Reframing What’s Possible: A Mid‑Career Transformation in Construction Management

Over the course of 23 years in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, Kandice Lee cultivated a diverse portfolio of experience—from business development and preconstruction to steering the science and technology market sector for a major architecture firm. Despite her commitment to the field, she often found herself passed over for leadership roles at the next level. 

“In today’s environment, advancement can sometimes hinge more on connections and familiarity than on proven capability and commitment,” said Kandice. “Rather than being discouraged by that, I chose to invest in myself by formalizing my strengths and expanding my expertise through the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Construction Management Program.”

Designed for construction professionals at all levels, the Construction Management Certificate Program blended practical application with academic rigor, giving Kandice the transformative experience she was seeking. In an environment that encouraged self-sustained growth, she gained a deeper understanding of her field while reconnecting with foundational lessons she carried with her from earlier professional experiences. 

“It has been a journey of both personal and professional evolution, reinforcing resilience, curiosity and the importance of lifelong learning,” she said. “The program has not only reaffirmed much of what I’ve learned through experience but has also provided new perspectives and tools that I can immediately apply to real-world situations.” 

What was one of the first steps for you on this journey?

The AEC community is deeply relationship-driven, and keeping pace with its evolving technical language, endless acronyms and complex delivery models can feel intimidating. One of my first small but meaningful steps in this journey was to show up with curiosity and intention—to participate, listen and learn. 

I made a point to volunteer for the greater good, engage in thoughtful discussions and absorb insights from the many presentations and professionals I’ve encountered. Taking those steps helped me become more well-rounded, informed and confident in my ability to connect with others and contribute meaningfully within the industry.

During the program, did you face any unexpected challenges that helped you develop a new perspective?  

I found that I could naturally apply my experience to plan reading, preconstruction, contract law and accounting, but estimating and scheduling were less familiar and initially felt intimidating. Through conversations with classmates, attending a TAKT (a Lean construction scheduling method) field planning session and connecting with professional schedulers, I gained a new perspective and also realized this field was way over my head. I began to appreciate the complexity of their work and the importance of collaboration across disciplines. 

This experience taught me that no one excels at everything. True leadership means recognizing and valuing the expertise of others. I’m now more comfortable leaning on estimators and schedulers for their specialized strengths while focusing on the areas where I can provide the greatest value.

How did you balance coursework with a career and parenting? What did you learn about yourself in the process?

Balancing coursework with a busy business development schedule and single parenting has certainly been challenging. When all you have to rely on is yourself, you’re forced to go into the eye of the storm and discover your own resilience. It’s a practice in mindfulness—recognizing and appreciating the small moments of support from those around you.

My son and I have built a rhythm of leaning on each other, supporting one another through challenges and celebrating perseverance together. In turn, he is growing up to be a resilient young man who is interested in pursuing a career in this community. I could not have done any of this without him. This journey has taught me just how much strength, focus and determination I am capable of when the stakes are high.

Can you share an example of how you’ve applied what you learned to your current work? 

We received an RFP from an important client that required integrating multiple moving departments into an already busy team schedule—all against a tight deadline. The UC Davis CPE Construction Management Program helped me better understand the different roles within construction management and how to effectively leverage the expertise of each team member. 

By identifying who to reach out to for technical knowledge and organizing focused sub-meetings for deeper discussions, I was able to coordinate our efforts efficiently and contribute to a best-in-class proposal submission. This experience showed me how the program’s insights directly translate to real-world project success.

How did the program influence the way you think about collaboration within construction management? 

Working in silos is virtually non-existent in our industry. Understanding how all parts of the process interconnect is essential. This program has strengthened my appreciation for the importance of teamwork, reminding me that every role contributes to a greater whole and that success depends on the collective effort.

What was your biggest “aha” moment—that realization that made you think, “Yes, this is why I enrolled”?  

My biggest “aha” moment was realizing the power of community. When someone recognizes your name or when you can form a study group with like-minded individuals at different stages of their careers, it creates an environment where learning is collaborative and energizing. This experience reminded me that the power of learning never grows old and that fostering growth is amplified when shared with a supportive and engaged community.

What’s next for you now that you’ve completed the program? Are there new projects, goals or directions you’re excited about?

With my diverse professional background, my next goal is to serve as a strategic client integrator—a role that doesn’t formally exist yet but aligns with my vision of truly understanding the client’s needs, priorities and goals while coordinating all internal disciplines and stakeholders throughout a project pursuit. 

In this capacity, I would focus on aligning design, engineering, procurement and operations teams and manage communication and conflict resolution for successful project outcomes. Because of the certificate program, I have the skills and perspective to approach this emerging role with confidence and strategic insight.

What advice do you have for others who are mid-career and thinking about taking this same leap?

If you’re considering a return to school, my advice is to invest in yourself. Share your intentions with those who care most about your growth and know that a strong support system can make all the difference. 

Industries evolve rapidly, and as professionals, we must keep pace by avoiding complacency and continuously adapting to change. Be a mentor to the next generation and learn from them. They bring fresh perspectives and energy that can inspire and inform your own growth. By both learning from and guiding others, we not only strengthen the industry but also enrich our own professional journey.

If you could describe your experience in the program in one word, what would it be? 

Transformative. This experience has reshaped the way I see myself, my capabilities and my role within the AEC industry. 

Returning to structured learning after decades of professional experience has validated my strengths, challenged me to grow in new areas and provided fresh perspectives that I can apply immediately. It has been a journey of both personal and professional evolution, reinforcing resilience, curiosity and the importance of lifelong learning.