MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our bi-monthly Board Member Spotlight. Our member spotlight recognizes members for their outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please email PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.

June

2021

INTRODUCING

Tyler Hodges

EIT

Civil EIT

Huitt-Zollars

PE/FE Review Co-Chair

ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

PERSONAL LIFE

Where did you grow up?

San Diego, CA (East County and yes it matters)

What made you want to become an engineer?

I've always been good with numbers and in my 4th grade yearbook I said I wanted to be a mathematician. My high school had an engineering pathway where I learned to apply my academic interest into reality through courses such as Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architectureand others.

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?

Outside of engineering I enjoy going to the movies, spending time with friends, playing sports, and of course baking sweets.

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

playing tennis or quidditch and then making an awesome breakfast after.

What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?

I graduated from the University of California Irvine with a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering. I joined the ASCE student chapter my 4th year at UCI and made some amazing friends along the way.

WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.

I work as an EIT with Huitt-Zollars in the public works department. I've worked on a variety of projects, but the most significant project I've taken on is the Pine Avenue Extension Project. I've had the pleasure of learning and applying design for wet utilities, grading, water treatment, ADA compliance, and so much more. Smaller on-call projects have also helped me become familiar with encroachment permitting, specifications, and street improvements.

What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?

N/A

What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?

Each new project is a unique puzzle that eventually becomes a part of my reality and has changed the way I see the world now.

What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?

I believe soft skills such as communication and teamwork have been the most valuable so far and will help me find sucess later in my career.

What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?

I was introducted to the definition of civil engineering in highschool and I wanted to apply my academics to the real world. During college I became a resident advisor to work on my relations with people and grow my interpersonal soft skills. At the time I thought my student housing path had hurt me because I lacked the internship/engineering experience most of my peers had. Looking back I would not want to change the start of my career because every positive and negative helped me grow into the person I am today.

ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?

I got involved with ASCE while at UCI because my close friends were members and wanted me to come and attend. After school ended I became more involved because a previous YMF treasurer asked me to come out and I stayed involved because of the current YMF treasurer.

How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?

ASCE has helped me grow my personal network and friend group. I have been able to meet and interact with people who I would have never talked to if I wasn't in ASCE. My favorite benefit about being involved is split between the collaboration during the treasurer meetings and being a part of the outstanding YMF team.

Who is someone you Admire and Why?

I look up to and admire multiple people including fellow peers, however I most look up to my mom. I've always found her supporting my decisions and I have been able to provide support for her as I've grown older.

If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?

I have lots of advice I'd give to young professionals, but the first thing I'd tell people is to not compare themselves to others and take care of yourself before you take care of others. Starting a new position can be challenging and mentally exhausting, but don't give up and remember to take personal time.

Lastly, what would be your personal motto?

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain" - Vivian Greene

CHECK OUT PAST OC YMF MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS