Student Spotlight: Aidan O'Brien
Career Program: Construction Management Technology
Originally From: Appleton
Current Residence: Appleton
Attended FVTC: Fall 2021-Spring 2024
Why did you choose this career program?
I chose to study this program because I have always been interested in construction. In my first year at Fox Valley Tech, I completed the Residential Building Construction technical diploma program and used that as a steppingstone to the Construction Management Technology associate degree.
What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding?
There are dozens of different roles that you can branch into under the umbrella of construction management depending on your specific interests. Fox Valley Tech does a great job of exposing you to many different aspects of the career field to allow you to find what you enjoy the most and help you to find an internship in that area.
Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College?
Growing up in the Fox Valley, I had a lot of exposure to FVTC by driving past it nearly every day. As I got a little older and was in high school, I learned more about what programs and opportunities FVTC has to offer and really enjoyed the hands-on learning and the smaller class sizes.
How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life?
They helped me hone in on my interests and areas where I excel. They also help the Construction Management students find summer internships that count as school credits. I gained real life experience that helped increase my networking with companies in the area and make connections I can use throughout my career.
What type of job do you expect to find after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue working at the company where I completed my summer internship. I expect to specialize in either project management, estimating, or building imaging and modeling.
In one sentence, what's your best advice for someone who's not sure they're ready for college?
The best advice I have for someone who isn’t sure they're ready for college is to take the leap and do it. Without a formal degree, most people will hit a glass ceiling and may have to go to school mid-career to get that degree.