“The Power of Yes: Unlocking Career Growth Through Every Opportunity”
By Erin Doty ’18, Deputy Project Manager, AECOM’s Federal Group

In her talk, Erin Doty (Hope Geology Alumn) will explore how embracing opportunities — both big and small — can propel your career in unexpected and rewarding directions. Saying "yes" to new challenges, projects, and experiences fosters personal growth, expands your skill set, and builds invaluable connections. For those in geology and environmental sciences, this mindset is especially powerful. Opportunities in fieldwork, research projects, technical certifications, and interdisciplinary collaborations can lead to diverse career paths, opening doors you may have never considered.

Drawing from her real-life experience and industry insights, she’ll discuss how to overcome fear, adapt to uncertainty, and leverage each opportunity to shape a fulfilling and dynamic career. Whether you're early in your journey at Hope or about to graduate and blaze your next path, this talk will empower you to shift your mindset from fear of the unknown to embracing the possibility of “what if” and unlock doors to your own success.

Hope College alum, Erin Brophy Doty ‘18 is a skilled geologist with five years of industry experience currently working as an environmental consultant for AECOM’s federal group. She specializes in subsurface and hydrogeological investigations, contaminant fate and transport, and environmental remediation. Erin has worked across multiple sectors, including power, rail, chemical, industrial, and federal, contributing to complex projects through multimedia sampling, drilling oversight, remedial investigation, and regulatory compliance.

Currently serving as a Deputy Project Manager, Erin leads technical support and project management for high-profile environmental projects, ensuring efficiency, regulatory adherence, and quality service. She has extensive experience with environmental investigations under CERCLA, RCRA, and state regulatory programs in multiple states, including Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois.

Erin credits much of her success in the environmental sector to her time at Hope College with the Geological and Environmental Science Department. At Hope, Erin honed her analytical and technical skills while building a fundamental base in the field of Geology. The unique, small-scale department (or “Geo family” as she came to know it) provided a safe space for her to connect with her peers and develop strong communication, team building, and networking skills that have aided in the growth of her professional career. 

In addition to her passion for environmental health, preservation and remediation, Erin enjoys playing soccer, reading, painting, being outdoors in any capacity, and spending time with her family.