“I’ve had to develop thick skin, be diligent, determined, and exhibit confidence, even if it wasn’t there,” or as we like to say, Kathy has GRIT.
When did you start with ECS? In 2000, as a Senior Project Engineer.
What positions have you held within ECS?
- Senior Project Engineer
- Geotechnical Department Manager/Principal Engineer
- Branch Manager
- Senior Principal Engineer
What certifications/education did you obtain to help with your career? PE registration and graduate classes in geotechnical engineering.
What has been the largest contributor to the growth of your career within ECS? I’ve been fortunate to have colleagues and managers willing to listen and provide me the opportunity to make positive changes. Participating in committees and interacting with other ECS personnel across departments, offices, and subsidiaries has provided me the chance to embrace different visions. Having a larger view and thinking of the company as a whole has been a great benefit.
What was your biggest struggle along the way? How did you overcome it? Being a woman in this industry is not always easy. Being on job sites early in my career, whether it was slumping concrete or providing recommendations for problem soils was tough. I’ve had to develop thick skin, be diligent, determined, and exhibit confidence, even if it wasn’t there. To move forward in your career, you need to take risks, speak up, never stop learning, have confidence and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Please tell us why you have made ECS your company of choice: I love that ECS strives to always be moving forward. With the talent that we have and the goals that we set, the opportunities and potential at ECS amazes me. I’m thrilled to contribute and be a part of it.