The inaugural UCLA Extension Construction Career & Industry Summit offered a space for industry experts to reflect, network and expound on the transformational opportunities afforded in the profession, and how UCLA Extension can accelerate that process.

“There is a huge need for workforce development and training within the construction industry, especially after the L.A. fires, as the community, city and county try to rebuild,” said Arefeh Mohammadi, director of the Engineering and Computer Sciences portfolio at UCLA Extension. “It is also such an exciting time in the region as we prepare for the LA28 Olympics – there is a lot of opportunity. UCLA Extension, as the continuing education arm of the university, we felt this responsibility to create a space for alumni, students and industry leaders in the region and nation to come together and have a conversation, because positive collaborations and partnerships always come out of these events.”

Approximately 80 people attended the summit, which took place on Nov. 5 at UCLA Extension Gayley Center. The event included an alumni panel, industry and recruiter panel, networking mixer and mock interview session. Throughout the day, presenters and attendees gave an optimistic outlook for the construction profession now and moving forward.

Adrienne Newbold, assistant chief harbor engineer at the Port of Los Angeles and keynote speaker, presented forthcoming projects at the port including wharf upgrades, a cruise line departure area and a workforce training facility. She asked the crowd if they were interested in job opportunities, because there will be openings.

“The industry needs you,” she added. “As Walt Disney said, ‘You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make that a reality.’ You are those people.”

Newbold herself is a product of the UCLA Extension Project Management Certificate Program. She was one of many, including all participants in the alumni panel, who have seen their personal stories impacted by UCLA Extension. The alumni panel included stories about enhancing skillsets, making career pivots and setting up for promotions – all by way of the Construction Management Certificate Program.

“The construction industry is sound,” said Ravi Pariah, panel moderator and UCLA Extension instructor and alumnus. “We’ve been building since the Roman era, and we are still doing it today.”

For Jesse Eagle, who was previously hustling for a career in Hollywood, the UCLA Extension program allowed him to pivot and survive in an expensive city like Los Angeles. He now works for Morley Builders as a project engineer.

“I came from a background with little to no construction experience. And here I am, working in the industry professionally today,” he said.

Canaan Wright, who is an executive project manager at Go JRM Construction, noted how often she refers back to what she learned at UCLA Extension in her day-to-day work. For example, one course lesson emphasized scrutinizing documents for accuracy.

“Find the mistakes. When I get a set of plans, anything on any level, I’m not just looking at what we are building, but I’m looking for the mistakes,” she said. “Where could we lose money? If I don’t catch that, it’s mine, I have to eat it. It saves myself and my company, it’s crucial. One class, one assignment, and look at how it effects the day-to-day workforce.”

The industry and recruiter panel examined topics like best practices for job applicants and how artificial intelligence is impacting the industry, and everything in between while taking questions from an enthusiastic audience.

Afterwards, the group shifted to the room next door for networking and mock interviews. Recruitment tables provided additional opportunities to meet participating companies, learn about their organizations, ask questions and explore potential internships and full-time positions. Participating companies included: AECOM, Jacobs, PMCS Group, L.A. Sanitation, Movember, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, Shawmut West and Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

“I went into the summit wondering where I might fit in the industry,” said Karlos Ramirez, who is working on completing his construction management certificate and looking to break into the industry. “I left feeling more confident about the experience I bring and excited to keep learning.”