MEET THE WIT CMC VOICES
Charli spoke with three executive board members and the club’ s advisor about their experiences, insights and advice for the next generation of construction industry professionals.
MELANIE CHAVES PRESIDENT
KIELE SARNIE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Charli Campbell: How did you find your way into construction management?
Melanie Chaves: I attended a vocational high school and initially explored general construction before realizing construction management was where I wanted to be. Wentworth’ s strong CM program and supportive student community made it an easy decision.
CC: What challenges do students face when transitioning from the classroom to the jobsite?
MC: Because of my vocational school background, the transition was relatively smooth, although learning unfamiliar materials on active jobsites took time.
CC: What advice would you give students entering the construction industry?
MC: Be yourself, not your neighbor. CC: What excites you most about your future in the industry? MC: Giving back to the communities that supported my education.
Charli Campbell: How did you find your way into construction management?
Kiele Sarnie: I originally wanted to become an architect, but after working in carpentry and residential construction during high school, I realized I wanted a career that combined design with hands-on project management.
CC: What challenges do students face when transitioning from the classroom to the jobsite?
KS: My biggest challenge was learning industry jargon. Construction uses countless abbreviations, and I had to become comfortable asking questions when I didn’ t understand something.
CC: What advice would you give students entering the construction industry?
KS: Network. Keep an open-mind. Know your soft skills. CC: What excites you most about your future in the industry?
KS: Improving healthcare facilities through construction management and safety.
CARSON ROBERGE VICE PRESIDENT
MICHAEL D’ AGOSTINO WIT CMC ADVISOR
Charli Campbell: How did you find your way into construction management?
Carson Roberge: Growing up in northern New Hampshire, I was always fascinated by heavy equipment. Wentworth’ s nationally recognized co-op program brought me to Boston, and after visiting campus, I knew it was the right fit.
CC: What challenges do students face when transitioning from the classroom to the jobsite?
CR: Learning company culture was harder than learning construction itself. I had to learn to read the room quickly. By the time you learn everyone and what they expect, the co-op is almost over.
CC: What advice would you give students entering the construction industry?
CR: Get used to being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Trust your team, but verify the information they give you.
CC: What excites you most about your future in the industry?
CR: Making a lasting impact on the built environment, regardless of the project type.
Charli Campbell: How did you find your way into construction management?
Michael D’ Agostino: As a three-time Wentworth alumnus, I’ ve spent the last decade advising WIT CMC because I believe in helping students develop into successful professionals. Watching students grow and launch their careers is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
CC: What challenges do students face when transitioning from the classroom to the jobsite?
MD: Feedback from employers consistently shows that Wentworth students arrive well prepared because the program focuses on developing professional skills alongside technical knowledge.
CC: What advice would you give students entering the construction industry?
MD: Get involved. WIT CMC is a tool. Use it or lose it.
CC: What excites you most about your future in the industry?
MD: Watching the students I’ ve mentored build successful careers and become the next generation of industry leaders.
5