Donna Hull

Fiber optic network planning for deployment of FIOS, Wireless Tower/Hubs (5G), and other business related connections.

Engineering was the next logical progression in my career. At a high school age, I did not have the confidence to have chosen this profession. Now, I love the everyday challenges and learning placed in front of me to solve real world problems.

I took a non-traditional avenue into the engineering profession. After High School, joined the U.S. Navy and ASVAB scores showed I had an aptitude for computer maintenance. 10 years in the Navy working went from working on computers to installation of LAN and WAN networks. Hired by Verizon as an associate engineer, began drafting out plans for copper and fiber deployments. Eventually leading to management positions and now Network Planning. As a requirement for management, I did obtain a Bachelors degree in Business via night schooling.

Planning large fiber optic network relief and individual service fiber optic needs. Estimating costs for deployments of 5G and other business services for both wholesale and retail clients. Working with peers and government entities to negotiate right of way and/or easements to place infrastructure for deployment of fiber optics. Reading and learning about new technologies to leverage more cost efficient ways to use fiber and deploy services.

Every day is a new puzzle to figure out. Although work operations can be similar, each client and situation has a uniqueness to it. Knowledge grows with new technology every day. Also, the puzzle may be in the myriad of contacts involved in a project and developing a way to focus everyone into one path to accomplish the task at hand. 

I have many proud moments, but I guess the one I am most proud of is being part of a team of individuals who help shape transformation of service order communications from teletype systems to computer automation. When I first came into management teams would come into work and take all the incoming orders of a teleprinter. Separate them and sort them into individual service types and deliver them to respective supervisors. Today due work with IT teams orders are delivered directly to the engineering group responsible.

It is sad to say, but changing over the years, being a female in a male dominated industry has many hurdles. Gaining the respect of your peers and superiors can often be challenging. Learning when it is just not worth your time and energy with individuals and letting those moments go versus when to stand your ground and elaborate your position has been some of the hardest to learn lessons.