Vanna Hosanny found her state at CSU not once, but twice.

Hosanny is already an alumna of the College of Liberal Arts with a degree in ethnic studies (B.A., ’10), and this time around, she is in pursuit of a degree in the Department of Construction Management. With a thorough understanding of the disciplines of the construction industry and involvement in the program, Hosanny was able to secure a summer internship with PCL Construction in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Spending summer in Breckenridge

While in Breckenridge, every day has been a new opportunity for Hosanny to apply the skills she’s learned from class and add new tools that she can bring back for her senior year.

“My average day is busy and I love it,” said Hosanny whose experience in the classroom has properly prepared her for the dynamic tasks at PCL, whether it is software she uses or the materials and methods used on a construction site.

“CSU has done an amazing job of setting me up for success,” she said. “The industry knows that when they get a Ram, we are the best of the best.”

Coupling her passions

Though Hosanny’s fields of study may appear disparate, her degree in ethnic studies and prospective degree in construction management are advantageous in relation to her career goals. She first witnessed this connection while participating in what she loves doing the most: helping others.

“I did a disaster relief rebuilding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and this experience helped me to see that construction really is the heart of how our society functions,” Hosanny said. “This industry will allow me to be of service and leave a legacy for future generations to benefit from.”

Hosanny’s realization prompted her to return to CSU’s campus with a newly ignited desire to pursue a second degree.

Upon admittance, Hosanny immediately immersed herself in all that the program had to offer. She currently serves as the president of the board of directors for the student clubs in the construction management department, and she has taken on many other roles of leadership within clubs and competition teams.

Finding opportunity with PCL Construction

Among the many benefits of her involvement with the program, Hosanny seized the chance for an internship with PCL Construction, thanks to the connection of a peer.

“De’Ohndre Jackson, a fellow student who recently graduated and is now employed full time with PCL Construction, told me all about his internship experience with PCL and how wonderful it was,” Hosanny said.

At a career fair, Jackson introduced Hosanny to some of the company’s management – an interaction that eventually led to an interview. Hosanny was then offered the internship position for the summer.

Future Plans

Hosanny is expecting to graduate May 2020, and upon graduation she hopes to find a career in the construction industry with a general contractor.

The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.