as the long-term community impact of future planning. The collaborative atmosphere, shared passion for hands-on work, and the blend of physical and digital aspects of the job are also key sources of enjoyment for Boston.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Civil Engineering Industry, According To A Civil Engineer Project Manager At Terracina Design
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager, identifies a key to success in construction as a willingness to learn and listen, stating that "the people that do the best are the people are willing to listen to the person with 20-25 years experience". This is coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving, exemplified by their "three rule" of seeking three diverse opinions before making decisions, resulting in a "better answer every time".
What a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Civil Engineering Industry
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design, learned that patience is paramount in this role, unexpectedly finding that "everything is instant gratification" is not the reality; projects often span five years before tangible results are seen. This highlights the significant time investment required in large-scale design and construction.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Design Engineers
Entry-level civil engineering positions for undergraduate students are often titled "Design Engineer," a role that Boston describes as foundational for the first four years post-graduation, providing experience before obtaining a professional engineering license ("PE"). The key to advancement, according to Boston, is patience, a willingness to learn, and pursuing the PE license to move up in the field.
Significant Career Lesson from a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design
Boston's most significant career lesson is "the rule of three," seeking diverse perspectives ("ask your mom, your dad, and your brother") to solve problems and develop a personalized approach. This strategy fosters learning and adaptability in their civil engineering project management role at Terracina Design.
College Experiences That Helped a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design Succeed
Boston, a Civil Engineer Project Manager at Terracina Design, emphasizes the importance of focusing on junior and senior-level classes, particularly "Structural, Geotech, or Transportation," for aspiring civil engineers. Their experience highlights the practical value of surveying coursework, stating that "surveying was probably the best one because we deal with surveyors every day."
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