Saying yes to new opportunities led one engineer from design to construction – and to a more fulfilling career path.
If you had asked me when I was growing up – or even as I entered college – what my career would be, I would never have guessed I’d end up in engineering, let alone construction management. My path began in design engineering where I focused on the technical intricacies of water and wastewater infrastructure. Over the past few years, simply saying “yes” and staying open to new opportunities led me to the job site where I discovered a fast-paced, hands-on environment that sparked something new in me. What started as curiosity eventually evolved into a defining career shift – one that changed how I approach problem-solving, leadership, and long-term impacts.
Where it all began.
My engineering career began with a design internship in the water and wastewater field while I was still completing my graduate degree. The moment I stepped into an office, everything changed for me. What I learned in the classroom is vastly different from the real-world experience that involves tangible impacts. During those early years, I built a strong foundation in technical design, using AutoCAD and Civil 3D to prepare construction blueprints for various water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding on how to read drawings and specifications – two contract documents that play a critical role even before construction begins on-site. My learning continued as I was introduced to more complex water treatment projects from the design side where I began to understand the necessary calculations before starting drawing markups for the future blueprints. Overall, gaining design experience proved essential before I transitioned into construction management.
Making the shift.
To say the least, the shift was gradual. It started with a simple request to be part of a construction management project. You might be wondering why I made that request, and honestly, I don’t have a complete answer – other than I knew I wanted to try something different from design. The first CM project I worked on was for an advanced water treatment facility in San Diego County. Although the project was nearing its final stages, it was still fascinating to begin learning and understanding the differences between design and construction.
If I had to pinpoint a pivotal moment that drew me more toward construction management, it would be when I worked on a different advanced water treatment facility project that was still in construction and just beginning the start-up and commissioning stages. I’ll never forget my first week on-site. The setting was completely different from the office – early morning on-site coordination meetings, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and constant, on-the-fly decision-making. While my design background gave me technical depth and an eye for detail, stepping into construction required an entirely new set of skills: field coordination, sequencing, and real-time problem-solving.
The learning curve was steep (and still is), especially when it came to managing contractors and adapting to evolving site conditions. I quickly realized I didn’t just want to design solutions – I wanted to help build them. That shift transformed my perspective and ultimately ignited a new passion I plan to pursue long-term.
Embracing change.
By embracing change and stepping outside my comfort zone, I’ve learned that growth often comes when we least expect it. What once seemed like a small shift in my career has turned into a transformative experience that has redefined my skills, purpose, and vision for the future.
To women considering a path in construction, know there is a place for you in this field – your voice matters, your perspective is powerful, and your journey can help open doors for others. As we build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, let’s also build a stronger and more welcoming industry. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who encourage your growth, challenge you to be better, and celebrate your wins. Community fuels progress, and together, we can shape the future of construction with greater impact and intention.
Michelie Little is an assistant resident engineer at MKN. Connect with her on LinkedIn.