At O&G Industries, Beth Dupont’s calendar fills up fast. As the Chief Human Resources Officer for one of Connecticut’s largest construction companies, she juggles leadership meetings, employee development planning, hiring strategy, and community engagement, often in a single day.
But ask her what drives her most—she won’t list off business metrics. She’ll talk about students.
“I’m always thinking about how we support the next generation of talent,” she says. “That’s why I’m involved with UConn and the Career Champion program, because it’s not just about filling roles. It’s about helping students see what’s possible.”
Beth didn’t originally set out to work in construction or HR. Her early career spanned industries like hospitality and healthcare, and she’s worked in both local and global roles. That range gives her a unique lens on what makes people thrive at work, and what students need to understand before they even apply.
So, what does she want students to know?
“Your major doesn’t define you. Your attitude, your curiosity, your ability to adapt—that’s what matters.”
Beth Dupont
“First, your major doesn’t define you,” Beth says. “Your attitude, your curiosity, your ability to adapt, that’s what matters. You can learn the technical skills. What we’re looking for is someone who’s ready to learn, who asks good questions, who’s willing to grow.”
At O&G, Beth and her team don’t call them “soft skills.” They refer to them as Essential Professional Skills, and they’re baked into everything from performance reviews to partnerships with local schools. Through programs like the Construction Career Academy, they connect with student as early as middle school to spark awareness about the future paths in skilled trades, project management, and engineering.
“You can’t wait until someone is graduating from college to start that conversation,” she says. “That’s why career readiness needs to be a shared responsibility between employers, educators, and students themselves.”
As a Career Champion, Beth brings that mindset to her relationship with UConn. She attends events, meets with students, and even coaches others in her industry to take more active roles in career education.
“I’ve met UConn students who followed up years after a panel I spoke on,” she says. “It reminds you, what you say sticks. Your presence matters. And students are paying attention.”
Beth also has practical advice for job seekers trying to stand out in today’s competitive market. For one, she’s a fan of clarity. “Tell me what you’ve done, why it mattered, and what you learned from it. That’s what makes a résumé or interview response memorable.”
And yes, she knows AI is in the mix. Her take? Use it wisely. “If you’re using it to brainstorm or edit, fine. But if you’re just pasting something you didn’t write, it shows. We can tell.”
She encourages students to think of their first job not as the finish line, but the launch pad. “Your first role doesn’t have to be perfect,” Beth says. “But it should stretch you. It should help you build confidence, skills, and a network.”
And for those considering a future in industries like construction, she offers an open invitation: “Reach out. Ask questions. Learn about the possibilities. Because there are so many opportunities students don’t even realize exist, and I want to help change that.”
Behind the scenes, leaders like Beth aren’t just hiring—they’re shaping futures. And at UConn, we’re proud to have her as a Career Champion helping students make informed and empowered choices from day one.
