Construction Management Degree’s First Cohort Graduates: A Personal Account

By Monifa Potter

The Construction Management Program at the University of the Virgin Islands was an extremely informative and transformative experience for me. As a recent graduate of the program and one of the first females to graduate from the Construction Management Program in the Virgin Islands, I am proud of what this accomplishment represents not only for me personally, but also for other women who may be interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry.

The knowledge and skills I gained through this program have provided me with a strong foundation in the construction field and have equipped me to make meaningful contributions to our community. Throughout the program, I learned how to measure and estimate concrete quantities, calculate labor costs, determine square footage, schedule construction projects, manage project costs, create construction plans using Revit and etc. etc. etc…. These skills are essential for successful project planning and execution and are particularly valuable in the Virgin Islands, where rebuilding, renovation, and infrastructure development continue to be critical needs.

One of the most important lessons I learned is that construction management is not only about building structures, it is about protecting investments, ensuring quality workmanship, and helping people make informed decisions about their projects. I continue to hear stories from members of our community who are building or upgrading their homes and are being taken advantage of by contractors. In many cases, homeowners are overcharged financially or receive substandard workmanship that does not meet acceptable construction standards. This is especially concerning in the years following the 2017 hurricanes, as many homes throughout the Virgin Islands still require repairs, upgrades, or rebuilding to meet safe occupancy standards.

The Construction Management Program has given me the knowledge needed to assist individuals, families, and homeowners in navigating the construction process. I would like to become a trusted resource and point of contact for those seeking guidance with their building projects. Whether it is understanding construction estimates, reviewing project schedules, evaluating contractor proposals, monitoring costs, or ensuring that work is completed to acceptable standards, I want to use the knowledge I have gained to help protect and empower members of our community.

As a woman, this program has been particularly meaningful. Prior to gaining this education, I often felt the need to involve my brother when dealing with contractors. I noticed that once he became involved, the tone of the conversations would immediately change. Unfortunately, this is an experience many women face when navigating construction and home improvement projects. It should not be that way. This program has given me the confidence, knowledge, and technical understanding to advocate for myself and others. It has shown me that women have a place in this industry and can participate confidently in construction management, project oversight, and decision-making without fear of being taken advantage of.

Beyond its impact on individual students, this program has created significant opportunities for the University and the Virgin Islands as a whole. By producing graduates with construction management expertise, the University is helping to develop a local workforce capable of supporting future infrastructure improvements and development projects throughout the Territory. As the Virgin Islands continues to invest in rebuilding and modernizing its infrastructure, graduates from this program can play an important role in planning, managing, and overseeing these projects to ensure they are completed efficiently, responsibly, and to the highest standards.

I am grateful that I took the opportunity to enroll in the Construction Management Program. It has not only provided me with valuable technical knowledge and opportunities, but it has also empowered me to serve my community. I look forward to using what I have learned to assist the older generation with their home projects, support homeowners in making informed construction decisions, and demonstrate that women can successfully lead and contribute within the construction industry. This program has opened doors for me and has allowed me to create a pathway toward making a lasting impact in the Virgin Islands.