As a second-year construction management major, Emma Strickland always has a plan. Whether it outlines her academic priorities or the progress of construction projects, Emma can always rely on a solid roadmap.
Since onboarding with Cal Poly’s Facilities Management & Development team, she has worked on many projects, including the new lounge in the Materials Engineering building and the highly anticipated Kennedy Library Renovation.
Emma recently took a break from her busy schedule to discuss her standout project moments, goals before graduating and advice for her freshman self.
Can you tell us about some projects you’ve worked on so far? Any standout moments?
I’ve been lucky enough to work on a wide range of projects while working with Facilities on campus. One standout has been seeing the progression of the Kennedy Library — both inside and out. I’ve done site walks, learned new programs like Bluebeam and Procore, and had the opportunity to shadow several project managers. These experiences have helped me build strong communication skills and given me a clearer understanding of what my future career might look like. I’ve also contributed to projects for the College of Engineering, such as the new lounge in the MATE building and a canopy project by the Aerospace Engineering building. Day to day, I support project managers with tasks like fixing plans and creating spreadsheets to track progress, which has helped me gain exposure to the many moving parts of construction management. I have gotten to help and participate in organizing all the future move-ins for the library furniture for the past few months, working closely to coordinate the upcoming move. I have loved working with everyone in my department and have learned and am still learning new things every day.
What other projects or goals do you hope to accomplish before graduating?
Before I graduate, I hope to make more connections in the industry and continue developing skills that will support my long-term career. I’m also aiming to take part in a senior project that I can be truly proud of – not just one that checks the boxes for graduation, but something that will have a lasting impact.
Is there a particular philosophy or mantra that guides your day-to-day?
I like to start each day with a plan. It’s not about forcing myself to check off every item, but having a roadmap helps me stay focused and productive. This mindset guides both my academic work and my job; it helps me make the most out of each day without burning out.
Are there any books, movies or music you’ve been into lately?
I love watching shows and movies, especially my comfort favorites. I’m a big fan of rom-coms and sitcoms; they help me unwind after a long day. I just finished watching How I Met Your Mother and recently rewatched 10 Things I Hate About You, which is one of my all-time favorite movies. Whether I’m studying or walking to class, I always have music playing. My taste is pretty broad, and I enjoy almost every genre.
What is your idea of a great weekend?
For me, a great weekend means spending quality time with friends and family. I love going to the beach, playing volleyball and sharing good food afterward. Watching the sunset is the perfect way to unwind and mentally reset from a busy week; it helps me let go of stress and just enjoy the moment.
Lastly, if you could share any piece of advice with your freshman self, what would it be?
I’d tell myself not to stress so much; it really does all work out. The transition from high school to college was tough, and I struggled with expecting myself to perform at the same level without recognizing how much harder the workload and responsibilities would be. That pressure affected my grades early on. But over time, I found a better balance between succeeding academically and enjoying the college experience.