Greg Pawlowski
The Delaware River and Bay Authority
New Castle, DE USA
"People like to think that you have to be smart to get a college degree, but you really don’t. You have to be persistent. How bad do you want it?"
Career Roadmap
Greg's work combines: Engineering, Science, and Building Things
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
You have to be persistent in the face of obstacles. Stop looking for excuses and just get it done. Apply yourself. It's all about self-motivation.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Civil Engineering, General
Old Dominion University
Graduate Degree
Civil Engineering, General
Temple University
Graduate Degree
Construction Management, General
Temple University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Growing up, he was always interested in building things, whether it was with Legos or in the sand box.
2.
First discovered the field of civil engineering in 7th grade—he took many math and science classes throughout middle and high school in order to prepare himself for college.
3.
Attended Old Dominion University where he received his degree in civil engineering.
4.
Due to financial concerns throughout college, he lived at home, worked full-time, and commuted to ODU in the evenings—it ended up taking him ten years to graduate.
5.
During this time, he worked for two surveying companies, did material testing, and even worked for the city of Chesapeake as an inspector.
6.
After graduating, he got a job with a company based in Florida, that would send him around the U.S. working on projects—he was sent to Delaware to work on a bridge for three years.
7.
Eventually, he decided the nomadic lifestyle wouldn’t suit his family, so he took a permanent job working for the Delaware River & Bay Authority where he is now the Senior Project Engineer.
8.
He also earned his master’s degree in civil engineering management from Temple University and teaches college engineering classes.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
You gotta get your act together otherwise you won't graduate.
How I responded:
There was a time in college when I got academically suspended for goofing off too much and not attending classes. It was a wake-up call for me. I knew I had to get my act together otherwise I wouldn't make it. When I started working full-time while suspended, that helped me learn how to manage my time and get back on track. When I returned to school, I was more focused and determined.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I couldn't afford to go away to college, so I lived at home and commuted to ODU. I eventually took out my own loans and worked full-time (while going to school in the evenings) in order to get financial assistance.
Due to the financial issues I've struggled with and balancing my home life, it took me 10 years to graduate with my bachelors degree.