ABBY MILLER ·  Project Engineer      

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you discovered Buch?

Well, I recently graduated from East Carolina University this past winter with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I first met the Buch team at an ECU career fair in 2023. After hearing great things about the company’s culture and environment from my brother, who had interned the summer before, I made a point to visit their table. From my first introduction, the team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and I’ve seen that energy carried throughout the company.

How did your studies in Biomedical Engineering prepare you for your role in our Life Sciences division?

There’s actually more crossover than you might think! What I learned in school about biomedical engineering relates to the labs and facilities Buch builds every day. I have a good understanding of the kind of work the end users are performing and what the final product needs to be, which helps me see the bigger picture in our projects.

What was your experience like as a Buch Intern?

Some of my favorite engineering classes were the ones on project management, and I knew early on it was something I wanted to pursue; I just wasn’t sure how. My internship with Buch gave me that clarity. I got hands-on experience reviewing submittals, writing scopes of work, and spending time on-site, which gave me a real feel for the role. It helped me see what a career in project management could look like and the steps I’d need to take to get there.

How was the transition from intern to full-time Project Engineer?

The transition has been incredibly smooth, thanks to the support of my team. The collaborative culture at Buch makes it easy to ask questions without hesitation. I learn something new every day, and my team is always eager to explain, even when it comes to questions I didn’t yet know I had. As a result, I’ve been able to take on more responsibility, such as reviewing submittals and writing RFIs independently. It’s exciting to be trusted with meaningful work so early in my career.

Can you tell us about the project you’re currently working on?

I’m currently working on a 105,000-square-foot life sciences corporate office renovation. The entire inside of the building was demolished for a full transformation. I’ve been on-site since the start of demolition, and the project is expected to continue into early 2027. It’s exciting to be involved from the ground up and to watch the progress unfold day by day.

What advice would you offer to students or recent graduates considering a career in construction?

I’d tell them to take advantage of every learning opportunity and never be afraid to ask questions. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Internships are the best way to get hands-on experience and see what really excites you. And don’t forget to build connections and look for mentors along the way. The construction industry is always changing and can be so rewarding, especially when you’re surrounded by a supportive team

When you think about what you enjoy most outside of work, what comes to mind? 

I love to golf, read, and go to concerts—some of my favorites have been Harry Styles, Zach Bryan, and Hozier! I also love the beach; living just 15 minutes away from the beach in North Carolina was the best.

What does going Beyond What’s Expected mean to you?

I view “Going Beyond Expected” as a mindset of generosity, integrity, and purpose. It’s the difference between doing what’s expected and doing what’s meaningful. Going Beyond Expected is something that I feel has been demonstrated by the Buch team consistently since my very first interaction at the career fair. It’s the way we handle every interaction with genuine care that establishes trust, credibility, and loyal relationships.