Oh the Places You'll Go! 

Navigating Early Careers in Civil Engineering from Two FAMU-FSU Alumni

Speakers:

Meggy Gidula

Meggy built a career with a wide range of experiences, from internships at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to conducting research funded by the NSF, using wastewater for biofuel production. She pursued graduate studies, served as an adjunct professor, and interned on various engineering projects at a quarry. Meggy’s career advanced from Project Engineer to Plant Manager for an aggregates and cement production company, then transitioned to an engineering consulting firm, where she tackled projects for Waste and Mining clients. She moved up from Project Engineer focusing on geotechnical investigations and CQA to a more senior and client facing role leading the Cement/Agg and Waste sectors nationally. Meggy earned an MBA while working full-time and now serves as Director of the Mining Sector at Brown and Caldwell. Graduate students can find inspiration in Meggy’s ability to transition across different sectors of civil engineering while furthering her education and professional network.

Ron Stein

Ron’s career journey exemplifies the diverse opportunities available in civil engineering, spanning both public works and private land development. After earning his degree from Florida State University, he began as a PE trainee at the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Office in Tallahassee. There, he gained invaluable experience shadowing the Chief Engineer, rotating through various departments, and working on notable projects such as the post-tensioned bridge construction of the I-275 Selmon Expressway, all while earning his PE license. Seeking to broaden his expertise, Ron transitioned to the private sector, relocating to California and Arizona to work on a wide range of projects, including large-scale subdivisions, hospitals, stadiums, and solar farms. Now serving as the Development Services Lead at Willdan Engineering, he plays a key role in council and board meetings and operates as a District Engineer for a Community Services District in California. Ron’s journey highlights the vast career paths available in civil engineering, demonstrating how engineers can navigate both public and private sectors while adapting to new challenges. His experience offers valuable insights to graduate students exploring career development, industry transitions, and leadership opportunities in the field.