Meet Our Alumna: Alejandra Arias

Bachelor of Architecture, with a minor in Business, and MS in Construction Management

A construction management project assistant from the College of Architecture and the Built Environment

Where are you from originally?

Dover, NJ

What was the best part of your time at Jefferson?

Being taught by professors who have a lot of experience in the industry and can give you real-world examples and care about their students. It was also good to have the opportunity to work with students studying different majors or that have worked in other industries.

What has having a Jefferson/PhilaU/Textile degree done for you?

The PhilaU education has given me a good foundation of knowledge and tools, and the skillset to be able to apply what I’ve learned to the tasks given in the industry of design and construction. I am able to adapt/learn on the job when I’m given something I have not yet encountered. The PhilaU degree has opened doors of opportunities for me to be able to work in this industry.

What are you doing now?

I’m working full time for BFW Group, LLC as a project assistant.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

Eventually I want to use my degree/experience in the industry of both design and construction management to improve underdeveloped communities within and outside of the U.S.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our current students?

Learn as much as you can in and out of the classroom and ask as many questions as needed to understand something. If possible, try to gain experience by working in internships, so that when you are ready to work full-time you have a better understanding of what is required of you and what you need to know.