Rachel Gonzalez joined VHB's Gulf Coast office two years ago after earning her Civil Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Attracted by VHB's focus on stewardship and sustainable development practices, Rachel made the move to Florida, where she found professional opportunities and a close-knit office culture.

As leader of Tampa's Emerging Professional Group (EPG), Rachel connects leadership with young professionals and organizes events that foster growth and collaboration. Her dedication to technical excellence and mentorship embodies VHB's unique collaborative culture.

This article is the first in our quarterly series highlighting the experiences of VHB's early career professionals across the company. This is Rachel's story.

8:30 a.m. | Virtual Project Touchbase

After crossing the bay from St. Petersburg and parking in downtown Tampa, I’m ready to embrace another day. Today, I’m starting by jumping on a virtual meeting with a teammate to discuss a current project—the brand-new BayCare Manatee Hospital. Our team helped create a master plan for the campus, which includes space for additional medical buildings and healthcare facilities that will be developed in future phases. At my desk, we review the latest AutoCAD renderings for the campus drainage solutions. We’re also designing the helipad, which has been one of my favorite pieces—it's rewarding to know something I designed will play such a crucial role in emergency response.

My AutoCAD skills have improved significantly since joining VHB. I use it daily for efficient and precise design work, which is crucial when creating accurate construction documents. I've also become comfortable with StormWise for modeling stormwater flow and simulating potential flood scenarios. This software is increasingly valuable as we navigate Florida's stormwater regulations. I love that VHB prioritizes these digital tools. Having the right technology at our fingertips is critical to helping us solve complex challenges for our clients.

I've worked on everything from multifamily developments to commercial complexes and healthcare facilities, all aimed at accommodating our booming population. Each project makes me feel like I'm contributing directly to the community I now call home. 

9:15 a.m. | Meeting with My Manager

Coffee in hand, my manager and I meet in her office for our weekly check-in that combines project updates with career development. Today, we're discussing my recent site visit to Florida Polytechnic University's Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building. These field experiences are invaluable; they connect the digital models on our screens to the actual spaces people will use.

The project feels special for many reasons. Meeting the building's namesake, who happens to be from Wisconsin like me, added a personal connection. The architectural vision for the campus is stunning, and our civil engineering work must complement that aesthetic while still meeting practical needs. Plus, it's exciting to work on an engineering building that will help educate future engineers—a full-circle moment!

My manager’s guidance has been incredibly helpful as I navigate technical challenges. She and other mentors at VHB have boosted my professional confidence and taught me the importance of advocating for my own development. They genuinely want to see me succeed.

10:15 a.m. | Coffee Bar Collaboration

To keep the morning going, I meet my colleagues at the coffee bar to discuss a tricky stormwater modeling issue. These impromptu brainstorming sessions often produce our best solutions—something about stepping away from our desks always seems to spark creativity. 

With collaboration as a VHB Core Value, I've had opportunities to work with teammates across the footprint who bring different perspectives and specialized experience to our projects. VHB has a genuine "we're in this together" attitude. When someone hits a roadblock, others jump in to help without hesitation. The OneVHB mindset really enhances our work and helps us deliver thoughtful solutions that draw from our collective knowledge.

12:00 p.m. | Emerging Professional Group Book Club Event

As the Emerging Professional Group (EPG) leader for the Tampa office, I've organized today's book club gathering in the common area. Leading the EPG has been incredibly rewarding. I coordinate group activities and help bridge the gap between leadership and young professionals, creating opportunities for meaningful connections.

Planning these events has strengthened my organizational skills while pushing me beyond my comfort zone in the best possible way. VHB's dedication to creating and encouraging this kind of inclusive workplace genuinely sets its culture apart.

2:30 p.m. | Healthcare Project Review

After lunch, I meet with our office's managing director, Kathleen Keen, to discuss expanding our healthcare project portfolio. Her mentorship style perfectly balances challenging me and providing support when I need it.

The BayCare Manatee Hospital project exemplifies why healthcare design resonates with me. Creating spaces where patients receive care, medical professionals work efficiently, and families find comfort during difficult times adds meaning to the technical aspects of civil engineering. Knowing a well-designed medical campus can improve healthcare delivery for an entire community makes every revision worthwhile.

5:15 p.m. | Homeward Bound

The afternoon flies by with a mix of focused work and collaboration. As the workday wraps up, my teammate and I head toward the exit, chatting about weekend plans. Tomorrow, I'll be working from home, which gives me the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. This blend of in-office collaboration and remote work has been key to my professional development. From leading EPG activities to contributing to significant projects across the region, I've found opportunities that challenge me in ways I never anticipated.

The growth in Greater Tampa Bay has transformed my project portfolio, and I value that each project makes me feel I'm making a positive impact in the communities right outside my window. Creating infrastructure that supports sustainable development while preserving what makes Florida special—that's what drives me each day.

Learn more about VHB's early career opportunities, or explore all open positions across our footprint to find where you can make an impact.