Careers in Construction: Every Role Is a Piece of the Puzzle

October is Careers in Construction Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the more than 180 roles one might find within a construction project. Every role is essential to getting to the finish line, some of which have nothing to do with fabricating steel, pouring concrete, or architecture and design. Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center, checked in with members of our team who occupy roles that may not always be the first to come to mind, but cover a range of responsibilities that are essential to the project:

• Katrina Raickett is an accountant who works closely with the finance department to maintain financial accuracy.

• Alva Thomas Jr. is a project controls manager who works on planning and delivery to ensure trade partners stay on schedule and the project is completed on time.

• Mathieu Vollmer is a Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) manager who actively maintains, educates, and promotes safety policies and procedures, and is a resource for the workforce.

• Virginia Thornton is a quality control manager who works closely with the engineers and the field team, including trade partners, to make sure Lakeside Alliance is providing a well-constructed facility based on industry standards and properly documenting the work being performed.

• Suzie Chung is a schedule manager who works with field operations to track construction progress and ensure the project is completed on-time.

Read on to learn how each team member ended up in their respective role and gain an appreciation for how the dots connect.

How did you get to where you are today?

Katrina: It all began with my pursuit of a bachelor of science degree in accounting. Subsequently, I obtained my certification as a public accountant, which opened doors to diverse roles within the realm of accounting. Over the course of my career, I've gained experience in areas such as tax consulting, auditing, and delivering a range of financial services.

Alva: I have a degree in organizational communications.

Mathieu: I worked as a chemical operator, chemical mechanic, permit writer, emergency response coordinator and as a third-party safety rep for several mechanical companies.

Virginia: My initial desire was to be a design structural engineer. So, I obtained a degree in civil engineering. Nonetheless, my career has been multifaceted, covering design and construction, roadway and bridge construction, railway, HVAC and building construction.

Suzie: I majored in civil engineering, but my first job out of college was as a scheduler for the O'Hare Runway Modernization Program. I've stuck with scheduling ever since!

Describe your role on the OPC project.

Katrina: As an accountant, my duties encompass the preparation of billing documents for our client. This involves processing of invoices, creating subcontractors’ lien waivers and assisting in the preparation of pay applications, which are subsequently submitted to the client.

Alva: I assist in overseeing the flow of changes related to contracts and budgets.

Mathieu: I bridge the gap between the various teams, crafts, trades, unions, companies and individuals on the project site.

Virginia: My role is to provide quality assurance and to make sure we are providing deliverables during the course of the work that comply with project specifications and industry standards.

Suzie: I manage the schedule. I input weekly updates and project out based on those updates.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Katrina: The opportunity to work in a very diverse environment. This project is constantly progressing and changing, providing me with the opportunity to continually learn and grow professionally.

Alva: The people. I like to think that even after more years in construction than I care to admit to, I can still learn from the younger members of the team who continue to bring the latest approaches to collaborative management techniques to the table.

Mathieu: Interacting with the workforce and getting to know individuals on a personal level.

Virginia: Watching the pictures on paper come to life. Also, seeing new applications and making sure that the details and processes to implement them are completed well.

Suzie: Having insight into almost every part of the project, unlike other team members who only focus on specific trades or specific areas.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a similar career path?

Katrina: Build a strong foundation in accounting principles. This would include pursuing a degree, certification and gaining as much practical experience as possible through internships or entry-level positions. I would also advise to remain adaptable as accounting is constantly changing.

Alva: If you can do an internship with a company, do it! See what construction management is like from the inside. This can be one of the most rewarding careers you can choose.

Mathieu: Be a resource of knowledge and a coach when needed.

Virginia: Have a desired goal but don't limit yourself. Pursue opportunities that will make you a more well-rounded engineer, manager and construction industry professional. All my experiences and roles have built on another.

Suzie: If you are a very logical person and also enjoy speaking with people, then scheduling can be a very rewarding career.

What makes Lakeside Alliance different?

Katrina: Lakeside Alliance stands out due to its unique collaboration, bringing together individuals from various companies with distinct cultures and skill sets. Over time, these entities have worked together to establish one culture and consistently develop a standard of excellence.

Alva: The people coming together to make the Obama Presidential Center dream a reality.

Mathieu: The involvement of various, diverse companies that made an intentional decision to make a change in the industry of construction.

Virginia: The mission. The process to achieve quality has been heightened.

Suzie: Lakeside Alliance strives to bring change into a construction industry that doesn't easily change or welcome it.

What is your greatest hope for the outcome of the Obama Presidential Center?

Katrina: That it becomes a model of success for joint ventures in construction. I hope that this project serves as a testament to our commitment to succeed and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations. Most importantly, I hope that we fulfill Obama's constant thrust for change.

Alva: That it will be a destination for tourists and residents of the South Side, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and those visiting the USA.

Mathieu: That when the communal workforce sits in their backyard and sees the tower standing tall in the east, they realize the impact they've made in their community.

Virginia: That the project is not just the commemorative center of the first African American president, but truly a blueprint for diversity and inclusion and how everyone from the designer, to the office persons, to tradespersons can work together and prosper.

Suzie: That the Obama Presidential Center will become a place where people feel welcomed and invited.