Above: TEAM METROMONT part of Project Precast 2020, Vasishta is second from left.
The PCI Foundation recognizes Tanmay Vasishta as the future of precast due to his involvement in the Foundation's studio at Colorado State University, and his participation in 2019 and 2020 in Project Precast design competitions. In March, his university also honored Tanmay with this story. Congratulations!
Driven to learn and explore more about construction, Vasishta applied to several competitive schools across the United States to pursue his graduate studies. CSU’s CM program was his selection due to its reputation, faculty, course curriculum, industry exposure, and unsurpassed location. “Looking back at my journey at CSU, I am proud of my decision,” said Vasishta.”
Vasishta earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, with honors, from DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology. While working on his degree, he participated in several internships with structural-design and construction firms. It was during his first six-month field internship with DLF, a real-estate developer, where he realized his love for construction. He said, “The sense of pride in helping build something that makes a difference in people’s lives made me pursue a career in the construction industry.”
Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree, he worked with one of the largest construction companies in India, Shapoorji Pallonji, on a high rise mixed-use project. The varied responsibilities that came with being a field engineer and an office engineer provided practical experience of both field and project management. He realized there was so much to learn. It prompted his search for one of the best construction programs in the United States.
Prepared for a career
Asked if he believes his experience at CSU has prepared him for his career, Vasishta responded, “Being an international student, it did not look like an easy ride at first; but I would like to thank the CM department for their continuous support. Having no prior research experience, it was a great platform to contribute towards the construction industry. I learned a lot during the course of my master’s thesis on, ‘Comparative Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Precast and Cast-in-Place Buildings.’
Vasishta and Mehany
I feel privileged to have Dr. Mohammed Mehany as my advisor, who brought the best out of me and guided me throughout. I would not have been able to achieve this success without his support. The course curriculum educated me with technical aspects of construction, which landed me a summer internship with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. I had a great time at CSU, as the welcoming nature of the university and friendly people helped me in transitioning into a new country and made things easier.” He also cited his involvement in competition on a national level as not only helping him grow, but also providing an amazing experience.
Career plans
After graduation, Vasishta will be working for Swinerton as a project engineer in Denver, where he looks forward to applying his past experience with the knowledge gained during these past two years, and to live out his dream of working in construction. He wants to learn as much as he can from practical experience, then possibly transition into more challenging roles in business development.
What is his advice for current CM students? “My journey being a CM graduate student made me realize that it all comes down to how badly you want it,” says Vasishta. “Along with theoretical concepts, practical knowledge is key. I would advise students to involve themselves in clubs and competition teams. The CM department provides a plethora of opportunities to enhance practical knowledge, and make you a promising candidate to construction companies. However, the students should strenuously set themselves to make the most of those opportunities. Arthur Ashe said that ‘success is a journey and not a destination.’ I am extremely thankful to my advisor, faculty, friends and family for being a part of my journey.”