Mikayla Anderson
Project Engineer, Ames-Kraemer Joint venture
What are your main responsibilties on the job site?
The main item I am responsible for is planning ahead so the Foremen have the correct tools, supplies, equipment, and people they need to build our work. That includes creating schedules, contacting subs and suppliers about being on site, ordering materials, and scheduling deliveries for mtaerials like piling, rebar, and girders.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
Being able to learn and work hands on with the people in the field. It allows me to learn the different aspects of bridge construction as well as understand how the Foremen do their job so I'm able to assist them better with planning their work. I also love the option of spending a day in the field (outside) instead of being in the office 100% of the time. Overall, I look forward to learning something new everyday. There is never enough to learn!
What's one challenge you've had to overcome to be successful?
The biggest challenge I've had to overcome is to jump in headfirst to understand my role/duties for the project I am on. Construction is a whole different language and it was intimidating at first to start understanding what my role was and how I was beneficial to the project and the project team. But I jumped in, asked questions, got my hands dirty, made mistakes, learned the basics and then I learned it's good to ask questions and make mistakes...that's how you learn. This is a field you could work in for 50 years and still learn something new everyday. I enjoy that challenge and I like that everyday is a new adventure.