Alumni Spotlight: Fiona Mae Bangoy ’22

Having graduated from the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) last spring, Fiona Mae Bangoy just completed her first year working in the construction industry. “It has been a wonderful learning experience,” she said. “I learned more about myself, assessed my weaknesses and strengths and familiarized myself with the company and the role.” Bangoy works as a Project Engineer for JE Dunn Construction in Denver, Colorado.

In her current role, Bangoy works in the preconstruction department, specifically estimating. She performs quantity surveys of materials shown on plan specifications and maintains an audit trail of the quantity survey from each phase of the drawings. She works closely with vendors and subcontractors through the bid solicitation process to ensure they have all necessary plans and specifications. She has worked on educational, multifamily, manufacturing and healthcare facilities over the past year and will soon transition to the field to complete work on a secured office building project.

During her time at Auburn, Bangoy was extremely involved on campus. She worked as an Information Technology Associate in BSCI for three years and competed on the school’s competition teams. She was a College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) Ambassador, a member of Design Build Institute of America and president of Auburn’s chapter of Associated General Contractors of America, and she also served on CADC’s school council. Looking back, she feels that both her activities and her coursework helped prepare her for her current role. “Actively participating through team activities in class, competition teams and student organizations has taught me to function effectively in a team setting,” Bangoy said. “Auburn taught me the power of communication and teamwork. I remember taking a Communications class in my first semester in the program and I have been using it since day one on the job.”

As she begins her second year at JE Dunn, Bangoy is focusing on continuing to grow in her career with the company and working toward LEED and WELL accreditations. Having interned with JE Dunn before graduation, she advises current students to get as much experience in the field as possible. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Experience is the best teacher, so ask questions and learn from your environment. There is so much to learn, so be open to new ideas and perspectives from different people.”