Gavin heard about VHB during his freshman year at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Professors had positive things to say from their experience working with VHB, and co-ops consistently spoke of exciting project work and hands-on learning opportunities. Four years later, Gavin is a key contributor in VHB's Transit and Rail group and a 2025 VHB Culture Champion RISE Award winner.

An active member of Boston's Emerging Professional Group (EPG), Gavin's work on transit projects throughout New England gives him a unique perspective on the infrastructure that connects communities across the region.

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

8:00 a.m. | A Smooth Commute

My day starts the way most Bostonians begin theirs: on the T. I exit South Station and make the short walk to our downtown office. Living in transit-heavy Boston means I'm very familiar with the systems I help design and improve. The track modernization project we completed at the Reservoir Yard has made a real difference. I've seen those improvements firsthand during my daily travels. I really enjoy projects that I can physically experience and feel a sense of ownership in, as a Massachusetts resident.

8:30 a.m. | Manager One-on-One

Gavin meets with his manager to discuss project updates and professional development opportunities.

I meet with my manager to talk through updates and discuss upcoming project work. Today's focus is on our expanding work with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). What started with passenger surveys has grown into several transit-related projects. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team. The quality projects we deliver together continue to lead to new and interesting opportunities.

The conversation shifts to my increasing responsibilities—delegating work to co-ops, handling subconsultant communications, and making initial design decisions. My manager and team have been incredibly supportive by giving me opportunities to grow and trusting me to help move projects forward.

10:00 a.m. | Big Picture Thinking

A walking meeting through downtown Boston provides time for big-picture thinking about project impact.

I take a quick walking break with a teammate through downtown Boston. We end up talking about the bigger impact of our work. The Right-of-Way Access Playbook VHB put together for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is a perfect example.

We analyzed the connectivity of the rapid transit system and opportunities for maintenance closures. We then created a playbook that the MBTA can use to effectively close down portions of the system and run bus shuttles as temporary replacements.

The work had real implications for people's daily commutes and helped the MBTA position itself to improve its track infrastructure and restore reliability to the system. When you work on infrastructure that affects everyone who uses the MBTA, which is most people who live here, it adds meaning to the technical work.

11:00 a.m. | Advancing Innovation

Back at my desk, I focus on project work. VHB does a great job staying current with BIM-related software solutions, which helps us work more efficiently and deliver better results. We also have an Innovation Ambassador in Boston—a member of a dedicated group of VHBers who are eager to educate and keep teams informed on technology initiatives and advancements at VHB and in the broader industry.

An ambassador in the office makes it easier to advance new ideas and explore tools that help us work more efficiently. It's all part of how VHB stays at the cutting edge. Having the right technology solutions makes a huge difference when we're approaching complex projects for clients and communities.

12:30 p.m. | EPG Lunch Discussion

EPG lunch meetings foster connections and leadership development among young professionals.

I'm meeting with a few other EPG members over lunch to talk about upcoming networking opportunities and events. When I joined VHB, I wanted to make connections with other young professionals, and joining the EPG has provided me with that and so much more.

The way I see it, we're the leaders of tomorrow. Many of us will grow into project management roles and eventually into positions overseeing larger groups within VHB. It makes sense to form these friendships and connections now so we can work together effectively 20 years down the line as we continue to grow our careers and take on completely different roles.

2:30 p.m. | Team Project Review

Team project review sessions bring together multidisciplinary perspectives for collaborative problem-solving.

Our project team meets in the conference room for a project review session. The flexibility to work remotely, combined with these in-person collaboration sessions, has been helpful for productivity and work-life balance.

These meetings really highlight how much the Boston Planning Group has grown. When I started at VHB, the Engineering group was the largest, while the Planning group only had a handful of people. Today, Planning has grown to 10 people and counting. It represents the increased focus on project planning that sets up other groups for success. VHB's approach is pretty great because we can bring together people from different disciplines and offices across our footprint to work on projects. We're always looking at everything from multiple perspectives.

4:00 p.m. | Impromptu Problem-Solving

I grab a few colleagues and we head to the casual space near the shuffleboard table for some brainstorming. These collaborative moments help us tap into different perspectives and experiences to find the best solutions for our projects.

That shuffleboard table gets plenty of use beyond just brainstorming breaks. We organize bracket-style tournaments that double as VHB Cares fundraisers. The last time we had one, we raised around $1,000!

5:30 p.m. | Reflecting on Growth and Future Opportunities

Gavin reflects on his professional growth as he heads home.

At the end of the day, I pack up my things and head back toward South Station, passing infrastructure that tells a story about transit in Boston. Some of it I've had a hand in improving, and a lot of it represents future opportunities to make the system more reliable and sustainable for everyone.

The growth I've experienced here has been significant, from being pretty shy in college to now feeling confident about networking and taking on leadership responsibilities. VHB has given me the skills and resources to manage new challenges and grow from lessons learned.

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