Problem Solving With A Global Organization

Arcadis Geraghty & Miller's Regional Manager/Associate Rodolfo deJesus Guichard.

Arcadis Geraghty & Miller is an environmental and engineering services consulting firm, providing full-service capabilities within the environment and infrastructure sectors. Environmental capabilities include remediation and investigation, risk, property transfer, facility compliance, and expert services. Infrastructure services include land resources, plants and buildings, solid waste, telecommunications, transportation, and water and wastewater. The company is the U.S.-based operations arm of Arcadis NV, a multinational engineering company specializing in consulting and implementation services for environment, infrastructure, and construction engineering. Enhancing the sustainable quality of life through the services it provides, Arcadis executes more than 10,000 environmental and infrastructure projects annually

throughout the world. From more than 200 locations in 100 countries, Arcadis Geraghty & Miller offers its clients access to the resources and problem-solving capabilities of a truly global organization.

The company strongly emphasizes employee loyalty and routinely promotes from within. One example of this policy is Rodolfo (Rudy) deJesus Guichard, who started with the company in an entry-level position in 1985 and is today, 14 years later, still with the company as a regional manager/associate. "In America today there's not a whole lot of loyalty, but this firm has demonstrated loyalty to its employees," Guichard says. "I supervise 40 people and am responsible for the company's success in the region. My territory includes Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama," Guichard explains. He works out of the company's Baton Rouge, Louisiana office. Arcadis Geraghty & Miller employs 2,000 people in 47 offices nationwide. "We are one of the top ten engineering firms in the world," Guichard adds. In addition to opportunities for new graduates at the entry level, the company also offers a summer internship program.

Guichard earned a degree in geology from the University of Louisiana, and an engineering degree from Louisiana State University, graduating in 1985. And being bilingual is definitely an asset. " Our market is expanding globally," Guichard explains. " ... Mexico, Central America and South America. Environmental concerns are becoming globally connected."

Guichard emigrated with his family from Cuba in 1961. Like so many other Cuban émigrés, the Guichard family had to leave everything behind and start over; but eventually persevered. Now his father produces the only Spanish-language TV show in New Orleans. His older brother heads international trade development for the city of New Orleans. And Guichard's younger brother is an engineer for an environmental construction firm in Louisiana. As for advice, Guichard offers this. "I look for some type of related experience -- job experience, internship or co-op-- doing something that can contribute to professional growth," Guichard says. "Above all, complete your degree. And if you have applicable experience, it will mean less time spent training after you're hired."