insights How Jason built an exciting project manger career within transportation

Tell us a little bit about your professional background?

I have been in the industry for almost 22 years and have been with AtkinsRéalis for 4.5 years.   For most of my career, I’ve focused on highways working on projects of all sizes from smaller resurfacing jobs to very large complex initiatives.

What inspired you to become an engineer? 

I was always good at solving problems, math, and science.  Before college, I loved transportation projects.  The idea of reshaping the area to become a transportation facility really fascinated me and I knew that is what I wanted to do for a living.

What is the coolest thing you are working on?

Since joining the Company in 2016, I have worked on the Purple Line Light Rail Project in Maryland.  It is a large, complex multidiscipline project. I’ve had the opportunity to hold multiple roles on the project and work with some truly great teams.  Being a light rail project, it is very different from anything I have worked on; as a result, I’ve worked through many different challenges that are not usually associated with a standard highway project.

What do you think has had the biggest impact on your career development to date?

The “mega projects” as I like to refer to them.  I’ve been very fortunate to work on two large P3 Design Build projects in recent years.  The skills and knowledge I learned from these large projects has really opened the door for future opportunities.

What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

A previous coworker once told me to listen carefully and only say what needs to be said early in my career.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life” Confucius

Self-explanatory, really.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.

I love to fish, specifically trout.  Any day fishing is a great day!