Mark Anderson’s journey into civil engineering started with hands-on experience in the construction industry. Working at his father’s concrete business during high school, he gained firsthand insight into the built environment. That experience led him to pursue a civil engineering degree, eager to transition from construction work to designing the projects that shape communities.
What excites Mark most about his role is the variety of work and the constant new challenges that come with each project. No two days are the same, and every project presents unique opportunities to problem-solve and create lasting infrastructure.
One of the most challenging projects he has worked on is the French Lake Industrial Center in Dayton. Spanning 180 acres and featuring seven industrial buildings, the project required a comprehensive approach to site design, including public roads, utilities, an AUAR review, and extensive mass grading. The complexity of coordinating such a large-scale development made it both demanding and rewarding.
While Mark has tackled many significant projects, one of his favorites was working on the US Bank Stadium. Being part of the civil engineering team that delivered a world-class stadium in under three years was an incredible experience. Collaborating with various stakeholders and seeing the project come to life on such a grand scale was a highlight of his career.
For Mark, engineering is about making an impact. From roads to buildings to essential infrastructure like water and wastewater treatment plants, civil engineers shape the world in ways that touch people’s lives every day. Looking ahead, he sees AI revolutionizing design processes, automating much of the plan production. However, he firmly believes that talented engineers will always be essential to lead projects from concept to construction.
His advice to aspiring engineers? The possibilities in this field are endless, choose your path and chase your dreams.