2 answers
Joseph
Student
Salisbury, Maryland
3
Questions
Updated
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How quickly after college did you locate viable employment in the Construction Management field?
I will be a college freshman on August 19, 2016. For as many years as I can recall, I have planned to be an Engineer. After several job shadows last summer, I am now unsure about being trapped at a desk for 40+ hours a week. I still have a propensity for math/engineering and that area of study. After reviewing the majors available at my college, I discovered Construction Management. I am looking for additional insight on this career. #construction-management #career #construction #Business #college #career-counseling
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2 answers
Jeff Smith
Microsoft Senior Account Executive
1
Answer
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Joseph. Although I don't have Construction Management experience I can share that I too was on a track to be an engineer and had the same desk-job concerns while I was in college. I have a nephew who studied construction management at Arizona State and has been doing that for 15 years now. He loves it. However, his wife and children have had to put up with changing homes/cities 5 times. That's a lot of moving around. It suites them and they have loved the experiences and getting to know new people in new cities with each adventure. It's been a prosperous career for him so far - and one that gets him up and out of the chair.
As for me, like I said, I too didn't want a desk job. I was naturally good at math/science and enjoy engaging with people and trying to solve business problems. While I was in my junior year of college I went to my advisor and shared my tied-to-a-desk concern about engineering and also my other passions - she recommended I get a business marketing degree. I did that and did a paid internship my junior/senior year in the field I'm in now. That gave me the confidence back then that I was on the right path for me.
I hope this helps. You're wise to think about the kind of work you want to do and the environment you want to work in.
As for me, like I said, I too didn't want a desk job. I was naturally good at math/science and enjoy engaging with people and trying to solve business problems. While I was in my junior year of college I went to my advisor and shared my tied-to-a-desk concern about engineering and also my other passions - she recommended I get a business marketing degree. I did that and did a paid internship my junior/senior year in the field I'm in now. That gave me the confidence back then that I was on the right path for me.
I hope this helps. You're wise to think about the kind of work you want to do and the environment you want to work in.
Lori Gattineri
Sales
4
Answers
Sausalito, California
Updated
Lori’s Answer
Hi Joseph! I have worked in commercial real estate not in construction management but every firm I have worked for had construction management. Few things to look at, do you know any local real estate or real estate firms? If so, I would reach out to these people/companies and express your passion.
If you do not, walk or drive around your city. If you see a project under construction there is typically a sign that states the construction company. From that, find a contact on LinkedIn and express your interest to see if you can meet them to discuss a career in the industry. People are eager to help eager young people.
Have a great reason why you want to go into this field.
If you do not, walk or drive around your city. If you see a project under construction there is typically a sign that states the construction company. From that, find a contact on LinkedIn and express your interest to see if you can meet them to discuss a career in the industry. People are eager to help eager young people.
Have a great reason why you want to go into this field.