On Thursday, February 16 Ursuline Academy welcomed Megan Catlett ’18 and Kayla O’Toole ’18 back to campus to talk to students about their paths from Ursuline into careers as project engineers at McCarthy Building Companies. Though different paths led them to McCarthy, they both shared what a typical day can look like for them as part of the Interiors Team, and what it’s like working on the build site of BJC’s new patient tower on Kingshighway at Barnes-Jewish Plaza.
Megan studied Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas, and Kayla studied Technology & Construction Management at Missouri State University.
“Being a part of the 2018 graduating class at the big UA allowed me the privilege to experience campus with and without Hartnett Hall. Not only did it give me a great place to take classes during my last year and a half at UA, but it also was one of the main reasons I chose my major, Architectural Engineering. Finishing up my construction internship in Kansas City before my senior year, I knew I wanted to be with a company that was in St. Louis. This lead me to reach out to Katie Kempf to see if she could connect me with any alumnae who work in the construction industry. She instantly connected me with Erin Valentine ’95 and just a few short weeks later I was accepting a full-time job offer with her company. Though I have graduated from Ursuline, it still positively influences my life. I am so grateful that we really never say goodbye.”
– Megan Catlett ’18
The whole school community was in attendance for the assembly, and students were very engaged and asked numerous questions of Megan and Kayla. Another part of the presentation was to offer a workshop opportunity for up to 10 Ursuline students to attend in April. The STEM workshop held by McCarthy Building Companies will be at the project site trailer at 4950 Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza St. Louis. It will be a safe hands-on project where participants can take home what they make, while also hearing from a panel of industry professionals as they present about the BJC project.
After the presentation seven of the 10 spots were already filled! We are looking forward to what the students learn about and experience later this Spring. We are so grateful to have and celebrate these ValUAble Connections for professional success in the St. Louis area and around the world. Inspired by our call of Serviam, we invite you to give each other a hand and help grow our network of professional women in our spirit of sisterhood and our values of courtesy, loyalty, and courage.
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