Appetizers

Starting with some basics.

 Fun Starters

Getting to know the human side.

 Main Course

A quick deep dive into the day-to-day job.

Tell us about yourself and your job.

When I grew up, I was intrigued by the design and construction of residential homes. This passion led me to study Structural Engineering in college. I currently work in the construction/engineering project management industry, specifically on aviation, transportation, and data center projects.

How did you end up in your field? What do you like about it?

I was fortunate to grow up knowing what I wanted to study and work on (I have my parents, teachers, and peers to thank for that). I enjoy building projects that create a lasting physical change in the world. It makes me incredibly happy to know that my friends and family get to make use of the projects that I work on (e.g. SFO airport and Salesforce Transit Center).

What does a typical morning look like on the job?

Each morning can vary day -to-day. Typically, I make coffee & breakfast and then hop on a Zoom call with my team to go over high-priority deliverables. After the meeting ends, I will start working on the most important deliverable!

Cool, then what does a typical afternoon look like?

A typical afternoon will consist of meetings with clients, architects, engineers, and vendors/subcontractors.

What types of projects and meetings are you involved in?

My work is typically project-based. Every 2-3 years, I will be working on a new facility or building. I am involved with meetings with the client, designers, and vendors/subcontractors.

Who do you collaborate with within meetings and projects?

Meetings are highly collaborative and require attendance from multiple disciplines. I typically set the agenda to review both the design and construction with the client, designers, engineers and subcontractors.

 Dessert

Now for some juicy insights in the tea room.

What's the most challenging thing about your job?

Poor design, schedule and budget constraints, and bad attitudes can make the job challenging!

What are some characteristics that can help someone succeed in your role?

Leadership - ability to lead by example and demonstrate care for others.

Communication - the ability to not only articulate your thoughts but also listen to what others are saying.

Technical skills (above and beyond school) - Excel/data analysis, CAD (AutoCAD, Sketch-Up), and technical writing.

Any advice on how to stand out and get hired for those just starting off?

1) Develop your resume early so that your peers/mentors can help you refine it.

2) Network! Dedicate your time to a few organizations (both in school and outside) in order to meet new people. You'll never know who might be hiring someday! Take advantage of your teacher/professor's network as well.

3) Practice the interview. Perform mock interviews with a friend or apply to many positions to get more opportunities at interviewing.

What's something that surprised you about your job?

Most jobs, no matter the role or position, can sometimes be mundane/slow. You spend about 40-60 hours a week with your coworkers, so make sure you enjoy who you're working with.

Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who wants to do what you do?

Study hard in your Civil/Structural Engineering courses, but also remember that the most important takeaway from college is learning how to learn. We are all striving to continuously improve.

 Drinks

Chat more over coffee or tea?