Erin Sandoval, Civil Engineer

Join us for the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, as we round out Q3, getting to know Erin Sandoval, PE, a Civil Engineer based in WGI's San Antonio, Texas office.

If you think all engineers are quiet and reserved, Erin will quickly change your mind. She's a runner who tackles 20-mile weekends for fun, a world traveler with a fascination for the British royal family's "not-so-pretty" history, a former synchronized swimmer who once competed nationally, and a magnet for rescue dogs who seem to literally follow her home.

Oh, and somewhere along the way, she's also built a thriving career in land development.

Finding Her Way Into Engineering

Growing up in San Antonio with two military parents, Erin was always equal parts disciplined and curious. She excelled at math from a young age (asking teachers for extra homework in first grade!) and knew she wanted to build a career doing something she loved. What she didn't know was that her journey to becoming a civil engineer would take a few unexpected turns.

Originally aiming for a degree in environmental engineering, Erin discovered midway through her college career at the University of Texas at San Antonio that her program track was actually civil-heavy. Instead of giving up, she powered through, focusing her frustration and eventually found herself at a career fair where she landed an internship at Big Red Dog, right as it was joining WGI. That "lucky break" turned into the perfect fit — giving her the chance to see the impact of land development firsthand and connect with mentors who helped shape her path.

Wearing Many Hats (and Preferring Baseball Caps Over Bucket Hats)

From drainage reports to subdivision plats, public hearings to client meetings, Erin's days are anything but boring. She's quick to point out that civil engineering isn't just about sitting behind a computer — it's about problem-solving, communicating, and wearing "a lot of different hats." While she'll pick a baseball cap over a bucket hat any day, Erin shines when she's putting on her client-facing hat, presenting projects at zoning cases, or mentoring the next wave of interns.

She credits her success not only to her own determination but also to the culture of the San Antonio office: "The people are what keep me coming back every day," she says. "We've got such a solid team that balances each other out — everyone brings different strengths to the table, and it just works."

Life Outside the Office

Outside of work, Erin is just as driven. When she's not coordinating with clients or leading projects, Erin's probably running 20 miles for "fun", hiking, or planning her next active adventure. She admits her idea of a perfect vacation is the kind where she comes home exhausted from exploring instead of lounging on the beach. Her love for animals also shines through: her two rescue dogs, Nipsey and Frannie, both came into her life in true "storybook" fashion by literally following her home and quickly making themselves part of the family.

A former synchronized swimmer who once competed nationally, Erin brings the same competitive spirit and determination to her career, proving that her blend of technical expertise, people-first mindset, and adventurous nature are what make her such a dynamic force as part of WGI's Civil Team.

And if you ask her about hidden talents? Erin can still belt out the alphabet in a series of burps — a childhood party trick that may or may not resurface at the next WGI happy hour...

Tune In

This episode is filled with stories that highlight Erin's resilience, humor, and drive to succeed - So, tune in, and as always, stay curious, stay driven, and keep unleashing your full potential!

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