VYP Q&A: Ryan Cook, Parsons Brinckerhoff

Get to know your fellow VYPers through our recurring series of Q&A sessions with some of the Valley’s top young professionals. This month, meet Ryan Cook, senior planner and geographic information systems specialist at Parsons Brinckerhoff and member of the VYP Board of Directors. Ryan has big plans for the world, which he pursues with values instilled right at home.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your job.
A. I have been involved in planning projects, geographic analysis and research in the United States, Ireland and United Arab Emirates. I work with clients developing short term economic development strategies to large scale high capacity transportation plans. We identify the strategies to implement the plans and understand the social, economic, and environmental impact of planning decisions on communities.

Q. What's the best part of your job?
A. I enjoy the diversity of responsibility from project work and research, to mapping, strategy development, writing, graphic design, project management, to marketing and client relations. Ultimately, my involvement in the study is leading the region towards a more stable and viable economic future, leading to a diversification of the regional economy through expanded job opportunities and infrastructure improvements.
 
Q. What challenges do you think young professionals face?
A. Young professionals need a diversity of experience to be successful in their careers. We are expected to change course multiple times more than professionals of prior generations. We can struggle to expand our role and capacity when the job candidate market is flush with highly qualified individuals, and resources for training and development are constrained. We are postponing decisions to lay down our roots because we want maintain flexibility to new opportunities. The Chamber is one accessible opportunity to connect with the region and where you want to live.

Q. What are your professional goals and how are they similar or different to your parents or grandparents?
A. My grandfather started a residential and commercial site development company over 50 years ago. It has been family-run since its inception. Today, my father manages the daily operations along with two brothers and two sisters. Their business was built on pride and ownership in their work, integrity and treating a customer fairly. Their business continues from customers and referrals who expect highly of their work. My work with Parsons Brinckerhoff continues with these values instilled.

Q. What piece of advice has been most helpful?
A. You must be comfortable with ambiguity and change. Recognize when you lack complete information, be willing to take on some risk, accept that change is a constant.

Get Connected
Parsons Brinckerhoff
www.pbworld.com

This interview, conducted by Christina Estes, is part of the Chamber's monthly Valley Young Professionals email. To sign up for any or all of the Chamber's email communications, click here.