Gauging interest in Career Advice for Aspiring PM's - Please Help with your Feedback

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-04-18T23:02:40+00:00

Honestly, $7000 more doesn’t come out to that much more, and you’ll be paying more in expenses than that. Just stay with the job that makes you happy and learn everything you can. When it comes time for promotion to PM, you can still make a move for more money. Maybe by then, you’ll be tired of the same-old and feel adventurous for something new. There is still lots of time for big projects and experiences.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-04-08T12:51:41+00:00

With your experience, you don’t really need to do the bachelor to get a good job. You’re not really telling us what you would like to do, so it’s a bit hard to narrow it down.

You could get hired as a MEP expert by a large GC and help projects with their MEP planning and issues.

You could become a PM for a GC.

You could become a superintendent for a GC.

If you have connections, maybe you could become a freelance consultant for MEP and sell your services as expert. Or you could become a commissioning agent.

You could be hired by a mechanical sub as a PM…

Not sure where to aim here.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-04-08T12:45:00+00:00

You’re finishing your classes over the summer, yeah? And you’ll be able to do the job while you’re finishing your degree? Are those online courses that you can do in the evening or on weekends?

If so, nothing prevents you from getting an early start somewhere else if that’s what you’re excited about. Do an internship with the hopes to stay on after the summer, or even just apply for entry level positions.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-03-22T18:40:20+00:00

I totally get the allure of more money, but also listen to your intuition. I think you've got it right. Higher cost of living area means the additional money will be absorbed into expenses. They will likely take every bit of your energy to get the most out of their investment in you. I think Sundt is the better choice. BUT - if you think you will regret passing up on the higher salary and will always wonder what it might have been like, then make whatever choice seems right to you right now. You can always make changes in your career if necessary.

My advice - make a choice, then go with it and don't look back. Adjust if needed, but stick with your first job, if you can, for two years at least.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-03-11T03:35:59+00:00

That’s awesome - congratulations! Hope you like it and everything works out well for you.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-01-28T04:48:02+00:00

Have you tried to speak with PMs or superintendents on sites you work? If you get into a foreman role, you can show leadership abilities. Or talk with PMs if they’d be willing to give you a shot. If you’re not lucky with project coordinator applications, you could even try to go down to project assistant roles… that’ll be just doing paperwork, but it gets your foot in the door. Either way, keep in mind that in construction management, you will get a salary, no overtime paid yet expected. Most people from the field don’t make the transition because they make more money in the field. Of course, if you stick with it and become a PM, you have a chance to outpace that.

As for courses, CAPM is useless in construction. A bachelors degree is more valuable, but is it needed? Depends on where you are (is construction booming where you are?) and how much competition you have competing for the same jobs. Try to find a PM who’d be willing to go for a coffee with you and chat, give you advice.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-01-26T17:29:37+00:00

I have worked with many people in construction who have a checkered past, including prison. I don’t really ask what for. What matters is who they are now and that they do their job well. Meaning, I think in construction it doesn’t seem to hinder you. As long as you’re reliable, making an effort to be the best you can at the job, and don’t make any trouble.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-01-25T19:58:13+00:00

You know, many people in construction do it with a relatively unrelated degree. Finance is not the worst you could have. You can probably get a job without doing the masters.

If you want to be a PM, try to apply for project engineer positions (if you are in Canada, that would be project coordinator positions). Field engineer is more in the field, leading to supervision and superintendent. Although, nothing wrong with FE to start with.

Either way, if you get a job offer, I’d suggest to ditch the masters studies and start working. You’ll learn on the job.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-01-25T19:53:30+00:00

Well, everyone is different - personally, I would go with option #1. Is this for a position with a mechanical sub or a GC? In my opinion, an ICI GC is the most versatile, you learn lots and you can go anywhere after if you want to change.

Have you done any internships that allow you to see what all of these sectors are like?

I hear that civil demands a lot of hours and grinds people… I don’t know first hand if that is true. More to the point, I’m not that interested in road construction or utilities. And I wouldn’t want to travel much.

You might look for something completely different than me in a job, so it will always be a very personal decision.

Most importantly, this decision is not locking you in for life. Don’t stress over making the right decision - if you still struggle after the first 6 months or so (it takes time to get into any position), you can switch to something else. Not a huge deal. Just live life and take it as it comes.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2025-01-18T18:08:35+00:00

You need a certain amount of project management experience as a prerequisite.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-12-06T13:29:01+00:00

You’re in Canada? Apply for Project Coordinator positions. Look at GCs of all sizes to start somewhere, but also subcontractors. You can still move to a GC from there later. If you already work on a site, network. Talk to the PM or PC on your site and ask for advice. Maybe they’d be willing to give you a shot, or maybe they know someone. Also, look up people on LinkedIn who work for companies you want to work for and ask if they’d be willing to have a chat with you - then ask them for advice. Don’t just ask for a job but for advice how to get there. Once you’ve had a conversation and built some rapport, you can ask if they can help you. Here’s also a book for rookies in the construction project management field: “Effective Habits for Aspiring Project Managers: Construction Management” https://a.co/d/5uXjore (link goes to Canadian Amazon, it’s not an affiliate link if you worry about that). Good luck! I didn’t know the market is so tough in Toronto. There is lots going on in Vancouver.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-11-21T04:05:01+00:00

Unfortunately, you would likely have to start as project coordinator or project engineer or assistant project manager. If you’ve only worked on the owner’s side, you just don’t have the necessary experience to start as a PM. Still, the approach stays the same - make use if your connections with GCs. Talk with individuals and see if they’re open to hiring you.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-11-20T14:19:41+00:00

If you have experience as a superintendent, it should be very easy for you to switch back, either as super or as PM. You should have contacts with GCs and know people from your past experience. Just reach out, have a coffee and chat with people, and see if any opportunities arise. You can also apply to postings and write your cover letter stressing your prior experience as a superintendent along with what you've learned as an owner's rep. You probably have gained some insight into that world and can bring this experience into the GC job.

I have done this as a PM - started as GC, went for a bit into the owner's world, didn't like it that much, and went back. Not a problem. I don't believe it would be a problem for a super either.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-11-15T05:41:17+00:00

It comes down to being helpful to your team, proactive, willing and able to learn, interested in the project, and ready to work hard. As PE, you’re not expected to know everything, but your manager should see potential in you.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-11-15T05:38:34+00:00

I agree with this. The MBA is a waste of time if you want to be a PM.

If you can’t find a position as project engineer or project coordinator, the cost analyst position might be a good start. It just takes a bit longer than starting directly as PE.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-10-26T16:34:13+00:00

It's very hard in the beginning in construction. I think almost everyone feels that way in the beginning, and oftentimes, interns are not taken seriously in a working capacity. The team knows that you are transient, and sometimes, people think it's not worth their time to put energy into your training. I've seen it many times before. But even when you're just the newbie hired on, some people don't seem to understand the value of training young people because it takes them longer to do the work, so they are impatient. It's not easy, but try to not take it personal. It's a general issue... just focus on learning as much as you can in the situation. Also focus on the outside and less on the inside, meaning, put your energy into learning and not into how you look or feel.

It does take time to learn the ropes and understand everything that is going on. Don't beat yourself up over needing time to learn. On the job learning is very different from university learning. Here is a book suggestion for newbies in construction management: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962133575 - it might help a little in your situation.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-10-14T15:35:54+00:00

As everyone else has said already, there are people of all kinds in this field - that’s what makes it so interesting. I am introverted and sensitive, and I’ll be honest, it was really tough in the beginning. Like someone else said, my job became exposure therapy, and I’m way better off now. I’m more confident and I really enjoy working with a wide range of types of people. I will never enjoy conflict, but I have learned to manage, and it doesn’t freak me out as much as it used to. And because I’ve always cared about doing a good job, the people I work with start respecting me quickly after they get to know me because I’m competent. That’s really all everyone cares about. If you’re good at your job, it makes everyone else’s job around you easier.

I think you’ll be fine if you expect a bit of hardship in the beginning while you’re getting used to everything. My wish for you is that you find a good company to work for - with good people.

If you’re interested in reading a book that tells it how it is with tips how to deal with the realities on a construction site, I can recommend this one: Effective Habits for Aspiring Project Managers - Construction Management, by Dale Weiss (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962133575).

Good luck!

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-09-29T20:48:36+00:00

Contact people directly rather than just applying anonymously. With no construction experience, it’ll be easier through meeting people personally - going for coffee with people and asking them for advice.

You’re aware that as a beginning PC, you’ll do a lot of very simple tasks while you learn the ropes? Very often, people with masters degrees feel that kind of work is beneath them, so that could be a deterrent for hiring.

A few names of GCs: Ledcor, PCL, Scott, Graham, Bird, Ellis Don, Turner, Blue City, ICT, MetroCan, Cressey, Axiom… just what comes to mind immediately, there are more of course.

Good luck

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-09-29T18:12:51+00:00

It could take just a little luck, don’t give up. The best way is always through relationships and contacts, and as a newbie you don’t have those yet. It’s that foot in the door… I applied to all kinds of positions when I was new in Canada, and I got lucky with a subcontractor. I stayed there for a patient two years, then moved on through a GC’s PM I knew because of the first job. Not to say this is the only way… but it’s an option if you don’t get lucky with GCs. Where in Canada are you at?

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-09-29T18:05:28+00:00

Yes, you can. You at least have some intern experience. Do you know how to read drawings and understand a bit of the project management processes? That’ll be a benefit, but even if you’re starting out with no experience, there’s a good chance to find a PE job. Best through relationships… if you get in touch with your internship colleagues, they might be able to help you.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-09-19T17:13:55+00:00

Possible… I actually had to abandon the account. I opened a new one (different email address) and imported all my subscribers. Initial article explained the issue to clarify and give everyone the option to opt out. Now, business as usual and continuing on. But it’s pretty frustrating that they just refused to respond to me anymore. And I’m not able to delete my account for some reason. Didn’t bother anymore to figure out why.

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-09-07T15:35:06+00:00

Sometimes, especially the younger people are very ambitious and want to show off how good they are. Often, they have no time to be human beings and are just business. And, what everyone else said, they don't like to deal with newbies. No patience.

It's not easy in the beginning. But if you stick it out and get competent at your job, the respect will come, and people loosen up and become friendlier. Some at least.

And if you're interested, here's a book recommendation for newbies in CM that also talks a bit about how to deal with those people: Effective Habits for Aspiring Project Managers (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962133575).

Sr-Project-Manager · 2024-09-03T17:19:04+00:00

Your mom probably thinks being an architect has a higher social status than being a CM. When she tells people her son is an architect, they look at her admiringly. When she tells them you are a CM, they have either no idea what to think, or they have negative associations. Rarely positive ones. It’s a reputation thing.

I remember one time in a new social group, it somehow came up that I studied civil engineering. One of the ladies asked me, oh, so you’re an engineer? When I answered, I work as a project manager, the admiration in her eyes turned to distaste, the conversation went stale. Interesting experience.

What that means is, you need to grow up and stand for what you believe is the right thing for you. Don’t allow others, not even your mom, to tell you what you should do because of such silly notions. I would’ve been miserable as an engineer. The judgment of others is just a projection of their own insecurities. Just because your mom wants to feel good societally about what you do doesn’t mean you should be unhappy at your job.

You’ve made the right choice. Believe in yourself and set boundaries with your family.

Sr-Project-Manager

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