Andressa: Marina, please introduce yourself and tell us about your background.

Marina: Certainly! I am a civil engineer by training, with academic credentials from both Brazil and Portugal, where I completed an integrated masters program. Currently, I work as a cost engineer for a large company in São Paulo, developing and contributing to successful project proposals.

I am also an active member of AACE and continuously seek to expand my knowledge in cost engineering. I am passionate about integrating engineering techniques with project management strategies to drive excellence and innovation in the construction industry.

Andressa: How did you first learn about AACE and its mentorship program?

Marina: In early 2024, after working for a year and a half in the industry, I felt the need to deepen my knowledge. I started searching for programs focused on cost engineering, budgeting, and project management that went beyond traditional MBA programs. Through an online LinkedIn and Google search, I discovered the AACE website. Once I was able to navigate through the site and find information about the mentorship program, I was immediately interested. The opportunity to connect with an experienced professional in the field, gain a new perspective, and receive guidance on certifications and career paths was exactly what I was looking for.

Andressa: What motivated you to apply for the mentorship program?

Marina: What attracted me the most was the chance to connect with mentors from around the world. I highly value a global perspective and wanted to learn from someone with diverse industry experience. However, as a junior professional, I also preferred a mentor within my time zone and someone whose experience aligned closely with my career path. This was how I eventually found you Andressa, as the only Brazilian mentor listed at the time. After reviewing your profile and credentials, I felt that you were the ideal mentor for me and I applied to the program.

Andressa: What were your main objectives when starting the mentorship?

Marina: During our mentorship sessions, we primarily focused on two key areas: improving my communication skills, particularly in professional meetings, and expanding my technical knowledge through courses. You were the perfect match for these goals. You provided valuable insights, helped me develop action plans, and even connected me with other industry professionals, which further enriched my learning experience.

Andressa: Can you comment on how our mentorship sessions were structured?

Marina: We aimed for weekly meetings, depending on our availability. Each session lasted about an hour and focused on specific deliverables. I would bring up topics where I needed improvement, and together, we devised strategies to address them. You shared your professional experiences and guided me through real-world applications of cost engineering concepts. Over time, I noticed significant growth in my ability to participate in discussions and make strategic decisions at work. Additionally, I became aware of AACE certifications, which led me to start preparing for the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam.

Andressa: What aspects of the mentorship program had the biggest impact on your career?

Marina: The mentorship was instrumental in helping me develop a more confident and assertive professional presence. It provided me with tools to prepare for both immediate and long-term career challenges. I also gained a broader understanding of cost engineering applications, which was invaluable as a junior professional. With just over two years of experience, this mentorship gave me a clearer vision of my career path and enhanced my daily work.

Andressa: You were one of the first mentees to complete the program. What improvements would you suggest to make the mentorship program more accessible?

Marina: Initially, accessing information about the program on the AACE website was a challenge because the navigation was not intuitive. However, I have noticed significant improvements in website accessibility since then. One major area for growth is increasing the number of available mentors. At the time, you were the only Brazilian mentor, which limited the options for local mentees. Encouraging more professionals from different nationalities to participate as mentors would enhance the program’s reach.

Another effective strategy would be to promote the mentorship program at the end of AACE events, such as webinars and workshops. Additionally, sharing testimonials from past participants, like we are doing now, could help highlight the program’s benefits and attract more professionals to join.

Andressa: Any final thoughts on your mentorship experience?

Marina: This mentorship was an incredible experience, not only for my personal development but also for expanding my professional network. I believe that the exchange of knowledge benefited us both as mentee and mentor. I encourage others to participate in mentorship programs because the guidance and connections made are invaluable.

I am grateful to you Andressa, for your patience, support, and willingness to share your knowledge. Now, I look forward to contributing to the mentorship program’s growth and encouraging more professionals to engage, either as mentors or mentees.

Marina and Andressa’s experience highlights the transformative power of mentorship in career development. The AACE mentorship program fosters meaningful connections that enhance technical expertise, confidence, and professional growth. If you are considering joining as a mentor or mentee, their journey is a testament to the program’s impact and potential.

For more information about the AACE mentorship program, visit: https://communities.aacei.org/mentoring.

To read more about Andressa’s career journey, visit: https://source.aacei.org/2022/10/27/being-your-own-boss-a-story-of-courage-and-continuous-learning/