Paige Bevilacqua's career goals changed drastically during the COVID-19 Pandemic – she went from helping people manage their health to helping a construction site manage its utilities.
When she decided to deviate from health care, her initial thought was to turn to business management. But after reading about Gateway’s Construction Management Technician technical diploma, she shifted her focus.
“After I decided to leave health care, I knew I had to find something,” says Paige. “It was really on a whim that I found the Construction Management program – and here we go. I couldn’t be happier.”
Paige soon filled her schedule with coursework at the college. And she was busy outside of the classroom, too, juggling three different jobs. Driven to excel at work and in school, she says Gateway’s flexibility – and highly dedicated faculty members – were integral to her success.
“My instructors would make accommodations if work ran long – they would accommodate life and stay late if I needed help,” she says.
In addition to being adaptable, Paige says their support and passion were inspiring too.
“My main instructors made us feel like they were there to ensure we get the best out of the program,” says Paige. “They wanted us to step into the real world with knowledge and hands-on experience.
“And they are personable too. I didn’t feel like I was just going to some boring class. They were passionate about what they were teaching. And, as someone who doesn’t necessarily love school, this was really helpful for me.
“They taught us things step by step and genuinely wanted to hear questions and provide answers.”
Pagie’s hard work and dedication, paired with the unwavering support of her instructors, has paid off. She graduated from the program and is now employed at a local company, working in the field as an engineering technician/construction inspector – doing exactly what her degree prepared her to do.
“Gateway was a really good choice for me… It made me feel confident to step out into the real world, especially as a woman in construction. It really helped me specialize in my field.
“I go out into the field and inspect utilities, roadwork or sidewalk work and make sure everything has been built per the plan, that it’s been done correctly,” says Paige.
She said she enjoys working in the traditionally male-dominated industry and being out in the field nearly 70 percent of her working hours. “There are lots of opportunities for women in this career field,” she says.