I’ve always been told I’m not a “typical” engineer.
Even before I graduated, one of my favorite pre-Dewberry jobs was being a tour guide for the University of Buffalo. I used to joke with the admissions office that instead of paying me they could give me a commission for anyone who decided to attend the
school. I like to think I bring a contagious enthusiasm to everything I am passionate about.
Mentorship and Collaboration
When I came to Dewberry as a bridge engineer, I used my people-focused mindset to find solutions to problems that would come up in the field or the office.
Through my experiences working with the bridge group, I found my deep passion for career development, mentorship, training, employee morale, and employee engagement. I owe so much of my passion for mentorship to the unbelievable guidance I received from my mentor, Bryan Garbasz.
This is a picture of me speaking to high school students at engineering career day.
Following My Instincts
A fateful opportunity arose during a companywide session for a newly launched employee resource group when I was placed into a breakout session with Dave Francis, our firm’s chief compliance and HR officer. I introduced myself with my favorite one-liner,
“I’m an engineer by trade, but an HR enthusiast.” Dave, who began his career as an engineer himself, mentioned the open HR manager position.
It was clear where my instincts were pointing me, but at the same time, it was a big change and wasn’t an overnight process going from being an engineer for close to 15 years to being an HR manager. I looked at it not so much as a career change,
but as a career progression. Dewberry has become a home to me and knowing the relationships I had developed with many individuals in the HR department made me want to take the risk.
As an engineer, I had the opportunity to solve bridge and technical problems, as an HR professional, I get to solve people's problems."
Matthew Alboum
Finding My Passion
This started my wonderful journey to becoming an HR manager, and I am forever grateful to so many people for all the support and guidance. I love my new role and am excited about the future. As an engineer, I had the opportunity to solve bridge and technical
problems, as an HR professional, I get to solve people's problems.
My career journey reinforced to me how much our firm is truly invested in the support and growth of its employees. The people here took the time and effort to support me in finding my passion. I am so grateful to have this opportunity. The level of gratitude
I have for Dewberry is unquantifiable.
I am so excited to bring my experiences and perspectives into my new role as HR regional manager for the Northeast.
I guess now I can say that I am not a “typical” HR manager.