CELIA GRUENEBERG

PROJECT ENGINEER

 

FROM: O’Fallon, Missouri

THEN: Bachelor of Science in Construction Management – May 2017

NOW: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Kansas City, Missouri

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AND CAREER PATH:

            Celia’s career path began with an internship at Killian Construction, a local company. After graduation Celia took her next step with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, it’s here that she’s accomplished some of her most significant career goals, “I am a project engineer moving towards a project manager. I spent 6 months bidding, contracting, and running a project in Springfield, Mo. It was a 30,000 SF Life.Church off Republic Road. We remodeled the old Remington’s building (which was once a country nightclub/bar). Since then I have worked on a preconstruction proposal/presentation for a project over $95 million and estimated/bid about 10 different small jobs. I am working on a GMP for another Life.Church; this time it will be a 40,000 SF new construction project in North Kansas City. This will be my first new construction project which I am very excited about. Running a successful project on my own was my greatest professional accomplishment thus far.”

HOW MSU EQUIPPED CELIA FOR HER CAREER:

            Celia focuses on the relationships that Missouri State University helped her create. She states, “One of the most valuable things I learned was how to connect and work with people. Knowing how to ask questions and not assume, has helped me immensely in managing subcontractors. The technical stuff helped of course but, in this industry, you are always learning. The relationships and people in the department at Missouri State helped me the most.”

ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES:

 “Remember that you know nothing. Having a good base is what is most important. Your attitude, drive, and dedication; it’s what makes you a valuable team member, the rest you can learn on the job. Get as involved as possible while you’re still in school. The experiences and relationships are invaluable; you won’t get those chances again.”