Slippery Rock University is a destination for future construction management professionals to build their careers and make meaningful strides in an industry where opportunity abounds. As the daughter of construction company executive, Katya Miller has firsthand knowledge of her potential impact and realizes the possibilities in what is considered a nontraditional path for women.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be kind of the one that stood out in a positive way,” Miller said. “Coming to SRU will help me fulfill my dream of being a woman in a male-dominated field.”
Miller, a freshman construction management major from Creekside (Marion Center HS), is among the more than 35 students enrolled in a new program introduced at SRU last year. The Bachelor of Science in construction management program is designed to prepare students to lead projects in residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction.
“I had no clue that there was even a school near me that offered something so specific because a lot of schools don’t offer that,” Miller said. “I toured other schools, and then once I came to SRU, I knew it was right and that this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Miller’s father, Joshua, is the vice president of operations for Clista Electric, a Pittsburgh-based commercial electrical contractor. He encouraged her to pursue a career in construction.
“My dad is a huge inspiration in my decision to get in the field, and I felt like my personality didn’t match any other job,” said Miller, who grew up playing ice hockey on co-ed and boys teams.
Although she’s already conducted job-shadowing at Clista and she her goal is to have a career similar to her father’s, Miller said she wants to find her own path to success.
“I know how proud he is that I’ve not only decided to choose my career following him, but I’m also taking it in my own direction too,” Miller said. “He’s thankful that he inspired me.”
Miller already has an internship lined up for her next summer at Mascaro, one of the largest construction companies in the Pittsburgh region. Mascaro has strong ties to administrators and faculty at SRU, including Amanda MacIsaac, an adjunct professor who works full-time for CDM Smith. MacIsaac is chair of the SRU Construction Management Advisory Board that works closely with employers in the region to ensure that SRU is preparing students with the desired skills needed to succeed.
“Amanda is amazing, and I love that she’s a woman who is doing a lot of great things in this career all over the world,” Miller said. “I’m learning a lot in the curriculum, and I’m really excited to start learning more as I gain more experience.”
Miller encourages others to pursue careers in construction management, especially women like her.
“Since (construction professionals) are in such high demand and we need a lot of hands in the business world of construction, I hope that younger people look into it,” Miller said. “I want it to be normalized that there are women in the field, and I want to be challenged with as high standards as the men are in the field.”
More information about construction management at SRU is available on the engineering programs webpage.
