I’m early in my career and still gaining experience, so it can feel pretty challenging knowing there is so much to learn. I remind myself that you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s OK to lean on others for any questions, doubts, or guidance. Everyone has to start somewhere.”
SOPHIA
Assistant Project Manager
Sophia started with the company following an internship in our Miami office. She met our recruiters at Florida International University’s career fair while she was earning a master’s in construction management. Sophia didn’t have construction experience and she addressed that head-on. She said, “I was willing to commit 100% and do what it takes to learn the ropes.”
How did you get into construction?
I love seeing how things are made. Whenever I travel, the architecture and building concepts always capture my attention Also, my family has a long history of car mechanics who took me behind the scenes and introduced me to the engineering concepts of the car industry. When I found that I could do the same thing with buildings, I was all in! I introduced myself to Brasfield & Gorrie recruiters at Florida International University’s career fair during my second semester of the master’s in construction management program. I started my internship as a project manager intern focusing on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades. I transitioned to a full-time assistant project manager role in May 2021.
How has your career grown since starting at Brasfield & Gorrie?
My career has grown a lot since I first started. One of the first things mentioned to the Brasfield & Gorrie recruiters at the career fair was that I didn’t have experience, but I was willing to put 100% into learning the ropes. They took a chance on me and ever since then I’ve been lucky enough to be trained by amazing project managers and superintendents on each project I’ve been a part of.
I’ve attended trainings that have been beneficial to my career. Whether they are local or in different offices, I find them very useful and it’s also an opportunity to meet others in the company. I am part of Brasfield & Gorrie’s Operational Women’s Network and it has allowed to meet mentors and other women who have become friends!
What are you passionate about in construction?
Teamwork and creativity make construction interesting. There are so many different personalities, ideas, and ways to come up with solutions. No day is the same. I see the trades taking pride in their skills and the way we manage projects, and these things motivate me to keep going and do the best I can.
Any advice you’d like to share?
I’m early in my career and am still gaining experience, so it can feel pretty challenging knowing there is so much to learn. I remind myself that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” It’s OK to lean on others for any questions, doubts, or guidance. Everyone has to start somewhere.
