Not A Desk Job: Insights From A Boots-On-The-Ground Professional

Not a Desk Job Series | Kyle Maroszek

From job sites to project leadership, University of Wisconsin–Platteville alum brings hands-on experience and real-world problem solving to every mile of ISG’s transportation work.

Kyle Maroszek is a driving force on ISG’s Transportation team, where no two days look the same. He’s been a construction administrator, designer, project manager—and above all, an advocate for boots-on-the-ground experience.

However, his path into civil engineering wasn’t a straight line, it wasn’t his intended major at first. Regardless, that didn’t stop him from building a career defined by leadership, in the moment problem solving, and constant momentum—values that echo his early days as a student-athlete at University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

From Helmets to Hard Hats

Kyle’s path to civil engineering was shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a few unexpected turns. In high school, he found himself drawn to problem-solving—whether wiring circuits in a technology and engineering education class, exploring drafting software, or working a summer job at the Brown County Highway Department. Those early experiences sparked a general interest in engineering, which eventually focused on electrical engineering. Kyle chose the University of Wisconsin–Platteville primarily for its strong engineering program, while also valuing the opportunity to continue playing football.

College brought new challenges and opportunities. While balancing football and academics, Kyle initially pursued electrical engineering. But as coursework became more theoretical and less hands-on, it became clear that a career with more direct involvement in construction and/or field operations might be a better fit. When an injury shifted his athletic commitments, it was a good time to make the academic change he had already been considering. He transitioned into civil engineering, found a strong peer group, and developed a stronger connection to the major and its practical applications.

Switching from electrical to civil engineering wasn’t just a shift in coursework, it marked a pivotal point in his personal and professional growth. It provided him with clearer goals and a supportive community.

Saying Yes to Opportunity

Kyle’s first career opportunity led him to La Crosse, where he spent several years gaining field and construction management experience and forming an effective construction team with two coworkers who would later become long-time collaborators at ISG.

When ISG sought to build a construction group, Kyle and his colleagues saw an opportunity not just to join a firm, but to develop something from the ground up. It was a move that reflected ISG’s culture: always looking for ways to grow, evolve, and be intentional. The team knew their strengths, and ISG empowered them to take ownership, lead, and make their mark.

That same growth mindset led Kyle to Green Bay, where he’s now helping expand ISG’s presence in a new geography. The move provided another opportunity to build from the ground up, this time by developing client relationships and managing design projects in northeast Wisconsin.

No Two Days the Same

Designing with Impact

Kyle leads complex transportation projects from kickoff to closeout, many of them for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), coordinating teams, responding to client and contractor questions, and keeping deliverables on track. Every day brings new challenges shaped by shifting project dynamics, timelines, and real-world conditions, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving. The critical need of WisDOT work adds another layer of impact, allowing Kyle to help shape critical infrastructure across the state.

Solving Problems On-Site

From inspecting layouts to setting grades, Kyle has dedicated countless hours in the field, turning obstacles into effective solutions. His hands-on experience serves as a vital link between design and construction, fostering strong collaboration with ISG employee owners, clients, and contractors to successfully bring plans to life.

Opportunity + Variety

Kyle was a key contributor on the Owatonna Streetscape Improvement Project, a public works initiative that blended technical infrastructure with community-focused design. He coordinated grading, utilities, stormwater, and traffic improvements while collaborating with ISG’s water and landscape architecture teams. The project incorporated bump-outs, midblock crossings, and pedestrian enhancements—giving Kyle a firsthand look at how cross-disciplinary teamwork can elevate public spaces and expand the impact of his engineering work.

Built for the Fast Lane

Kyle was drawn to a career in transportation because it’s tangible, fast-paced, and impacts people’s daily lives. He likes the challenge of field-driven problem solving and the satisfaction of seeing designs take shape in real time.

His passion found room to grow at ISG. Unlike some organizations where roles can be limited or narrowly defined, ISG encourages involvement across different business units. One month Kyle might manage a highway expansion for WisDOT; the next, he could be working on a downtown streetscape project. That kind of variety isn't the exception here—it’s the expectation.

Paying It Forward, Building What’s Next

Kyle regularly returns to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville to speak at civil engineering organization meetings, attend career fairs, and connect with students—hoping to open the same doors that were once opened for him. He aims to provide a holistic view of the many paths within civil engineering, especially the opportunities available at ISG. Kyle is invested in helping future engineers discover the value of real-world experience, and ISG gives him the platform to do just that.

If you’re exploring what a career in engineering can look like, ask yourself: Will I get to be in the field? Will I learn by doing? Will I work somewhere that values my ideas from day one?

At ISG, the answer is yes. And just like Kyle, your future here could be anything but a desk job.