Angelo Parolari’s Journey at GTA: From Intern to Project Scientist

Angelo Parolari was a student at West Virginia University, studying Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, when he first came across GTA. He originally envisioned a career focused on policy or economics within the environmental field, but his internship at GTA changed that. What surprised him most wasn’t just the type of work, but how much he genuinely enjoyed it.

“It was something I didn’t even foresee myself doing in college,” Angelo says. “I thought I’d be more aligned with the economics of natural resources, but instead, I found myself doing cyber mediations and Phase I site assessments. It wasn’t what I expected, but I ended up really enjoying it.”

Angelo’s path took an unexpected turn, but it felt like the right fit. “I wasn’t really planning on doing this long term,” he says. “But every day is different. I never felt stagnant, and that just kept my gears going.”

Today, Angelo has been with GTA for nearly nine years.

A Standout Internship Experience

Angelo joined GTA the summer before his senior year.

“I started a few weeks after school ended that summer. It was a great group of people. I made instant friends, and I enjoyed the work. It wasn’t what I expected, but in the best way possible,” he remembered.

While many interns fear being stuck doing mundane tasks like making coffee or running errands, knocking on doors, Angelo’s internship experience was different. From the start, GTA gave him real responsibilities and entrusted him with handling important tasks. 

After just a few weeks of shadowing team members, he was conducting site visits on his own.

“They’ve given me very complex sites, but the fact that I would do sites by myself after a few weeks showed a level of trust,” he reflects. “I didn’t want to be someone’s coffee boy. I wanted to actually do the work, and they let me.”

That trust made all the difference. Angelo thrived in hands-on situations and valued learning through direct experience. By February of his senior year, he had a full-time offer in hand. Angelo graduated with peace of mind, knowing he had a position waiting for him, one that would officially begin in June 2016.

Angelo’s Full-Time Work Experience

While Angelo’s initial role was focused on environmental science, his responsibilities quickly expanded. His promotion to Project Scientist in 2019 marked a significant milestone in his career. Over the years, his role became more complex, involving larger and more intricate projects. This shift was both a challenge and a rewarding growth opportunity.

One of the aspects of the job Angelo enjoys most is the variety in his daily responsibilities. 

His work could range from site visits, such as conducting phase one environmental site assessments, to hands-on remediation projects like pesticide cleanup. Whether he’s driving an hour to a site or working full days on a remediation project, each day brings an exciting set of challenges and opportunities to learn.

“I didn’t want to be in the office all day, but I also didn’t want to be in the field every day either,” Angelo shares. “So this was a very good medium where I’m about half in the field, half at the office.”

The mix of fieldwork and office responsibilities has proven ideal, allowing Angelo the flexibility to manage his time while continuing to grow professionally. As the complexity of the sites he works on increases, so too does the satisfaction he derives from his work.

Continuous Learning and Career Advancement with GTA

One of the reasons why Angelo has stayed at GTA for nearly a decade is the company’s investment in its people. GTA provides its employees with clear advancement opportunities, offering a structured path for career progression. 

As an intern, Angelo was shown the company’s qualifications for advancement table, which outlined what it takes to move up within the company. It was a motivating factor for him, and he saw firsthand how the company nurtures the growth of its employees.

“I’m constantly taking different classes in New Jersey in the environmental field. I’ve been working toward my LSRP—Licensed Site Remediation Professional and my co-workers, especially the higher-ups, have really encouraged me to go after that,” he says. “I’m closer than I’ve ever been, and it’s only been through the help of everyone in my department.”

With his sights set on completing the necessary hours to sit for the LSRP exam, Angelo is confident that his continued growth at GTA will pave the way for even greater opportunities in the future.

A Culture of Connection

Beyond career development, another thing that sets GTA apart is the company culture. 

GTA encourages its employees to participate in various social events, from cornhole tournaments to corporate-wide aquarium parties. This emphasis on building a strong social network within the company creates an environment where employees can bond and connect beyond work tasks.

“I like to participate in those, and that’s what keeps me engaged from a social level,” Angelo shares. “Becoming friends with my co-workers instead of just working with my co-workers.”

Giving Back to Future Interns

Angelo’s experience with GTA has not only shaped his career but also inspired him to help guide future interns. He is currently part of the Presidential Advisory Group (PAG), where he works alongside others to create internship guidelines that enhance the overall experience. One of Angelo’s main goals is to retain the interns who come through GTA, ensuring that they feel valued and are given the resources they need to succeed long-term.

“It’s important for me to keep the good people, good interns in the building,” he says.

For those considering an internship at GTA, Angelo’s advice is simple: “Don’t hold back. You have to put your foot in the door to be successful in any field, and GTA has the best opportunities going forward, especially with those advancements. So I would say just don’t be afraid. Go for it. Jump in.”

Ready to Join the GTA Team?

With a career trajectory that has gone from intern to Project Scientist, Angelo’s story shows that career paths are often full of surprises. But when a company trusts you, supports you, and challenges you to grow, your path can take exciting turns.

Thank you, Angelo, for sharing your journey and for the incredible work you do at GTA!If Angelo’s story inspires you, and you’re ready to grow your career in a dynamic, supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you! Explore GTA’s career opportunities and internship programs today: geo-technology-associates.breezy.hr/