Alyson is a junior civil engineer based in our Salt Lake City, Utah, office.
She originally hails from Quebec and moved to Utah at a young age. Alyson interned with Tetra Tech throughout college and joined the company after earning her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Utah State University. She enjoys continuing to learn and grow her career as she supports projects by completing structural integrity inspections for various sites in Nevada and Utah, creating AutoCAD drawings, reviewing proposals, completing structural and concrete design calculations, and civil related projects.
We talked with Alyson about forging a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at Tetra Tech, from her start as an intern to her current work as a junior civil engineer.
What inspired you to go into engineering?
I’ve always been curious about how things in the world work. As a kid, I was either building things, painting, or doodling—and yes, math was my favorite subject! When people said engineering is hard, I thought, “Perfect! Let’s do it.” I love a good challenge, especially the ones other people try to talk you out of.
What do you like about working at Tetra Tech?
During my time at Utah State University, I interned at Tetra Tech and quickly discovered this was more than just a company; it was a community. I’m a junior civil engineer, and honestly, my favorite part of the job is the people I work with. My team is incredible—they’re the reason I’m excited to show up every day. There’s such a strong sense of support and inclusivity here. I’ve always felt like I have room to grow, not just as an engineer, but as a person.
What’s really special is how everyone goes the extra mile to create a collaborative, engaging environment. You’re encouraged to figure things out independently, but you’re never left hanging. There’s always someone ready to jump in and help. Building those relationships has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. Plus, seeing the projects I’ve contributed to come to life is just the best feeling. Engineering solutions, learning new skills, and working with a team that pushes you to be your best—it doesn’t get much better than that.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring STEM students?
Don’t be afraid of doing hard things. STEM isn’t easy—it’s constant work and a ton of responsibility. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding. Push yourself, learn all the time, and when you reach your goal, you’ll get to say, “I did that.” And it’ll be worth it. Trust me—your efforts can shape the future!
What are you learning about the kind of leader you hope to become?
I love this question. I’m still figuring out what kind of leader I want to be, but I’ve already learned a lot just by observing the people around me. One of the biggest lessons is that everyone works differently, and it’s so important to listen and consider everyone’s ideas and perspectives. I’ve seen how powerful it is when a leader takes the time to answer questions, talk through challenges, and genuinely support their team’s growth. That kind of encouragement and collaboration is something I really value and want to bring into my own leadership style as I grow in my career.
What’s something people might not guess about you?
I’m a martial arts instructor and a sports photographer. I also love creative work and sometimes dive into marketing projects just for fun. So yeah, engineering is my career, but I like to bring my whole self to the table. Luckily, Tetra Tech totally encourages that!
I interned at Tetra Tech and quickly discovered this was more than just a company; it was a community.