Caitlin Gundert
Year Graduated: 
2020

Transportation Engineer 3

Washington State Department of Transportation

Job Description

As a Transportation Engineer 3 for the Washington State Department of Transportation, I play a vital role in the improvement and preservation of Washington State's highway system by assisting with project scoping, design, and delivery.

Projects that I am involved with include fish passage projects (in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife), modal connectivity projects that improve active transportation facilities within the State Highway System for bicyclists and pedestrians, intersection and interchange design, stormwater facility design, pavement repair, and roadway preservation.

During the scoping phase, transportation engineers work with a variety of subject matter experts including those who specialize in environmental permitting, traffic analysis, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, materials science, hydraulics, and more. Design teams collaboratively prepare construction estimates to determine how much funding each project will require. Once funding is determined, our designers take the lead on computer-aided drafting and 3D modelling to produce plans and specifications to deliver to our headquarters for project advertisement so that contractors can bid on projects and complete the construction phase. Once construction is complete, our agency operates and maintains the facility.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose ERE because I love math and because I care for the environment. I quickly realized that engineering was definitely the right path for me!

How did this program prepare you for your job?

This program prepared me for my career in so many ways. I can look at a complex project like a puzzle. ERE gave me the pieces I needed to complete the puzzle (hydrology, hydraulics, system analysis, design, calculus, and so much more).

What did you enjoy most about the program?

What I enjoyed most was the overall quality of education that I received. Civil engineering is very broad, and the ERE program broke the curriculum down really effectively and offered electives that apply so well to the real world and real world issues.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

I would say to take this program seriously, because it can lead you to really amazing things if you work hard and put the effort in. I would also say to take advantage of the experts who are teaching you. These professors have a wealth of knowledge and real world experience. Ask questions! Go to office hours!

Other comments?

Cal Poly Humboldt is a wonderful university and has prepared me for my career in so many ways. I am so grateful for my time at Humboldt and so glad I stuck with my degree.