“It’s all about people and relationships – REA can give students access and connect them with alumni of varying backgrounds.” – Parth Oza
Parth Oza earned his bachelor of science degree (BS) in civil engineering in 2012, and later returned to Rutgers to earn his master’s in business and science (MBS) degree in 2021. Since graduating, he has held various positions at the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT), assuming the senior leadership role of assistant commissioner, capital program management in 2022. He recently made the opening remarks on behalf of the DOT commissioner at the CAIT-sponsored FRA Grade Crossing Safety and Railroad Trespass Prevention Workshop that was attended by more than 190 people from 23 states and Canada. Currently serving a two-year term as president of Rutgers Engineering Alumni (REA), he is passionate about connecting students with a dynamic alumni network.
Why Rutgers?
I lived in Jersey and family members including my brother attended. I liked the fact that it is such a diverse university, with so many people from different backgrounds and countries, and that there were so many opportunities to get involved in research, professional development, and extra-curricular activities.
What attracted you to Civil Engineering?
One credit CE seminar on smart sensors led by Dr. Hani Nassif followed by doing research in his concrete lab as a freshman.
What prompted you to pursue your MBS at Rutgers?
I was working in the industry and looking to further my education. I was always interested in the business side of things and hoped to move up to a management role. The Rutgers Master of Business and Science (MBS) engineering management program was the perfect fit, giving me an excellent foundation, which has allowed me to advance to my current role.
In your current role at the NJ DOT, what are some of your biggest challenges?
I’m honored to lead a team of over 1300 employees. We have the collective responsibility of delivering the lion’s share of $1 billion in new projects every year. Our more than 200 active construction projects are valued at over $4 billion.
A lot of our day-to-day challenges include partnering with railroad and utility companies, acquiring land, and obtaining environmental permits.
But it’s all about the people, so we work with our HR team and universities across the state and region to recruit the right talent. We attend career fairs and do a lot of promoting and mentoring – and reach out to students at RU.
What is the future of transportation?
I believe that transportation plays a vital role in everyone’s day-to-day life. The future will involve continuing to move people and goods whether by rail, roads, or mass transit, with a new focus on bike safety, for those who choose to ride or walk. Technology is another component, as electric and autonomous vehicles will be out there. Environmental resiliency is a big component of all our projects as well, especially as we need to make corridors more resilient to increases in flooding.
Does REA help with recruiting?
It’s helped us – this close tie with the school helps us get the word out more.
A recent campus career night brought alumni and students together. Students had one-on-one time with alums, who critique resumes and students could ask panel members questions.
What do you most hope REA will accomplish?
Ultimately, that it provides a resource for students that gives them opportunities to meet alumni, so that after they graduate, they’ll pay it forward and do the same.
Often, after graduating alumni lose touch. We’re building on our alumni network, and we’ll put you in touch – whether with a platform for networking, social happy hours, watching football together, or more.
It’s all about people and relationships – REA can give students access and connect them with alumni of varying backgrounds. Students then join REA after graduation.
Were you involved in any extracurriculars?
I was president of the student body, the engineering governing council. I was the founder of Rutgers’ engineering honors council, and was involved with the engineering honors societies, and the leadership fraternity delta sigma phi. I also worked as a research assistant in the concrete lab.
What did you do for fun as a student?
I was busy, but I played badminton and went to the gym. I went to Aachen, Germany one summer for a research program. I worked in a lab by day and was able to travel in my off time.
What do you do for fun these days?
I still have no time, but I work on new projects in the house and on my honey-do list, go bowling, and watch football. My wife and I try to travel as much as we can.
If you and your wife could go on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
We like warm weather places – Miami’s a good beach destination.
