This spring, GBCA’s Construction Leadership Council (CLC) hosted two dynamic Casual Conversations with students at our student chapter, Drexel University—offering valuable insights into real-world construction practices and career paths.
In the first session, the CLC welcomed Kate Flint, an engineer from Turner Construction Company, to speak with Drexel’s Building Materials class. Kate shared highlights from her career and major projects, with a strong focus on sustainable materials and green building certifications such as LEED, WELL, and the Living Building Challenge. She also answered student questions about industry trends and career growth, offering practical advice and inspiration for emerging professionals.
The second session brought together four CLC members for a conversation with Drexel’s Estimating II class. The panelists—Mike Fehrle (INTECH Construction), Steven Gobac (Skanska USA Building), Oliver Lutter (Frank T. Lutter, Inc.), and Branden Murphy (Old Philadelphia Associates)—shared their career journeys, current challenges in estimating, insights on software tools, and experiences managing major projects. Their advice helped students gain a strong foundation in one of construction’s most essential skill sets.
Why These Sessions Matter
- Real‑world connection: Students heard directly from professionals shaping today’s construction landscape—on materials, sustainability, estimation tools, and career strategy.
- Hands‑on learning: Candid discussions and Q&A enriched Drexel’s classroom curriculum with real-world context and wisdom.
- Next‑gen support: These events reflect GBCA and the CLC’s ongoing commitment to mentoring and preparing the next generation of construction leaders.
