When Gretchen Ostroff applied to college, she didn’t have a lifelong plan to become an engineer. Her father, who also studied engineering, encouraged her to pursue the field as a solid foundation for any career path.
“It turned out to be a great choice,” she said. “Although I conceptually enjoyed math and science, they didn’t come easy to me. I had to work hard to be good at them, which taught me valuable lessons about goal setting and perseverance.”
After graduating, Gretchen began her career as an engineer on a bridge project. Her work included both field and office work, but after helping a mentor respond to general contractor claim letters, she was inspired to attend law school. There, she stood out for her technical background.
Gretchen never left the world of construction behind. After she graduated, she joined a construction practice group at a law firm, representing contractors in court and arbitration, while staying close to the industry she knew best.
Today, Gretchen serves as project counsel on the Hampton Roads Bridge - Tunnel Project in Norfolk, Virginia. Her combination of field experience and legal expertise helps her navigate complex issues and advise teams with practical insight.
“Now, I see things through a much more informed lens — it’s incredibly rewarding to see elements of work on the jobsite that relate to legal problems I helped solve in the office,” she said. “I hope my prior experience makes the advice I give more pragmatic.”
She sees construction as an industry full of opportunity — not just for engineers or lawyers, but for anyone who wants to make an impact. There’s room for people with varied backgrounds and skill sets, and success in construction doesn’t always mean working directly on the project site.
Gretchen also encourages students and early-career professionals to stay open-minded and humble. She says some of her most valuable lessons have come from unexpected teachers. “Be open to what others can teach you — that’s how you grow,” she said.