VILLA RICA, GA. — March 5, 2026 — When Emily Kelly started her internship at Caliber 1 Construction, she pictured a very different future.
“I was focused on joining a large accounting firm and potentially becoming a CPA,” she says. “I wanted to understand the financial side of the business and see how construction accounting differed from traditional public accounting.”
But once she got inside the day-to-day rhythm of a commercial construction company, her plan evolved. What began as a spring learning experience became the start of a career.
Emily came in with a learner’s mindset—asking questions, paying attention to how work moved across departments, and taking on responsibilities beyond what she expected.
Her first real shift wasn’t tied to a single assignment. It was a realization about what construction makes possible.
“I first felt like I could see myself in construction when I saw that I could be a part of the legacy of building and something bigger than myself,” she shares. “We truly win together and learn together.”
That sense of shared purpose made her want to stay and explore where she could contribute most.
As Emily extended her internship, she gained broader exposure beyond accounting—helping coordinate schedules, supporting the summer interns, and getting a closer look at how different teams work together.
Then came a conversation that clarified her path. In a meeting with Director of Preconstruction Matt Plemmons, Emily heard preconstruction described in a way that immediately resonated: “a blend of numbers, data, and relationships.”
Emily realized preconstruction was the ideal intersection of analytical thinking and collaboration, combining her accounting background into building alongside a team.
“I didn’t expect construction to be so exciting and fulfilling,” she adds.
Emily stayed on part-time after her internship while finishing school, balancing five classes and 25-hour workweeks.
“I’ve been working since I was 14. Strong time management and dedication kept me focused in both areas,” she shares.
She also serves as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and Intelligence Analyst—a role that has reinforced many of the same habits that support her growth in preconstruction: preparation, discipline, and staying steady under pressure.
Ask Emily what she’s proud of, and she points to work that reflects both purpose and progress.
“I’m especially proud of the planning and coordination I helped lead for our company’s annual First Responders Appreciation Event,” she says. “It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart, and being part of a company that recognizes and honors the dedication and sacrifice of first responders means a lot to me.”
Professionally, she’s proud of the growth she’s gained in preconstruction, especially through hands-on estimating work and close collaboration.
“I’ve been working closely with our multi-brand team on multiple T-Mobile projects, learning how to fine-tune our bids and make strategic decisions,” she shares. “It has been eye-opening and exciting to see how detailed and collaborative the process is.”
Emily is quick to point out something many people don’t realize: construction careers don’t all look the same.
“Construction is a broad and diverse field,” she says. “Many roles within a construction company have little to do with being on a job site, yet they are essential to building projects successfully.”
For Emily, construction wasn’t initially on her radar. What changed was exposure, and the willingness to step into responsibility when the opportunity came.
“There is space for you in this industry,” she says. “You just have to be willing to explore it.”
Today, Emily is continuing to build her skill set as a Preconstruction Engineer as new tools and technology shape how teams estimate and plan.
“I love the challenge of preconstruction, and the teamwork and thought that goes into everything we do at Caliber 1,” she says.
Emily’s path from intern to Preconstruction Engineer reflects what happens when curiosity meets opportunity — and when people are trusted with responsibility as they grow.
At Caliber 1, that trust is built into the work. Learn more about Caliber 1’s internship and career opportunities.
Caliber 1 Construction, Inc. is a woman-owned, Georgia-based commercial general contractor with a 37-state footprint. Since 2005, clients across industries have trusted Caliber 1 to take ownership from day one—managing every detail from concept to completion. Known for proactive communication, expert project delivery, and long-term partnerships, Caliber 1 builds high-performance spaces with integrity, quality, and satisfaction at every step.
