Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Carolyn Fink

What is the best part of your job at BGE?

The best part of my job at BGE is the camaraderie among my Houston Construction Management group co-workers. I have built great relationships with many of them during my tenure at BGE. Our team’s Administrative Assistant always welcomes our new team members with a bright smile and a warm heart. 😊

Construction Management supervisory personnel value each of their employees. Each employee plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations. Personnel know what is expected of us, and we strive to put out the safest and best end product possible.

How would you describe your job to a child?

I would describe my job to a child in the following manner: I receive, record, and direct product information from contractors to designers for approval. The information includes the pieces of water plants for homes to have the best drinking water, wastewater treatment plants for the dirty water to leave homes and neighborhoods, concrete for streets and drains, and electrical items used to provide lighting and electricity to the neighborhoods and plants.

Once the designer places their stamp of approval or rejection on these items, they return them to me to record their response and return it to the contractor. It is very important to make sure contractors who build new neighborhoods, plants, and other structures use the items specified in the contract documents to avoid future failures.

What do you get out of construction management that you couldn’t get from any other kind of work?

In the dynamic landscape of construction management, I have discovered a profound sense of peace of mind rooted in the industry’s inherent stability over the years. Amidst the various economic fluctuations and uncertainties, the construction sector has consistently proven itself to be a resilient and steadfast entity. It provides a unique sanctuary where the enduring demand for infrastructure and development projects ensures a continuous stream of opportunities. This stability not only fosters a sense of professional security but also instills confidence in the longevity and relevance of the work undertaken. Embracing the ever-evolving challenges and triumphs within construction management, I find a rewarding and unwavering anchor in an industry that stands resilient against the tests of time and economic shifts.

How do you think technology will further change construction in the future?

As we navigate the future landscape of construction, the transformative influence of technology appears poised to reshape fundamental business processes within the industry. From revolutionizing the preparation of bid proposals to streamlining advertising, contract letting, processing submittals and RFIs, and handling pay estimates, technology is set to inject unprecedented efficiency into the core operational facets of contracting. This shift not only promises enhanced accuracy and speed in project execution but also opens avenues for improved collaboration and communication across various stakeholders. Beyond these procedural advancements, the broader spectrum of the construction industry may witness transformative changes, ushering in innovative construction methods, sustainable practices, and smart infrastructure solutions. Embracing technology’s evolving role positions the industry at the forefront of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, paving the way for a dynamic and technology-driven future.

If you could bury a construction time capsule for future generations, what three items would you include and why?

If I were creating a construction time capsule for the future, I’d definitely toss in a computer loaded with the latest industry software, like CAD. It’d be fascinating for our successors to check out how far we’ve come in terms of tech. And let’s not forget a quirky 3D-printed model of some cutting-edge construction project just to show off some of our wild designs! 😉 I’d also throw in a mix of sustainable building materials, kind of like a mini green construction showcase. It’d be our way of saying, “Hey, we cared about the planet too!” This combo of high-tech software, funky 3D prints, and eco-friendly materials would give them a real feel for the vibes of our construction era.