Julie Thiel

Tell us about your background.

I am the Vice President of Human Resources at WSB, a design and consulting firm in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.  My role is all about talent, with an emphasis on recruiting, engagement and development. I have over 25 years of multi-industry experience, which includes HR leadership roles with companies such as Schwan’s Company, Target Corporation, McGladrey and Analysts International. As part of WSB’s Executive Leadership team, I support our company’s overall direction, strategy and corporate goals with an HR mindset.

Share about your work at WSB.

I joined WSB in the fall of 2021.  Since then, I’ve been able to really gain a deep understanding of the hiring challenges that firms in the AEC industry are facing. The talent pool for field staff is tightening and experiencing high turnover levels.  In addition, the industry historically lacks diversity. I’ve been working closely with our leadership team to create a strong culture of engagement, learning and development.  We want our current staff and new hires to know that there are many opportunities to build a career within our company.  One of the benefits of working for a multi-disciplinary firm like WSB is the opportunity to learn new skills and increase your impact. Companies often compare career paths to a ladder – linear with every step defined. I prefer to think of careers as a journey that’s a combination of a jungle gym and a squiggly line. No path is the same and there are a lot of ways to reach your career goal.

What are some of the challenges of attracting more people to construction jobs in Ramsey County?

As a company and an industry, we want our workforce to better reflect the diverse communities where we live and work.  There are barriers that women and people of color face when exploring a career in civil engineering. To break down some of these barriers, we’ve created a training program called Opportunity+. Opportunity+ is a pathway program that provides a strong foundation for people to move into a variety of careers in the engineering and construction space. Opportunity+ began in 2019. It was an idea that our CEO felt passionately about pursuing because of the lack of diversity in our industry and a shortage of skilled workers. The program encourages women and people of color to apply but is open to anyone who is interested in learning new skills. We’ve been expanding our recruiting base over the years to include veterans and people who hold degrees from other countries who haven’t been able to find the right opportunity. Upon completion of the program, participants have access to well-paying, family supporting, entry level jobs either at WSB or through our hiring partner network.

I appreciate that Ramsey County is offering the Driver’s License Academy to eligible workers. The majority of civil engineering technician roles require a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation. I am proud to be a member of the Ramsey Workforce Development Board and contribute my time toward innovative solutions that break down barriers to employment.

Where do you see the most opportunities for individuals looking to start a career in construction, particularly in engineering?  

As WSB has worked with partner organizations in the construction and civil engineering industry to develop Opportunity+, we have identified many entry level positions at great organizations that do not require a four-year degree. Specific positions include construction materials testing technician, survey crew member, site inspector and project assistant to name a few. There can sometimes be assumptions made that all jobs in engineering would require a four-year degree.  We’re finding that this isn’t the case. There are many opportunities available. I think the best way to learn about the industry is to build your network and find someone who works in the industry who can help be your support or alert you to available trainings, programs or career opportunities.