INVESTING IN THE FUTURE WORKFORCE


AGC Student Chapters Foster Construction Industry’s Rising Stars


By Carol Eaton


student leaders, past and present, who have played key roles in their AGC of California student chapters on college and university campuses throughout the Golden State. Tese are individuals who have


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worked hard to organize, energize and galvanize their fellow students to commit spare time outside the classroom visiting AGC member jobsites, participating in student chapter competitions, attending statewide and regional AGC events and giving back to their local commu- nities – all as a way to enhance and enrich their in-class education and open up their career opportunities. Tey are rising stars among the


next generation of young California construction leaders who will play an integral role shaping the direction of the industry for years to come. California Constructor reached


out to a handful of these current and former student chapter leaders. We wanted to find out why they chose a career in construction, how their AGC student chapter experience helped shape their path, and what advice they have for others as they prepare to launch their careers or, for some, continue along their professional journey. Here are their stories.


Julia Lind—USC and Stanford Born into a family of engineers (her


dad and uncles are on the mechanical engineering side), and with an affinity for science and math from early on as well as friends who were going into the trades, Lind had already learned quite a bit about the construction industry


www.AGC-CA.org


eadership. Energy. Enthusiasm. Ambition. Tose are just a few of the qualities associated with


focusing on outreach to AGC member companies. Te Stanford Student Chapter


held several virtual forums over the past year, including a virtual job walk with Turner Construction. Tey are looking into hosting a fundraising golf tournament in the fall among other events and activities. Lind said her favorite part of


participating in the AGC Stanford Student Chapter has been the strong ties it maintains with the local AGC Santa Clara District, allowing Lind and other student chapter leaders to attend the district’s regular board of directors’ meetings. “It’s been really cool getting to


“I really think the networking opportunities and the breadth of people you can reach and talk to is just a huge benefit of joining AGC.” - Julia Lind


before she decided to study civil engineering at USC. She ended up as President of the USC student chapter of AGC, where she helped re-establish the Chapter’s connection with the association. When Lind decided to attend


Stanford University to obtain her master’s in sustainable design and construction, it was natural for her to gravitate towards the AGC student chapter there as well. She became involved in its leadership, currently serving as one of the vice presidents of the AGC Stanford Student Chapter,


see at a professional level how these meetings are run,” she said. “Tere’s a lot of (discussion of) infrastructure and community projects, and stakeholders come and present about them to the board. It gives a bigger picture than just being in a student chapter; you really get to learn what impacts the community.” Te biggest personal benefit from


her student chapter involvement? “Definitely the networking,” Lind answered, adding that AGC “holds a special place in my heart” thanks to their help connecting her with an internship with Royal Electric the summer of 2020 when another internship fell through due to COVID. “I really think the networking oppor- tunities and the breadth of people you can reach and talk to is just a huge benefit of joining AGC,” Lind added. Asked what advice she had for


other young people, especially women, considering a career in construction, Lind said: “Don’t listen to the skeptics. A lot of people may challenge or question you. Listen and know what


Continued on page 20 Associated General Contractors of California 19


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