Meet Pratham Rao
Where are you from, and where do you attend school?
I am originally from India and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in building construction and facilities management at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. I focus on project controls, cost management, and emerging technologies in construction. Being in Atlanta has given me exposure to a diverse professional community and a range of real-world projects connected to the built environment.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
A fun fact about me is that I am very passionate about cooking, especially Indian food, and I love experimenting with healthier versions of traditional recipes. Meal prepping for the week is almost a ritual for me; it helps me stay grounded while balancing classes, research, and professional commitments. I also enjoy sharing food with friends and colleagues, and it often becomes a way to connect people from different backgrounds over a simple home-cooked meal.
Where do you work?
At Georgia Tech, I work as a graduate assistant and program assistant supporting projects within the civil and environmental engineering and expanded learning programs. In these roles, I help with data collection and analysis, scheduling, coordination with project stakeholders, and preparing presentations and reports. Alongside my academic responsibilities, I actively seek opportunities with construction consulting and project controls teams, where I can apply my skills in cost estimation, scheduling, and analytics to real projects.
What do you love most about your job?
What I enjoy most about construction management is the combination of analytical work and practical impact. I am particularly drawn to cost management, earned value, and project controls because they provide a structured way to bring transparency and predictability to complex projects. I also love the collaborative nature of the work; whether it is coordinating with engineers, planners, or owners, there is always an opportunity to learn from others and to see how data-driven decisions influence outcomes in the field.
Do you have a project story to share?
One project that stands out for me involved work related to ADA‑accessible sidewalks and public infrastructure. The project required understanding design standards, reviewing field conditions, and helping communicate technical findings in a way that city stakeholders and community members could understand. It was rewarding to see how careful planning, documentation, and coordination could directly support the creation of safer and more inclusive spaces for everyday users. Experiences like this reinforced my interest in project controls and the importance of clear, well-organized information on any project.
What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career?
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to a new academic system and professional culture while managing multiple responsibilities as a graduate student and researcher. Learning to prioritize, communicate clearly, and be comfortable asking questions has been essential. Some of my favorite moments have been presenting project findings, whether in class, to partners, or at professional events, and realizing that the work done behind the scenes, in data analysis, scheduling, and documentation, can significantly influence how projects move forward.
Why did you join AACE?
I joined AACE because I wanted to be part of a professional community that is deeply focused on cost engineering and project controls. The association’s recommended practices, technical resources, and events align closely with the areas I am most passionate about in my studies and future career. Being involved with AACE also felt like a natural step to connect my academic work with industry best practices and to learn from practitioners around the world.
What do you like most about being an AACE member?
What I appreciate most about being an AACE member is the accessibility of the community and resources. There is always someone willing to share their experience, answer a question, or point you toward helpful materials. I also value the opportunity to attend section meetings, webinars, and conferences, where I can hear real project stories, stay updated on emerging practices, and gradually build a professional network that spans different regions and sectors.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field?
For students or young professionals interested in project controls and cost management, the main advice is to stay curious and be proactive. Building a strong foundation in fundamentals such as scheduling, cost estimating, and risk analysis, while also being comfortable with data and digital tools, can set you apart. Getting involved in professional organizations like AACE, seeking mentors, and accepting challenging assignments will accelerate both your technical skills and your confidence in this field.
Leading an activity with pre‑college students, introducing them to construction, project controls, and the built environment.
Working one‑on‑one with a pre‑college student during a hands‑on session focused on real‑world engineering and problem‑solving.
Fun with the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.