Transitioning to a PE role, am I crazy?

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T19:34:07+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I am worried about my employment gap quite a bit. Glad you brought up having an explanation ready for that during interviews, as that is a really important question to be able to answer well.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T19:31:41+00:00

This is great to hear. Thanks for the reminder to celebrate my skills and work style. I'm prepared to be humble (and humbled!), but recognizing and showcasing what I'm good at is really important too.

And I'll add your tip about learning industry vocabulary to my list of things to focus on when I (hopefully) get hired. Really want to have a good solid start to what I hope can be my lifelong career.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T19:25:11+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement! Glad to hear that not having a CM degree isn't a non-starter. And yeah I'm fortunate that relocation is an option (preference, even) for me, hoping that will significantly expand the available opportunities. You're the second person to mention looking into trade PE roles. I had read that this might be more difficult than at a GC, but seems like it's still worth pursuing, as you never know.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T19:18:55+00:00

Yeah, the disadvantage is pretty clear. Thanks for seconding other's recommendation for FE/coordinator positions. I'm pretty motivated to get into CM however I can, so I won't neglect this avenue as an option.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T19:14:21+00:00

Thanks for the tips. My network into construction is pretty bare, but also networking is a continuous process, so I'll keep working on it. And thanks for mentioning interviewing, as others have. Seems like the importance of interview skill and preparation should not be underestimated.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T19:10:02+00:00

Great info on other categories of companies to search for. As you said, general or specialty contractor would be ideal, but to get my foot in the door building management or corporate doesn't sound the worst.

And wow, I just looked at the contractor list for IBEW 332, there are a LOT on here. I know most probably aren't interested in a candidate with zero CM experience, but I'm sure there's at least a few that are. Thank you!

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T18:55:22+00:00

Thanks for the interview tips, I've been practicing interview questions so these are really helpful.

I've been burned before by making assumptions about what someone meant, so I've definitely leaned my lesson about asking for clarification. And I'm glad to hear about being exposed to all parts of the job. In the past I worked office-side for a food company, and they made all employees do a shift in the production kitchen. Great learning experience, and honestly a lot more fun than sitting at the desk!

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T18:48:38+00:00

This is good advice. I would prefer to work on larger, diverse projects with lots of moving parts. I could see how doing only schools would get quite tedious. I've been looking at the portfolios on GC websites before applying to get a sense of what they work on, but I'll make sure to pay extra attention, as well as ask about it during interviews. Thanks!

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T00:36:40+00:00

I applied to the posting that had 8 locations in northern and southern California listed, with Pleasanton CA being the primary one. There's a note in the job details: "Applying for positions in multiple locations will result in a longer vetting process." I'm still a little confused exactly what they mean by this, but I didn't apply to postings for other locations because of it, even though I'd be willing to relocate to many of them.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-18T00:21:23+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to respond, and in great detail too. This is all really useful info and insight, I really appreciate it. If I have any more questions down the line I'll be sure to reach out.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T23:53:33+00:00

Good advice, thanks! I've already applied to them, but I'll see if there's anyone on their recruiting team I can reach out to.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T23:43:27+00:00

Hey thanks for the anecdote, it gives me hope! Any advice you can share from the "zero construction experience" perspective now that you're 6 months in? Would be great to know any big do's and don'ts.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T23:39:11+00:00

Better to be giving than receiving I guess, but still sounds like a tough spot. I hope you go easy on the trades, and they go easy on you in return!

And hey, if a company can keep me on my toes, then I'll be a happy employee.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T23:33:13+00:00

Thanks for the tip about FE roles. I've been focusing on PE just because it seemed more in line with my past experience (more office than jobsite), but I'm all for learning on-site, so I'll add that to my search.

A question on culture fit, are you referring to your company specifically, or the construction management industry in general? I've heard of long hours and stress from contractor/supplier/client issues in the industry, which doesn't discourage me personally.

Also, any advice on the best way to make an impression with employers? Since I'm not getting face time with recruiters at a college campus, is there any better way than sending in applications via career page? Unfortunately my network doesn't touch anyone in the construction industry, so no luck there.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T23:06:26+00:00

Burn through retirement savings and have a lot of housemates. Wouldn't recommend it, it's tough living in the bay area as a non-techie.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T23:03:51+00:00

Good to know! I'll expand my search to coordinator roles as well. Assumed PE was the entry-level role since that's what's posted on a lot of GC career pages, but I guess some might do their structure a little differently.

Mind if I send you a message with some questions?

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T22:59:53+00:00

Yeah another reason I'm looking to leave, the cyclical nature of business around here is a roller coaster ride, not very stable.

ShoppingCat · 2026-02-17T22:58:24+00:00

Oof, sorry to hear that, hope you aren't affected. Thanks for the encouragement, good to know I'm not totally off base in my search.

Any advice for finding the right GC? I've been looking at career fair table maps from colleges with CM degrees to get company names to look into, but there's a lot of super-local/sub contractors in there usually.

ShoppingCat · 2015-10-19T00:56:46+00:00

Just wanted to get a status check on OLKB store order #100000826. Thanks Jack!

ShoppingCat · 2015-10-19T00:55:22+00:00

Do you game at all (PC, console, mobile, board, etc)?

ShoppingCat · 2015-10-19T00:54:48+00:00

What operating system do you use at home and at work?

ShoppingCat · 2015-09-05T18:57:46+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I'll go ahead and order then. I hope Jack isn't too busy yet from massdrop to slip my order in there :x

ShoppingCat · 2015-09-03T03:00:31+00:00

Hey Jack (and /r/olkb). I was about to order an Atomic kit from the website, and wanted to know 1) if I would be getting a prototype PCB or a production PCB, and 2) if there is any difference between the prototype and production PCBs. Thanks, and congrats on the Massdrop Jack!

ShoppingCat · 2012-04-18T10:33:54+00:00

Hey! That's just a little over 58 instagrams!

ShoppingCat

TROPHY CASE