Eric Davidson

Year First Awarded the Carson Scholarship: 1997

In 1997, Eric Davidson was awarded a Carson Scholarship. After graduating high school, Eric went on to Virgina Polytechnic Institute, also known as Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 2003 with a degree in civil engineering and a minor in business. Three and a half years later, Eric earned his Professional Engineering license.

After graduating, Eric moved to Baltimore to work for the engineering firm WRA, in their site development design group with a focus on utilities and stormwater management. In his position with WRA, he performed drainage studies for military bases and designed underground utility work. Eric also worked on site design, grading, and storm water management. He worked at WRA for 15 years before moving on to his current company.

Eric is now a government contractor at the Kenjya Trusant Group. In this position, Eric works with the Army Corps of Engineers supporting design management. Eric is very passionate about the engineering field and has advice for those looking to become an engineer. “Fortunately, for the engineering trades, we are always hiring good people, people who show that they have interest in the work, have good grades and are very personable.” Eric also had some good advice, for not only those going into engineering, but any young person looking for a job today, “I think that the big thing people miss is the personal connection that employers want to make when hiring somebody. So, if you can go in, you can make eye contact, you can hold a conversation, show interest in common things with people, you’ll go far in this world.”

Outside of the workplace, for the last 10 years Eric has been involved in the Pasadena Soccer Club, where he is currently the secretary for their board of directors. The Pasadena Soccer Club has about 1,400 kids participating in the program to help advance their soccer careers. Eric also coaches for the club and spends his free time helping them however possible.

Eric first heard about CSF when he was in high school. He attended an event that Dr. Carson spoke at and was inspired by his story. Hearing how Dr. Carson was able to achieve so many incredible things in his life, even with all of the obstacles that he faced, showed Eric that no matter what things are thrown at you in life you have to be resilient. Becoming a Carson Scholar and learning about Dr. Carson led Eric to continue to give back to his community and the youth in the best way that he can.

The advice that Eric would like to share with our current scholars is to stay resilient and, “No matter what life hands you, continue working hard and trust in yourself to overcome whatever obstacles may be in your way, and you will do great things in your life.”