Greg Pawlowski
Senior Project Engineer
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?”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationGreg Pawlowski
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Growing up, he was always interested in building things, whether it was with Legos or in the sand box.
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.
Attended Old Dominion University where he received his degree in civil engineering.
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.
During this time, he worked for two surveying companies, did material testing, and even worked for the city of Chesapeake as an inspector.
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.
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.
He also earned his master’s degree in civil engineering management from Temple University and teaches college engineering classes.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Senior Project Engineer
I manage the design and construction of improvements associated with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Engineering
Science
Building Things
Day to Day
As the senior project engineer at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, I manage the design and construction of elements on the bridge, but I also manage the assets associated with the roadways, bridges, and ferry terminals that are connected to it.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
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.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"You gotta get your act together otherwise you won't graduate."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
School Stress
Interviewed By
Old Dominion University Roadtrip
Old Dominion University students and alumni
