Some career changes happen gradually. Others begin with a single question: What if I'm meant to do something completely different?
For La'Portia Lang, that question surfaced while she was building a successful career in education.
After earning her bachelor's degree in mathematics, La'Portia spent years teaching math while also serving in STEM and ESL instructional roles, coaching cheerleading, and running a tax and financial consulting business she owned for 15 years. While pursuing her master's degree in mathematics education, she expected to continue growing as an educator.
Instead, she discovered an entirely new passion. Working on residential construction, land development, renovations, and affordable housing projects introduced her to the world of infrastructure.
"I developed a deep interest in infrastructure and heavy civil construction. I became increasingly fascinated by roadways, bridges, concrete plants, and heavy equipment,” she said.
Rather than dismissing that interest, she leaned into it. Today, La'Portia is a Quality Specialist for Kiewit Industrial District, a career she says became possible through LSU's online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management.
Curiosity Can Change Everything
Ironically, La'Portia's interest in construction began because she wanted to become a better teacher.
As Math Department Chair, she analyzed years of student performance data to understand where students struggled most. Geometry, mathematical modeling, structural concepts, and engineering applications consistently stood out.
Instead of simply teaching formulas, she wanted students to understand why they mattered.
"My initial goal was simply to deepen my understanding of the engineering and construction fields so I could become a more effective Mathematics, ESL, and STEM educator for my students."
With support from her principal and community partners, she transformed her classroom into a simulated construction site, complete with donated hard hats, safety vests, and construction-themed learning activities.
The project was a hit. Students became more engaged, and fellow teachers embraced the idea. She was recognized as a Golden Teacher of the Month, and her mathematics department achieved outstanding student performance.
"The experience solidified my passion for the construction industry," she said. "The following fall semester, I was accepted into the Construction Management program, marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter in my professional journey."
Turning a Career Pivot into a Profession
Encouraged by colleagues in engineering, La'Portia reached out to LSU for guidance.
Academic advisors helped her recognize that the analytical thinking she'd developed through mathematics translated naturally into construction management.
"Based on my strong mathematical foundation and growing passion for infrastructure and heavy civil work, I was advised to pursue the Construction Management program. This path proved to be an ideal fit, positioning me to successfully transition into industrial construction and align my career with my long-term professional goals."
Changing careers wasn't without uncertainty, however. She admits one of her biggest personal challenges was overcoming a fear of heights while becoming fascinated with bridges, interstate systems, and high-rise construction. She also encountered skepticism from people who questioned whether construction was the right field for a woman.
Professional organizations and mentors made all the difference.
"They provided opportunities to connect with accomplished women who understood the unique challenges of navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry," she said. "I was also fortunate to be mentored by someone who had successfully made a similar career transition himself."
While continuing to teach full time, La'Portia also found financial support through professional development funding offered by her credit union. LSU advisors worked directly with bank representatives to help navigate the paperwork.
"My academic advisors at LSU were instrumental in this process, working closely with bank representatives to ensure all required documentation was submitted efficiently and funding was secured… Receiving my acceptance notification was met with overwhelming excitement and celebration from my students, whose support meant a great deal to me."
Soon afterward, she completed an internship with a leading heavy civil infrastructure contractor. "From that point forward, I was confident in my decision to pursue a long-term career in industrial construction."
Within months of graduating, she joined Kiewit Industrial District.
Building a New Career at a Whole New Scale
Construction has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Today's projects rely on prefabrication, modular construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM), CAD software, and advanced digital project management tools.
La'Portia said LSU's curriculum prepared her to step confidently into that environment.
"The comprehensive coursework and hands-on projects enabled me to build a strong foundation and transition confidently into the industry."
Since joining Kiewit in 2025, she's served as one of the initial Office and Field Engineers on a 1,200-acre data center project in Texas, gaining experience across nearly every phase of construction.
"The online construction management program prepared me effectively for each discipline to which I have been assigned."
She credits courses in Construction Contracting, Construction Estimating, Construction Scheduling and Cost Control, Construction Materials and Methods, Structural Principles and Practices, and Mechanical and Electrical Systems with preparing her to contribute immediately. Those courses helped her build skills in procurement, estimating, scheduling, project planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
"These academic experiences not only strengthened my practical capabilities in the field but also contributed to my eligibility to pursue professional credentials, including the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineer (PE) licenses."
Learning Never Stops
Long before entering construction, La'Portia encouraged her students to embrace lifelong learning. Today, she follows the same advice herself.
"I have always believed that it is never too late to pursue one's goals or aspirations…Working within a fast-paced industry has reinforced the necessity of maintaining adaptability, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset while continuously striving to remain competitive and confident."
To professionals wondering whether it's too late to start over, La'Portia said, "One of my favorite quotes is ‘A dream deferred is not a dream denied’…it is never too late to reinvent yourself or pursue a new passion. Too often, the biggest obstacle is the belief that we have missed our opportunity. Every experience, skill, and challenge we have faced prepares us for the next chapter. I transitioned into an entirely new field after establishing a career in education, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life.”
She encourages others to define clear goals, seek mentors, build professional networks, and explore tuition assistance or employer-supported education whenever possible.
Most importantly, she believes people shouldn't let fear make the decision for them.
"Growth requires courage, but the discomfort of change is temporary. The regret of never trying can last a lifetime.”
A Dream Years in the Making
For La'Portia, completing an LSU credential fulfilled a dream she'd carried since childhood. "I recall writing down my aspiration to attend Louisiana State University at a young age, and ultimately achieving that goal brought a deep sense of pride and fulfillment."
Today, that dream has become a family tradition. Her daughter is now studying pre-med at LSU, creating a shared legacy that friends and family lovingly celebrate.
"Our strong connection to the university and shared school pride have become a defining part of our story—so much so that friends and family fondly refer to us as the 'LeBron and Bronny James of LSU.'"
Looking back, La'Portia believes her journey proves that career changes don't have an expiration date. “If you are willing to learn, stay humble, and remain committed to your goals, it is never too late to start over, excel, and succeed,” she said.
Build Your Next Career with the Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management from LSU
Designed for professionals who already hold a bachelor's degree, the online LSU Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management can be completed in as few as 6–12 months. Students develop practical skills in construction estimating, scheduling, project management, contracts, construction methods, and materials while preparing for careers across today's construction industry.
Whether you're building on your current experience or ready to reinvent your career, the program offers a flexible path toward your next opportunity.
Explore the online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management, and apply today!
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