Ricardo D.

Network Engineer

Verizon

I am a network engineer.

I project manage Verizon's new fiber-to-the-premises technology for the MidAtlantic region.

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Activities/interests: Track & Field , Basketball

People With This Job:

People In This Industry: Angie A., Bruk B., Christine B., John B., Lisa B., Orlandis B., Melissa B., Anthony B., Mary Ellen B., Jason C., Nicole D., Dave E., Torin E., Jeremy F., Duff G., Damion H., Tamara H., Nicole H., Scott I., Rex L., Erika M., Luci M., Ovie M., Bill M., Don M., Ronald N., Adam O., Andrew P., Kennie R., Margaret R., Kevin S., Andy S., Debra S., Jackie S., Quadre W., Donna W., Chris W., Greg W., Gabe Z.

Favorite Subjects/Classes: Algebra , Math , Science

Tell us about your job

How did you get your job?
My former classmates were working with the company – networking. I came into the company 5 years ago. I moved around for about a year at a time into different exposure opportunities.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?
Best – no day is a typical day, it is not mundane at all. The worst part is the multitude of conference calls and meetings on a daily basis.

What perks or other tangible benefits do you get?
The satisfaction of knowing that I am constantly bringing together and rolling out new customers. Being involved in constant innovation.

What [school] subjects do you use at work?
Algebra, definitely English.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be?
Really can’t visualize myself doing anything else.

What do you do in your free time?
Baltimore County PTA council, Men in Baltimore (chairman), Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, Red Cross of Central Maryland Hometown Heroes committee (raise funds for the Red Cross of Central Maryland).

Getting to where you are now

What critical choices did you make growing up that helped you get to where you are today?
Joining the Navy at the time that I did. I needed to get away from New York City; it opened my horizons about the world and made me a better person.

After high school, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
First being in the Navy, I didn't know how much technology had advanced.

When I got into college, I really had to get up to speed with using computers.

What or who inspired you to really go after the profession you are in now?
No one in particular. Being on the navy ship and around a lot of electronics got me interested in electrical engineering.

What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?
Joining the Navy, definitely, and pursuing a B.S.E.

What do you wish you had known then that you know now?
How important education really is, and that the more choices you give yourself in life the better off you'll be.