2021 Women in Construction: Megan Bogacz, Senior Project Engineer, DPR Construction

What are you most looking forward to post-pandemic? A large part of my role is building relationships. The conventional way of doing that was truly challenged during the pandemic. Therefore post-pandemic, I’m looking forward to meeting with new and existing colleagues, customers, architects, engineers, and trade partners in-person whether it be on the project or at an event. Engaging with my team members and peers, building a collaborative relationship will strengthen our teams and energize our spirit post pandemic.

How have you adapted and changed in the last 12 months? Shifting our mindset to be ever more flexible was essential. Being able to adapt to the rapidly changing environment–working remotely, hosting virtual meetings, keeping the workforce healthy and socially distanced, and ensuring job security–our projects were able to sustain. We provided the level of safety that was needed to ensure the health and well-being of all team members, enabling us to forge ahead and deliver projects that are serving critical functions in the life science and healthcare markets. When tested, our teams came together with our project partners to innovate and develop authentic, supporting relationships.

Why should women consider a career in construction? There is no one set path in the construction industry for anyone. I initially studied architecture at college before an internship with a construction firm showed me what it was like to watch my plans come to life in front of me. We build buildings that save lives, cure diseases, advance research, and grow the minds of the future workforce. To have a part in that while also developing an atmosphere by visually changing the landscape is extremely rewarding. Just about all areas of expertise are now needed in construction from data science to technology to accounting to engineers.