If you had told the seventh grade me, who was obsessed with marine biology, that I would have a successful career in construction inspection and become a certified construction manager, I would have laughed and called you nuts. But life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and I found something that satisfied my inquisitive nature and my willingness to learn – construction.
I began my journey in construction inspection at Maryland State Highway Administration District 3, where I had the privilege of working with knowledgeable mentors who guided and pushed me to learn and grow. I soaked up their knowledge like a sponge and quickly became fascinated with the ins and outs of construction projects. I realized that being in the field, actively involved in projects, made me feel like I had a real impact on the world, more so than working in an office ever did.
With each project I was involved in, my confidence grew, and I became more and more passionate about construction management. Thankfully, my manager always supported my drive and ambition. After a year of working as an inspector, I expressed my desire to run projects as a project engineer, and my manager suggested that I work towards becoming a Certified Construction Manager (CCM). I was eager to take on the challenge.
However, there were some hurdles to overcome. My background was in biology and environmental science, not construction or engineering. I had to build my career from the ground up, using the skills I learned on the job. I knew that the CCM process would require years of experience. But with KCI’s support, I attended industry events such as the Rising CM Conference in Washington D.C. and the Women’s Forum, where I networked with seasoned professionals and rising leaders. These experiences exposed me to the vast opportunities in construction management and motivated me to keep pushing forward.
In January 2018, I took and passed my CMIT exam, but I knew I needed to continue building my resume. I gained procurement experience by helping build and present proposals for KCI bids. I was then assigned to a project where I was exposed to numerous small and diverse projects that required me to adapt, think about constructability, and be proactive due to tight budgets and timelines. Later, I gained hands-on experience in design-bid-build bridge construction. All these experiences contributed to my growth as a construction professional.
My next big opportunity came when I was given the chance to take on a leadership role as the head environmental inspector for the Nice Bridge Project, a three-year fast-tracked mega project in southern Maryland. Despite being far from home, I saw this as my next big challenge and eagerly accepted. Working with a team of driven, high-ranking construction professionals on both the contractor and owner sides, including mechanical and structural engineers, construction managers, and senior inspectors, I was immersed in project permits and plans and had the opportunity to observe and interact with all project operations on a daily basis. This experience pushed me to apply for my CCM exam, and with the unwavering support of my KCI team, I studied diligently and set a goal to pass the exam in June.
I studied during my long commutes by listening to course material and spent hours writing notes every night. Finally, I achieved my goal and passed the exam on my first attempt. It was by far one of my hardest career achievements, but also one of the most fulfilling.
As I reflect on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities, support, and mentorship that have propelled me to where I am today – a certified construction manager who is dedicated to making a difference in the field of construction and inspiring others to pursue their own aspirations. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences to help others succeed in the construction industry. I am proud to have found my passion in an unexpected place and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the construction industry. With each project I work on and each new challenge I face, I am reminded that sometimes the most fulfilling paths in life are the ones we never saw coming.