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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.
MICHELIE LITTLE , from page 7
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.
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THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 14, 2025, ISSUE 1593
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