Karoline Sandvig named one of EC&M’s 30 Under 30 Electrical All-Stars
FSG is proud to celebrate with Junior Project Manager Karoline Sandvig, who has been nominated for EC&M’s (Electrical Construction & Maintenance) 30 Under 30 Electrical All-Stars. This award highlights and honors young, up-and-coming electrical professionals who demonstrate innovation in technology, as well as a commitment to learning and career advancement.
Cristin Charzewski, FSG Northeast Marketing Manager recently interviewed Karoline about her career and this achievement. Here’s what she had to say!
How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?
I was honestly shocked. I almost deleted the email thinking it was SPAM. Once I had it confirmed that it was real, it felt nice to be recognized in the electrical field so early in my career. It motivates me to be better at what I do and also so I can help better my team as well.
When did you start in the electrical world?
I’ve been in the electrical world my whole life. My dad’s an electrician, so I grew up holding the flashlight for him while he put in a breaker and explained what he was doing – while simultaneously yelling at me because I wasn’t holding the flashlight correctly. My first time at FSG was actually when it was still OK Electric. I really started in the electrical world a little over 2 years ago when I started working with the construction team. I’ve learned so much from the guys that I work with and now I can almost understand what my dad was trying to teach me all those years ago.
What has been a major accomplishment you’ve had in your career so far?
I would say my greatest accomplishment in my career so far has been the electrical knowledge I’ve learned since working here. Now that I understand a little bit more about the industry, it’s cool to be able to talk to my dad about different projects and learn from him as well. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology and a Master’s in Homeland Security with a plan to go into Law Enforcement. I made a decision after graduating from Graduate School that I wanted to change my career path. I will admit that I was anxious – I just spent six years of schooling with a different career plan in my head and decided overnight that I no longer wanted to go that way. When I joined FSG, I had minimal electrical knowledge and thought I made a mistake and it would be too much of a change. However, I have been in this industry for a little over two years and I can say I made the right decision. The people I work with, especially my team, have helped me become a better person, both professionally and personally. I have made close friends at FSG and would not change the decision I made 2 years ago.
What has been your favorite/most memorable/best project so far?
My most memorable project so far was the exterior lighting upgrade we did for the Church of St David the King in West Windsor, NJ. The project involved removing the existing poles in the parking lot and setting new ones with LED area lights. I had one of our apprentices driving and setting poles with the Elliot for the first time. It was the first project where I was the PM, and it all went smoothly and it was awesome to see it come together. The project was also in the town I grew up in and down the street from my high school.
Words of wisdom or tips for anyone who wants to be a Jr. project manager?
I think it’s important to learn from everyone. Each person you meet and interact with can teach you how to improve and be better professionally and personally.
Karoline’s manager, Kevin Grella said:
“Since joining, Karoline has taken on numerous significant responsibilities and she stands out as the go-to person for our systems. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, she has established a strong presence and consistently holds her ground. She is an integral part of the group and a valued member of my team.”
Stephen Malave, VP of Northeast Operations, had this to say:
“Karoline has grown tremendously in the last couple of years. She quickly became a reliable member of the team who is willing to jump in and help in any way she can. She is always trying to improve and learn new things. I’m grateful to have her on the team and excited to see her continued growth in the future.”
Congratulations, Karoline, Keep up the good work!