Derek Dussek: Devoted to Helping

Originally published in the Summer 2017 issue of NC Currents magazine.

From his time as a student at North Carolina State University (NCSU) to his current role as a civil engineer-in-training at Black & Veatch, Derek Dussek has always been devoted to helping others. He has embraced every opportunity to become involved in projects, events, and groups where he could contribute to making a difference.

Coupled with a passion for learning, it was this innate need to serve that first propelled him into Student Government as a Senator for the College of Natural Resources during his freshman year at NCSU. At the time, Dussek was enrolled in Forest Management, a program that also afforded him the opportunity to spend a month in South Africa as part of an international study program.

Then, in his sophomore year, he decided to head in a different direction. “I asked myself what kind of career could I have in which I could help a lot of people,” recalls Dussek. “I chose civil engineering, with a focus on water because it’s something all of us need on a daily basis.” With this new career path, he could help the environment as well.

 Not long after switching his field of study, he decided to join the NCSU chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), serving as president in his senior year. During his involvement with ASCE, he and the other students hosted presenters, organized events, and constructed both a concrete canoe as well as a bridge for their local student chapter competition. “One of the best parts was getting to learn how to interact with volunteers and communicate effectively,” notes Dussek, “including how to encourage them to stay involved and see the benefits of volunteering.”

It was obvious he was speaking from personal experience. While he was with ASCE, he was also serving on the Engineers Council as the representative for the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. He also served on the Councils for both Wood and Lee Halls while he was in residence.

Even his part-time jobs revolved around helping. One year he worked as a resident advisor, facilitating programs to help build the community in the residence where he was living. The following year, he tutored students in math, physics, and civil engineering courses.

 Once he graduated from college and started working in the water and wastewater industry, he became involved with the NC AWWA-WEA. After attending the Annual Conference, he assumed responsibility for the Raleigh Section of the Students & Young Professional Committee. Having cocommittee chairs that divided responsibility for Charlotte area and Raleigh-area activities made it easy to reach out to a larger number of people and get them involved. “We had the opportunity to build the committee in the direction we wanted while working with each other at the same time,” he explains.

Dussek also made the effort to sit in on various NC AWWA-WEA committee meetings by conference call to see what other opportunities he might be interested in pursuing. Today he volunteers on the Seminars and Workshops Committee, the Public Education Committee, the Membership Services Committee, and the Leadership Development Program. “I really enjoy it,” says Dussek. “Volunteering allows me to meet new people and learn something new about our industry.”

 By participating in the first class developed for the Leadership Development Program, he was able to play a role in shaping how the program would evolve. Meanwhile, his work on the Seminars and Workshop Committee has involved finding speakers for different presentation topics geared towards the seminar theme. “The one that I’ve helped most with is contemporary topics in construction,” he notes. “I do that annually and, depending on where the conference is located, we try to cater our presentations to reach out to the expected audience.”

 As a member of the Public Education Committee, Dussek has helped out with the Model Water Tower Competition. In 2016, he also volunteered with a local after school program, preparing the students to compete. “They did really well,” he recalls. “It’s really fun. At the same time, it’s wonderful to see the kids learn and apply engineering skills to complete their project.”

 He has also helped with judging at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair for elementary, middle, and high school students. The Public Education Committee gives out special awards for water-related projects. “It helps the students become aware of our industry, while giving them the opportunity to talk about something they’ve spent the last couple of months working on,” says Dussek. “It’s fun to see that they are excited about it and have learned something. We ask them different questions about their project and encourage them to take their projects to the next level.” Over the years, he has encouraged a number of people from other companies to help as volunteer judges.

 Dussek feels fortunate to have worked for companies that have been very supportive of his involvement with professional associations and activities. “One of the things that has allowed me to do everything is receiving support from leadership,” he confirms.

 His first position after graduation was with HDR, the same company where he had completed two internships during his studies. Then in December 2016, he started at Black & Veatch.

 To date, his career has revolved around water treatment facility process analysis, design, and construction administration. On a daily basis, he applies his engineering knowledge to address issues related to water treatment, wastewater treatment, and everything in between, while managing client, consultant, and contractor relationships. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on multiple projects that have provided me with a strong platform of experience to walk on moving forward in my career,” notes Dussek. “One of the things I enjoy the most about my work is that I get to learn something new every day.”

 After having spent many hours over the past few months studying to take and pass the PE exam, Dussek will once again have more time to devote to volunteering. There is no question that he will make ample use of every available minute!