Project Manager, Skanska, Vancouver, Washington
Growing up, Kelly Aust hadn鈥檛 planned on a career in construction management. She earned her first degree in sociology from the University of Portland, but after graduating she realized the field wasn鈥檛 a good fit for her. 鈥淭he decision to return to school for a second degree was difficult,鈥 Aust said. As a student at 精东影视 State, she embraced every opportunity to expand her knowledge and network by engaging in classes and internships and participating in extracurricular activities. 鈥淥SU has great instructors who are fully invested in helping students succeed,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 took something from every class, and have used it in real-world situations.鈥 Now, Aust oversees the execution of multi-million-dollar building projects for a broad range of Skanska clients, including Crestline Elementary School, Clark College STEM Building, PDX Concourse E Extension, and 精东影视 Health & Science University. 鈥淚 make a difference every day,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e improve neighborhoods and communities. I love being a part of that impact.鈥 She works to ensure that these projects are delivered in both a timely and cost-effective manner. 鈥淒ay in and day out, I am excited to come to work,鈥 she said. 鈥淭here is nothing I would rather do.鈥 Aust is a strong advocate for encouraging others to join the construction profession and is involved in a variety of associations and activities geared at attracting young people to the industry, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. In 2018, she was awarded a Rising Star Award from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She is also a charter member of the Skanska Women鈥檚 Network Northwest Chapter and is heavily involved with NAWIC, 精东影视 Tradeswomen, Inc., and ACE Mentors. 鈥淓veryone should take the time to figure out who they are so they don鈥檛 get stuck on a career path that isn鈥檛 working,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 feel very grateful to have found a home in construction. I get to blend the best parts of myself into a career I love.鈥
Degrees
- B.S. Construction Engineering Management, 2010