2022 Ones to Watch: Dan Ren, Project Manager at NEI General Contracting

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I’m most proud of achieving my first career goal, being promoted from assistant project manager to project manager. During my time at NEI I’ve been given opportunities to use my background in engineering management to gain field experience and get involved with different types of projects. Over the last 4 years, I have learned that in order to be successful you need to understand every aspect of the project. My experience has taught me about the value of teamwork and management. I’m so grateful for these opportunities and for the people who have helped me along the way. 

What does it take to succeed in your specific industry? I think in order to succeed in the construction industry it is important to set goals. I set goals for work, study, life, etc. A goal should be meaningful and achievable. Goals help give you a sense of direction, a road map to follow in order to live up to your greatest potential. Goals don’t happen overnight so it’s effective to break them down into smaller steps. Once you reach your goal, you should set another goal so you continue to move forward and make progress.

What led you to your current profession? Construction has the ability to change a person’s life and I wanted to be a part of it from an early age. Growing up in China, I watched new buildings going up on empty lots. I admired the fact that before construction there was nothing and then after there was a beautiful new building. I received my bachelors in Civil Engineering in China and my Masters in Construction Management in the UK. After that I came to the U.S. to complete another Masters in Engineering Management at Northeastern University and I joined NEI after graduating.

What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?

1. Traveling around the world
2. Buying land so I can build my own house
3. Pursuing an MBA at Harvard or MIT

What are you doing when you aren’t working? Exercising. Reading books. Listening to music. Watching TED Talks.