When Melisa Magallanes arrived at Ball State, Construction Management wasn’t on her radar. She came for computer science—until she realized she wanted a career where she could be hands-on, engaged, and immersed in tangible work. “I was always on YouTube watching videos about sustainable homes, passive houses, “Exploring Alternatives… I knew I wanted to work in the built environment,” she recalls. That curiosity, especially around sustainability, pushed her to consider construction management as a way to bridge the gap between environmentally responsible design and real-world building practices.

She graduated in Spring 2025 with a degree in Construction Management (CM) and a minor in Business Administration. Only a month later, she stepped into her full-time role as a Project Engineer with F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.—and found herself back on campus, contributing to the renovation of the very college that shaped her.

Finding Mentors and Building Confidence
Unlike many who enter the field, she didn’t grow up around construction. “I knew if I was going to learn anything, I needed mentors,” she says. Two standout figures—Sasha Casilla and Bill Woolbright—guided her through internships, including her summer 2024 experience on Indianapolis’ Youth and Family Center. Sasha, in particular, became a model for what successful leadership looks like for women in the field. “I think women really benefit from having strong female mentors. In a male-dominated industry, it’s easy to doubt yourself.”

“One of the most valuable aspects of Construction Management is the connections you can build. These relationships with peers, guest speakers, and professors can significantly impact your career growth.”

That honesty about self-doubt is something she doesn’t shy away from. Being young, new, and a woman in construction comes with challenges. “I’ve been gaslighted, and sometimes I’ve gaslighted myself. But I remind myself it’s okay to be wrong—it’s the best time to learn.”

From Classroom to Construction Site
Her time in the CM program gave her a strong foundation in equipment, materials, drawings, and processes—but she stresses that no single class can fully prepare someone for the dynamic reality of the field. “Every project presents different problems, and they evolve daily.”

She also realized how critical skills like time management and organization would become. “Sometimes I miss Canvas (Ball State’s course management tool)—the way everything was neatly organized for you,” she laughs. “In the real world, three different people can need immediate answers to three different issues. Prioritizing becomes an art form.”

“Networking and public speaking often make students nervous, these are fears that must be quickly overcome, as the profession requires constant communication, coordination, and collaboration with others.”

What It’s Like to Work on the Renovation of the CAP Building
Working on the Architecture Building renovation while it continues to be fully occupied has been a crash course in precision and adaptability. The team is preparing for major window glazing replacement—removing glass from the inside and installing new panels from the outside during one of the rainiest seasons—requiring careful coordination, safety planning, and constant communication.

Renovation work brings surprises: drawings don’t always match existing conditions, and hidden issues surface quickly.

“I have learned the importance of adaptability, as nothing is ever completely black and white or straightforward.”

Even with the challenges, she finds the progress rewarding. “A lot of my job is documentation, but seeing everything come together during my Friday walkthroughs makes it worth it.” She’s focused on learning as much as she can in her first year and embracing mistakes as part of building confidence.

Women Changing Construction—One Job Site at a Time
She hopes more people understand the value women bring to construction—not just in technical execution, but in shaping culture. “Women often bring communication, organization, and team-building strengths that help jobs run more smoothly,” she explains. “We can set a tone of professionalism and inclusivity that improves morale and problem-solving.”

Advice for Today’s CM Students
Her guidance to current students:

  • Be open to learning every day. The smartest people listen more than they speak.
  • Expect the unexpected. Real-world conditions rarely match the plans.
  • Communication is key. Collaboration drives the entire project.
  • Be patient with yourself. Confidence comes through experience.
  • Build relationships. Strong teams make better projects.

“Returning to campus for my first big job has helped ease the adjustment from being a student to a professional. Being in a familiar place has allowed me to support my team while navigating construction in an active building. It feels like things have come full circle.”