In the sprawling state of Texas, the Department of Transportation (TxDOT) prides itself not just on the roads it builds but the diverse and multi-generational team behind the asphalt. According to a recent Texas Department of Transportation report, their workforce is as varied as the state's highways, a melting pot of fresh-out-of-college graduates and seasoned professionals that mirrors the community it serves.
Young engineers at TxDOT, such as Doreen Choo, revel in the chance to rub shoulders with industry veterans, absorbing wisdom that has been on the job for nearly half a century. "I might be the youngest on my team, but I feel like everyone brings something valuable to the table," Choo told the Texas Department of Transportation. "We’re all willing to help each other because, at the end of the day, our goal is to deliver projects that benefit the public." It's not just about building roads, but building relationships - a sentiment fostered throughout the department.
Mentorship goes both ways in this environment. Nelson Underwood, a Transportation Engineer whose tenure spans decades, once stood where the neophytes stand today. "He didn't just answer my design questions; he provided deep insights that shaped how I approach my work today," Underwood said, recalling the mentors who guided him. Now, he finds himself in the role of the mentor at the Texas Department of Transportation, soaking up new tricks while teaching the old ones—a reciprocal arrangement benefiting both parties.
It's not just the experience of teaching the young at the Texas Department of Transportation. The fresh blood brings the latest technologies and innovative ideas to the table, pushing traditional thoughts to new boundaries, a factor Underwood acknowledges with enthusiasm. "Technology has evolved so much, and the younger generation brings fresh ideas and skills that challenge me to think differently," Underwood said, learning from them as he contributes to their growth. In a relationship built on mutual respect, growth, and innovation become the shared highways of the department.
