Fatimah Butt
Degree
B.S. in Building Construction, minor in Landscape Architecture
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
"I chose Virginia Tech because it offers a construction program that aligns perfectly with my interests and career goals. I knew I wanted to attend a school with a strong focus on career and professional development, and Virginia Tech has an excellent reputation for preparing students to succeed in their fields. The building construction program stood out for its emphasis on hands-on learning and practical applications which is exactly what I was looking for in a university.
Another big factor was the campus itself. Virginia Tech has such a beautiful and welcoming environment, which made me feel at home right away. The Drillfield, Hokie Stone buildings, and overall sense of community make it a special place to learn and grow."
Why did you choose Building Construction (BC)?
"I chose building construction because growing up, I was always interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and architecture. In high school, I took a construction class, and my teacher—who happened to be a Hokie alumnus—had such a positive and inspiring attitude toward this field of study. His passion for construction and the way he made the class both interesting and fun really left an impression on me.
When I discovered that Virginia Tech offered a building construction program, I immediately knew I had to apply. It felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my interests with a strong, hands-on education at a school known for its commitment to career and professional development."
Career Goals
"My career goal is to become a construction executive or superintendent because I love the combination of leadership and fieldwork. I thrive in roles where I can guide a team, solve problems, and ensure projects are completed successfully, while still being hands-on and connected to the construction process.
I also look forward to enjoying every step of the journey, starting as a project engineer and gaining valuable experience along the way. My ultimate hope is to work on mega projects that have a significant impact as I find the complexity and scale of these projects both exciting and inspiring."
What would you tell students who are interested in joining the Myers-Lawson School of Construction (MLSoC)?
"The Myers-Lawson School of Construction is an outstanding program that provides endless opportunities. Before coming to Virginia Tech, I wasn’t very familiar with everything this program had to offer, but I’ve come to realize just how exceptional it is.
Our diverse range of classes is hands-on, technical, team-based, and seamlessly reflects the real-world construction industry. The program strikes a great balance—fun, hardworking, and manageable—allowing students to explore interests beyond their major and participate in extracurriculars outside of their studies.
One of the standout features of MLSoC is its strong focus on career and professional development. We even have our own career fair, giving students direct access to industry leaders and job opportunities. If you’re looking for a program that prepares you for success while providing a supportive and dynamic environment, MLSoC is the place to be."