I'll try to make this as brief as possible...About 6 or so months ago I interviewed twice for a Project Engineer job with a construction company and the only reason I wasn't offered the job is because I didn't know how to read blue prints/drawings sufficiently or so the president of the company told me that was the reason. I really wanted the job and I do lack construction experience.
Just this last month I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Management. I don't regret the degree or decision to stay on the path I was on. Now that I've finished my degree, I've decided that I really want to work in the construction industry. There are several things that appeal to me about it...I will get to work outside, I will be part of building something, and as long as people exist thing will needs to be built (a little job security, even though I know construction can get slow at times).
Okay, now that that is out of the way I've been doing some research and going 100 different directions at the moment. I'm looking for some guidance or advice:
I've talked to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University about their Bachelor of Science of in Technical Management with a concentration in Facilities and Construction Management (CM). The enrollment advisor said I'd be better off going through their Master of Science in Project Management program and could land some of the same jobs. Problem number 1 - two very different curriculums. I'm not saying a PMP cert would be more beneficial than a masters degree, but I've been authorized to test for my PMP and I think a BSC in CM with a PMP would be almost as beneficial. Thoughts?
Next, I've been accepted to Louisiana State University to participate in their Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management program. It will take me about 6 months to complete and the courses are the "leveling" courses that are required by the school for a student to take if they are applying to their M.Sc. in CM and do not have a Bachelor's in CM, Civil Engineering, or Construction Engineering. So this could potentially open the doors for me to participate in their Masters program later down the road.
Lastly, I just discovered today that The University of Southern Mississippi has an online, ABET accredited, B.Sc. in Construction Engineering Technology program. The required courses are similar to that of the program at Embry Riddle and LSU. This one adds some architecture in the mix too. I will be talking to the school tomorrow (June 2, 2016) to get a rough idea of how long this will take me to complete. The ironic thing about this program is, from the time I was a kid I was set on becoming an Engineer of some sort. Primarily Architectural or Mechanical; however, once I retired from the military I thought I was to old and it would take to long. Now though, I'm kind of like "whatever, you only live once and might as well run down your dreams."
Questions:
If you were in my shoes, from what I outlined above, what would you do?
If you were looking to hire a Project Engineer/Asst. PM and you had applicants, each with one of these degrees, and no construction experience who would be your top choice? Obviously this is an open ended question and left up to the person making the decision, plus the other factors that play into hiring someone.
Last question: All of these programs are online with the exception of the Embry Riddle program and I can take them locally; what kind of work would you suggest I try to get in the interim, within the construction industry, to help "beef" up my resume while completing another degree. Or, should I even worry about getting another degree?
Long winded I know, I apologize, but I was trying to get it all out there so I can help you better answer my questions.
Thank you for your time and any information or guidance you're willing to provide.
Kind Regards,
Shane
Answers
Steve - No, they didn't list reading blueprints as a requirement. I agree they should have, but there's nothing I can do about it.
I have since bought 4 books to gain some additional knowledge so I can talk smartly on reading blueprints/drawings. So far I've made it about half way through one. While I find it interesting I'm definitely going to have to go back to and read through it again. There are a lot of nuances in the process I've probably missed or didn't read properly.
Hello, Shane.
SAC Wireless is a site acquisition, architecture and construction company in the wireless industry. We have many Project Managers and Construction Managers across the country.
I don't have a preference in the degrees you have listed. A degree is helpful, as it shows a commitment to the profession, your ability to set and complete a goal, and the depth of knowledge you have learned. However, my company requires experience in the area of project or construction management. Some of the positions also require the ability to read (and sometimes create) a blue print.
The position you did not get - did it state the ability to read a blue print was required? If not, they should have!
If you would like to review my company's open positions, please check out www.sacw.com/careers!
Best of luck in your career pursuits!
Shane,
I have spent most of my civilian career as a project manager building IT facilities, and comunications infrastructure for state and local government projects.
Rick hit on a really valid point in his answer. Different companies are going to look for different backgrounds, so it is important to figure out what type of construction you want to work in.
I wouldn't hire a project engineer without a PE license to be able to stamp the project drawings or as-builts. That means an engineering degree, specialized work under the direction of an already licensed PE, and a state exam.
Personally, experience is going to your best path to a construction PM job, and not more education. Having a PMP will help get you through the resume filtering process, but no one is going to hire a lead PM for a job without previous experience in that type of constuction. Instead of spending money on an additional degree, use that money to supplement a lower paying job at a GC or subcontractor in the type of construction you want to be in. Get your OSHA 40 hour certificate and take an initial job as a crew member if you need to get some initial experience and connections. You'll learn quickly to read blue prints, build job books, create safety plans, etc because you'll be part of all those activities on the job site.
Hi Shane...
I own a residential construction company. I design and build custom homes with select renovation projects. I receive job resumes from Construction Management graduates every year. Construction Management requires a solid knowledge of residential or commercial construction, including reading of blue prints.
I require applicants to have a college degree in Construction Management or a minimum of 5 years of actual construction management experience (job supervisor or project manager). Personally, I also require 5 years of carpentry or related experience.
However, I do know larger production builders prefer to hire college graduates so they can train them specifically for the job at hand.
I am not sure if your degree is in Construction Management or Business Management, which are two different fields of study? Personally, without actual construction experience or an education in Construction Management...I think obtaining a Construction Management position in the construction industry would be difficult.
I hope this helps and wish you the very best.
Rick T.
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