College wasn’t in the plans for Meagan after high school. She quickly worked her way up in restaurant management and thought she had her future figured out.
"After having kids, it kind of changed me. I didn’t want to work in restaurants anymore. I decided there was more out there for me," explained Meagan.
With a love for HGTV and a passion for interior design, Meagan decided to pursue a career in residential design. With shows like 'Flip or Flop' inspiring her, her dreams quickly grew from flipping a few houses to owning her own construction design company.
"I looked into Delta, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made so far. It has really inspired me. It’s given me internal growth – mentally and educationally."
Meagan initially enrolled in Delta’s Residential Construction Advanced Certificate program, with the intention of acquiring her builders license and gaining a basic understanding of the building process. After getting a few classes under her tool belt, her plans quickly grew. She is now working toward getting her associate’s in Residential Construction, and associate’s in Construction Management after that.
"It's silly to think back how I just wanted a certificate at one point. Now that I’m at Delta and involved in this trade, I want to be a project manager and open up my own construction and design company. I just want to keep learning," said Meagan.
Paving the way with no end in sight
Meagan's career in construction started small and has turned into something she never saw coming. She recently visited the International Builders' Show in Orlando and has been elected the next president of the student chapter of the Saginaw Home Builders Association.
"My experience at Delta as a whole has just been very inspiring. My very first day walking to class after not being in school for nine years, I was really nervous going into a construction class. And, I've just been welcomed with open arms."
"When I tell people this is what I’m doing or share on social media pictures of what I’ve accomplished, I always have women say, 'I wish I could do what you’re doing.' My answer to them is, 'You can.'"
Residential Construction student
Her initial hesitation of entering a traditionally male-dominated industry has turned
into motivation to keep going. Now, with the confidence she has gained since her first
class, she is the one encouraging other women to follow their passions.
"When I tell people this is what I'm doing, or share on social media pictures of what I've accomplished, I always have women say, 'I wish I could do what you're doing.' And, my answer to them is, 'You can.'"
Are you interested in starting a career in residential construction? Delta College is the perfect place to start. Apply now.
