Al Antelman ⋅ Ventura, CA Albert Antelman Architect ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Susan,
Based on your interests and experience, I would recommend the following three options:
1. Consider an administrative position with an Architectural or Interior design firm. You will be able to gain experience in design development (meeting with clients) and job site coordination and surveillance.
2. Peruse an online degree in residential construction management. A degree in residential construction management prepares students to manage home remodeling projects and oversee home remodeling crews. Some programs require previous educational training in remodeling practices. Students often learn project management skills, drafting and computer modeling. In addition you may consider working at Home depot or Lowes which would allow you to acquire knowledge of construction materials and fixtures (plumbing/lighting).
3. Acquire an online certificate in kitchen and bath design (see, https://store.nkba.org/collections/courses-webinars).
Regards,
Al

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Hello, Susan

Thank you for your service. You are obviously a DIY--do it yourself--kind of person and so am I.

I was an electronics technician in the Navy and my father was a carpenter. When I left, I pursued a career as a carpenter and so now I build my own fences, decks, shelving etc. and do a lot of renovation around my home and for friends.

Since you have a similar interest and skill set, it seems like you could address your passion for this type of work by working for a construction company, a renovation firm, an interior design firm where you can utilize your skill sets in legal, human resources, training, office management and project management. In this career you can be intimately involved in the design, construction and management of residential homes, small businesses, corporate office complexes, etc. and also use your own DIY skills and the news skills you learn to focus on renovation and building projects for your own home, friends and family.

I put myself through college in California building apartment complexes in the summer and through college in Colorado doing the same thing.

Another interesting area you might explore is companies who develop construction, bidding and estimating software for use by contractors and builders. Seems like a growing field and will get even bigger when the US finally implements a nationwide infrastructure building program to grow the economy.

So, I hope these ideas are helpful to you. Good luck in your new career and much success!!!

Regards,

David F Eastman, Veteran, US Navy Avionics

Kathryn O’Brien ⋅ Bell Canada ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Susan, I would be happy to discuss career paths within the IT sector not necessarily Cyber security as that is not my specialty, please let me know and I can share with you.