With a hands-on renewable energy education from the Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavik University, Natalia Dzietczyk, EIT, is open to a world of opportunities.
Based in King of Prussia- a strategic growth area for Dawood– Natalia is a 2022 graduate of Drexel University, where she achieved a bachelors of science degree in civil engineering, a minor in engineering management, an Honors medallion, and Cum Laude status. During the summer of 2022, Natalia visited her family in Poland and connected with Adam Grewenda and our ArchiTube team in Czestochowa.
After her trip, Natalia began work with Lori Ware, PE, in King of Prussia and the Dawood transportation team on roadway, intersection, roundabout, and trail projects that meet U.S. federal and Pennsylvania design guidelines.
- Tell us a little bit about your family.
Natalia: My parents emigrated from Poland in the early 1990’s and never finished college, making me a first-generation college graduate. I also have a younger brother in college now studying music. My family has always supported me in my education and everything I do, and I appreciate them greatly!
- Why engineering?
Natalia: My interest in civil engineering started with a drafting course I took my freshman year of high school, followed by my teacher encouraging me to take introduction to engineering courses. Now, I am excited to join the Dawood team and deepen my knowledge and expertise in the transportation industry and in the company.
- How is Dawood helping with your career development?
Natalia: One piece of advice I have for prospective engineering candidates is to meet the team you will potentially be working with. As I juggled job offers, it came down to how welcoming the Dawood team was even before I was hired.
I hope Dawood will help me expand my expertise in the transportation industry and develop non-traditional design techniques in the industry.
- From Poland to Pennsylvania, you’re well-traveled—favorite travel spot?
Natalia: I traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka back in 2016 with my high school engineering classmates, and we learned about Japanese culture and visited historical landmarks and famous engineering marvels—from the Tokyo Skytree to the most advanced humanoid robot. Japan is the perfect balance of advanced technology and a traditional way of life. I would recommend everyone to visit there at least once in their lifetime.
- If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
Natalia: I would like to see the designing and construction of my favorite bridge—the Ben Franklin Bridge here in Philadelphia! The bridge was built in 1922 by Polish engineer Ralph Modjeski, one of the first engineers in the United States to build large reinforced concrete structures. He is a role model of mine!
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
Natalia: I like to stay active by playing tennis, skiing, hiking, and trying new activities. I also like to explore new places, and I can’t wait to explore the King of Prussia area once I start working!
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Natalia: I see myself obtaining my professional engineering license and managing transportation-related projects in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-New York tri-state area. To get there, I hope to develop an in-depth knowledge of Dawood and the transportation industry, build meaningful connections, and challenge myself along the way.