Look, ma, I made it!

My alma mater is Texas A&M University, College Station, and my team took first place in the 2022 student competition. The competition taught me to think critically when it comes to estimating and preparing for any roofing project. Our project during the competition was a reroof which, coincidently, was the same type of project I worked on once I entered the roofing industry. The competition allowed me to consider issues at my current job I wouldn’t have thought of had I not been part of the competition.

Our team from Clemson University, Clemson, S.C., won the overall 2021 competition, and I was awarded best presenter.

The student competition is as close to real-world experience as it gets. From creating an estimate to developing the safety plan and site logistics to project execution: The building blocks of the competition are used in real life. The student competition experience has served me well as I am managing the roof system on my current project. Because of the competition, I am more familiar with roofing terms and roof system details and components. My current project is a complex roof with multiple challenges that requires thinking outside the box. Because of the competition, I was able to recall some creative safety measures, and we are using multiple quality control tactics we discussed during the competition. The competition set me up for success, and I am reaping those benefits in Atlanta.

My time in the student competition (I was the 2023 best presenter) while at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, taught me a lot about the construction industry. Although my employer is a commercial construction company, the student competition taught me how to manage a project team, be a leader, adapt to unusual and unexpected challenges, and develop a collaborative approach to my team. I am incredibly grateful to NRCA and value the knowledge I have from the experience. I look forward to seeing future students pursue the competition as well as see their successes in their careers.

I was part of the Colorado State University team in 2021 and 2022, and we took second place in 2021. The student roofing competition was a great introduction into working as a team, plan review and presenting. Being put in a group setting is critical to working in the construction industry, and being able to confidently present your ideas and logic to not only an audience but also your project team is crucial. Communication and presentation skills are my greatest takeaways from the competition.

I will graduate from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., in May, and I competed in the 2023 student competition where I earned second best presenter. I competed once more this year, and my team took third place. The student competition is a great way to get your foot in the door of the roofing industry. The competition gave me experience with all things roofing. From materials to management, I was able to see all aspects of the industry. The competition offers practical information I can bring with me to work in estimating, scheduling, safety, project management and much more.