MY BEYOND THESE TOWERS STORY

When Matthew Rabasco ’19 does his job, some days it’s done in rock climbing gear and involves repelling off the side of a bridge. Other days, the bridge inspector can be found nestled in bucket trucks, maneuvering on under-bridge inspection vehicles, using high-rail equipment on railroad tracks, and balancing atop custom barges.

“Although I wasn’t exactly sure what type of engineer I wanted to be, I always knew I wanted to be an engineer. I began looking at schools that focused on engineering, and like many of my peers, I chose WPI for the education. But for me, it was WPI’s athletic program that most helped me feel like I had found my place. In fact, it was during an over-night event with the cross country and track teams that I knew WPI was the right fit. The friends I have made at WPI will be friends for the rest of my life.” says Rabasco. Adding, “Being on the cross country and track teams had the biggest impact on my WPI experience, because it was an immediate group of friends to help you navigate through your first year.”

“It was WPI’s student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) that set Rabasco on his career path. “After my summer internship sophomore year, I became concerned the only way to work outside as a civil engineer was to work in construction. Then the ASCE club invited a bridge inspector as a guest speaker who presented to the club, and I knew from that moment I wanted to pursue bridge inspection as my career.” Rabasco adds, “If it wasn’t for the ASCE club I would not have learned about bridge inspection as a job and have this career which I love.”

Working as a bridge inspector, Rabasco has traversed the state of Massachusetts and travelled as far west as Missouri to inspect bridges. As an athlete who still runs with fellow WPI teammates his athleticism sometimes plays an important role during bridge inspections. “Being a bridge inspector is such a fun job, my favorite technique to inspect bridges is using rope access which involves rock climbing ropes and repelling off the top of piers, cable towers, and across body of waters.”

Offering gratitude to his alma mater, Rabasco shares, “My WPI education set me up well for success by providing me broad exposure to different aspects of civil engineering. The CDC served me well with awesome interviewing advice, career fairs, and tips on how to land a great job. And finally, the WPI athletic program left me with life-long lessons and much valued friends.