Stories of Leadership: Tyler Lonsdale

Tyler Lonsdale graduated from San Diego State University in 2003 with a degree in civil engineering.

He currently works as a senior civil engineer at Sempra Utilities and serves as the lead civil engineer for various electric transmission upgrade projects for SDG&E. 

Lonsdale has been with Sempra Utilities for more than 10 years. His areas of expertise are shallow and deep foundation design. He also serves as volunteer mentor for Sempra’s mentorship award program with SDSU.

Tell us the highlights of your professional career.  What are your proudest achievements?

During college, I would have never pictured myself working for a Fortune 500 company, let alone a gas and electric company (considering my degree is in civil engineering), but after 10-plus years, I can honestly say it was the best choice I could have made for my early career.

I have worked on a variety of projects from helicopter platforms to seismic analysis of structures. I have served as the lead civil/structural engineer for various electric substation and transmission projects throughout San Diego County. During these assignments, I was given the opportunity to design and engineer some of the most critical foundations and structures in the electric system. I have especially enjoyed working on a team of professionals with various backgrounds. These opportunities have helped me expand my knowledge beyond engineering.

What’s your favorite college memory?

There are many. One of my most memorable was receiving the news of my first 4.0 during a semester term. After spending several years working hard to maintain a 3.0, the news inspired me to push through to graduation.

Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

My favorite professor was Fang Chou. He taught various structural engineering classes at SDSU. My favorite class was structural analysis. He inspired and challenged me to excel in structural engineering.

If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

Don’t stop asking questions. If you fail, get right back up. Failure is inevitable in life, and learning from it can result in so much growth.

What are you currently reading? What’s your favorite book?

I just finished a book titled “Doing More with Less” by Bruce Piasecki. He brought up some interesting points about living frugally in various areas of life in order to benefit ourselves, society, and our planet in light of the diminishing natural resources and increasing population.

What is your passion?

My family. I enjoy outdoor adventures and traveling with my wife and kids most of all.

What is your motto?

It seems to change as the various stages of life pass. Currently, I have been inspired by the following: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C. S. Lewis

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?

I suppose I would first have to break down and buy my first lottery ticket. If I won, I would invest some and pass the rest on to family and those in need.