Building Futures: Diverse Paths to Success in the Construction Industry
This workshop is for you if:
Discover diverse career paths in the construction industry, from trades to office roles.
Learn how resilience and continuous learning can lead to success.
Engage with industry leaders and gain insights through interactive discussions and case studies.
Workshop details:
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion with leaders from one of California's largest Construction Management and General Contracting firms, recently named the Number 1 Education Builder by ENR Magazine. Our panelists will share their unique career journeys, showcasing the wide range of opportunities available in the construction industry. From trades to office roles like HR, Accounting, Finance, IT, and Project Management, you'll learn how resilience, continuous learning, and mentorship can shape a successful career. Engage in live polls, case studies, and interactive discussions to explore diverse career paths in this dynamic field and discover how various educational backgrounds can lead to success.
Meet Neil De Los Santos
Project Manager, Balfour Beatty
Neil De Los Santos has been working in the construction industry for over 15 years, with a significant portion of his career happily spent at Balfour Beatty. Initially setting out to be a Civil Engineer, Neil's first post-collegiate job at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency under their Construction Management department influenced him to pivot from design to managing construction. With a growing interest in vertical construction, he moved to San Diego with the intent of working for a reputable General Contracting firm and found much more in Balfour Beatty. Neil has had the opportunity to work with various higher education clients on Student Union-type projects that have a meaningful impact on the communities they serve. Additionally, he is a co-chair of REGAL (Raising, Educating, and Guiding AAPI Leadership), a Balfour Beatty employee resource group dedicated to educating about AAPI heritage and raising awareness of the opportunities the construction industry has to offer.
Meet April Medlin
Project Accountant Manager, Balfour Beatty
April Medlin has been with Balfour Beatty for 19 years, serving as the Project Accountant Manager for the California Division. With a background as a Special Education Teacher, April excels in training and supporting nearly 15 Project Accountants. She specializes in accounting procedures, finance software, monthly financial reporting, and labor compliance for public works projects, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.
Meet Juan Ruiz
Project Manager, Balfour Beatty
Juan Ruiz, a Project Manager at Balfour Beatty, has been in the construction industry for almost 12 years. Born and raised in North County San Diego, Juan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from SDSU. He has worked on several K-12 and Higher Education projects and is actively involved in mentoring high school and college students through various programs, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the next generation of construction professionals.
Meet Larry Valdez
Project Manager, Balfour Beatty
Larry Valdez's journey to Construction Project Management was anything but traditional. Born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana until kindergarten, he then returned and completed his education in San Diego. After a lengthy college stint, Larry earned his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from SDSU. His career began in various roles, from fast food cashier to retail sales and medical records auditor. However, in 2016, he transitioned into the construction industry and hasn't looked back. In just three years, he advanced to Project Management, concentrating on San Diego Unified projects. Recently, Larry helped establish a chapter of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance, a non-profit organization in San Diego that supports the Hispanic construction community.
“Success is not a straight path. It’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. Embrace every challenge, learn from every experience, and never stop striving for your dreams.”
