“I didn’t know that I wanted to pursue project management initially,” says Allie Cambric, an Assistant Project Manager based in the Houston area. “But once I was exposed to it and learned more, I knew that I wanted to become a project manager.”

Allie’s interest in project management developed quickly at Hill. She first joined the company as an intern in January 2022, assisting the Human Resources team with data entry. After she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain and HR Management from the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business in June 2022, she was offered a full-time job as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator before being promoted to Talent Acquisition Specialist in October 2022.

As she advanced, however, Allie wanted a new challenge that built on her existing skills. She wanted to learn more about the operations side of the company, especially upon hearing different project managers talk about their various projects and how they helped their clients solve their unique problems.

“I knew I wanted to do something that involved solving challenges and working with a team, but I also wanted to take on a role that allowed me to lead,” says Allie, referring to her positive experience with her supply chain classes where she worked on case studies with a group. Students were required to dissect case studies and present solutions to problems that real companies had in their supply chain department.

“The case studies took a lot of critical thinking, communication, and teamwork,” says Allie. “Once I learned about the different approaches and strategies, I began to enjoy the job and the responsibilities that came with it.”

Transitioning to Project Management with Hill Leadership Support

When Allie first expressed interest in project management in June 2023, Hill leadership quickly mobilized to support her career goals, starting with her manager at the time, Kelli Wade, Senior Talent Director, Americas. She helped Allie develop a plan for her transition, especially because Allie was also working to complete an MBA in Strategic Management, which aligns well with a career in project management and operations.

“I was already getting my MBA before I started learning project management and fully transitioning,” Allie explains.

“Balancing school with a full-time job while also learning another role was very difficult, but with the support of Hill’s leadership, I was able to manage.”

“Marcus Swayzer [Deputy Operations Director, Houston] and Robert Ferguson [First Vice President, Texas/Southern Operations] were open to the idea of me moving into operations,” continues Allie. “Heather Oberst was the project manager who took me under her wing as I began to shadow her in October 2023. She is now my boss.”

Kelli recognized Allie’s drive immediately: “Allie was in two roles while on my team, which helped her explore her passion for project management. I’m glad I was able to help her join the projects team and that she had the support of Hill.”

Learning New Skills as an Assistant Project Manager

While shadowing Heather, Allie’s typical day included traveling to the job site, sitting in on meetings, talking to clients, and walking the project site.

“Heather allowed me to travel with her and showed me what project management at Hill entails,” remembers Allie. “She was and still is a very good mentor. I couldn’t be more grateful to have her as my manager.”

Heather elaborates: “When Allie expressed interest in transitioning to the project operations team, we set up a plan for her to shadow me performing my day-to-day tasks as Project Manager for the Lamar State College Orange New Academic Building. She quickly took a liking to the job and was able to fully transition into her current role as an Assistant Project Manager after about six months of job shadowing while still working full time with the talent acquisition team and completing her MBA.”

Allie’s experience shadowing Heather equipped her with the tools and confidence to manage her own project. She is currently helping to manage the Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) renovation, a community college that’s part of the Texas State University System. The 38,000 SF, $16.6 million project, which will be completed in July 2025, involves renovation of the Madison Monroe building, which consists of hazardous material abatement, full interior demolition, and build back of a modern and updated space. The building will house various department offices, classrooms, computer labs, student gathering spaces, updated restrooms, mechanical rooms, and the IT server room. Construction will include a new HVAC and electrical system, a new roof, and new windows.

Today, Allie’s day-to-day tasks include managing the project scope, budget, and schedule, in addition to documenting work, communicating with the architect/engineer and contractor, walking the job site, and updating the client. She also applies new skills in her role.

“To be successful in project management, some of the necessary skills are time management, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills,” she shares. “A critical skill that I have learned since being an Assistant Project Manager is having a proactive approach. You must always stay on top of your project. The client is putting trust and faith in you to handle the project accordingly.”

Career Satisfaction

Allie acknowledges that while the transition to project management took a lot of learning and adapting, the work is fulfilling.

“I enjoy working for my client. To work for great people and feel welcomed is a rewarding feeling,” she says. “I’m thankful to my coworkers in the Houston office for this opportunity and for providing flexibility and support.”

Heather said of Allie’s accomplishments: “Allie’s determination to learn and be successful in her career has helped her excel in a short amount of time. She is an instinctive problem solver and is a natural when interacting with clients, managing her project team, and working efficiently to deliver a successful project. Allie is adaptive, resourceful, and brings a fun energy to the project. As her manager, she inspires me to work hard and continue reaching for new heights. Overall, she is a terrific addition to the project team and is helping to build a sustainable pipeline of emerging leaders within Hill.”

Allie is now a champion for career development at Hill. She believes Hill University is a great resource, as well as seeking mentorship from managers and leaders.

“Embrace change and ask questions, as many as you can. Allow yourself to take interest in something that intrigues you and never be afraid to change if that’s something you see yourself being successful in,” Allie advises.

For those interested in exploring career opportunities at Hill, please visit: https://www.hillintl.com/careers/