re: Construction Management redux.....

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The experience comments relate to being on a job site doing real work...operating equipment, framing, running a jackhammer on concrete somebody screwed up, storing and maintaining material lay down areas, learning tools, understanding job site culture and methods of communication, becoming fluent in reading/interpreting drawings, etc, etc, etc. I could go on for an hour on this. The bottom line is, just like this guy said, if you don't know how to build it then you'll never be able to manage it. I worked in the field as a laborer for a couple summers starting the yr bf college. Worked my way up to managing small crews for misc activities the super felt like I could handle. Ended up helping him with layout for site work, foundations, building corners, interior finishes, etc. When I graduated LSU's CM dept I moved to Atlanta and got a job the first week I came over. My gpa sucked bc I partied my arse off in college, but they never even asked...I had that sheet of paper and I had 6 yrs of experience that allowed me to be fluent in the language of construction. That early experience has really propelled me to where I am today along with my ability to sell and develop relationships. Just started my own biz this year and we're kicking arse.

You need to pinpoint where you want to get. Do you like commercial or industrial? Do you want to be a GC and run the whole process or be a sub and try to be the best at your limited scope. Once you answer a few of these types of questions you'll be able to figure out the best spot to start learning. You can always go "hang drywall" for the local union but that may not expose you to other things that will help you grow in the right direction. Always be thinking about you're position and be mindful about doing things and being places that will be stepping stones for where you want to be. It will most likely not come fast, but you'll look back in 15-20 yrs and be astounded at all of your experience. Another thing I learned along the way...try to work for the best companies with the best reputations. You need to learn how they operate and emulate everything they do. It's been very beneficial to me.

Lastly, work your arse off. It kind of goes without saying, but get there early and stay late before you have a lot of family obligations. Those early years have the ability to propel you in the future even without you knowing it. You should also identify a few people that can mentor you along the way. For me it's successful construction related business owners that have character and integrity. It's invaluable to be able to pick up the phone and call those types of people and get insight on a situation you've never dealt with.

Sorry for the wall of text, but this is a subject I'm passionate about.

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Be passionate all you want and let me know everything. I need to be schooled. I was hoping it wouldn't be actual grunt work but more shadowing the field manager but I am willing to do the former if it will make me better equipped in the long run.

The local unions offer apprenticeship programs that are structured and tailored to teach you the industry which is why I wanted to sign up with one but you think it would be too limited in scope? Is it not the same work? Same experience?

Now are you saying that it's near impossible to find an entry level project manager job without experience OR that I would benefit tremendously above and beyond if I were to actually get on a site and work first?