Advice Needed For The Young And Eager

maherghomes

Hi everyone,

I’m a new member of the forums looking to increase my knowledge abut the construction world. To give a little background of myself, I’m a 22 yr old guy that’s fixing to begin my senior year in civil engineering school. I currently own my own company building homes. I’ve just completed my second home, so I’m very new to the construction world. My grandfather and I also purchased 80acres here in town and in the process of developing a subdivision. I also work with a large construction management company in Alabama, as a project engineer (basically a project assistant). I’m the first person in my family to do any type of engineering or construction work so I have no good contacts when it comes to getting advice. Being in the situation I’m in, only way I know to learn is to reach out to others that’s already been there, done that and try to learn from there experiences.

I’m looking to own my on commercial contraction business one day that will have engineering and maybe architecture firm in-house. From what I’ve been hearing is that money is made in contracting and not the engineering side. Having an engineering background, plus to save money are the major reasons of wanting to do engineering in-house.

My question to everyone on here is for A LOT of advice. What type of construction (if this was you trying to succeed in life) would you focus on that would benefit a lot of from having the engineering firm in-house? Would it be road construction, underground drainage, project management, etc… Where would you say the money is at? I'm leaning towards commerical development/project managment with the in-house engineering, but my question to that is what baby steps would you take to get there? I understand I can't go directly to condominums, and etc, so what steps would you take to get there?

Thanks so much for any information that might be provided to me. I’m just a young kid eager to do well life by trying to learn from others. Very glad to have stumbled across the forums

threaderman

I don't do anything only because that's where the money is.If I didn't love what I do then I wouldn't be any good at it.Chose something that gets you fired-up and that's what you'll have the most success at,IMHO.

ponch37300

I agree with the last advice. Also if you are looking to do project management you will need more than an engineering degree, you will need lots of experience which it sounds like you are getting some by building houses. Are you doing any work yourself or just sub contracting them. The best project managers(from my experience) are ones that have actual hands on experience and a dood knowledge of construction. No offense to you as an engineer but there have been numerous times on big hospital or stadium jobs that engineers think it can be done cause it worked on paper but in the real world there is some reason that what workes on paper doesn't always work on the job. If you are looking to own your own company right away, do a TON of research on what each feild does and pick which one you want to go into by what you think you will enjoy doing. I would suggest hiring a leadman that has a good knowledge of what ever field you decide on to give you some guidance and you can learn from him. It sounds like you have a good start but lack the real world experience that can only come with time. And whatever you do do it for the right reason, to make you happy you are doing it, not just doing a job for money. Don't get me wrong, we are all here to make money, but make money while enjoying doing it. Good Luck

maherghomes

Thanks for the advice. Others feel free to chime in.

Everyone I talk to says what you two have suggested about money. I don't have any hands on experience. When I do begin my company, I have a few people in mind that will be apart of this process. The people I'm talking about will bring my hands on/field experience to the company. School kills all my time pretty much. I highly love everything I have done so far...just looking at blue print intrest me. If I had to choose from anything, I'm interested in all types developing work. If its houses, office depots, bank, hotels, etc., I like it all.... My question is what steps to take as a young developer/contractor to eventally work my way to doing large structures.....hope my question is making sense...

Brian

Read The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand.

Brian Phillips

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Tscarborough

My advice would be to work for someone before jumping out on your own. After you graduate, get a job with a good small to medium sized outfit in your chosen field and get some paid OJT. After a couple of years, the chance of succeeding on your own will be greatly enhanced, and your mistakes will cost someone else money.

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It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

maherghomes

I looked it up on amazon, seems strange but I'll further look into. Thanks.



Yeah, I'm kinda going the route now. I'm working with a very large construction company that has offices in alabama, texas, carolina, and flordia...There are bascially a construction managment company. I'm pretty much working as a projet manager assisant but I'm not learning much. It so far has been pretty much common sense. I call people, organize meetings and meet people at the job site, pretty basic...I'm going in Jan. to take a 5 day estimating class to kinda get my feet wet in that direction....



Guess I'll just keeping going in the direction I'm going in. Sonnier or later, I will figure it all out.

Tscarborough

That is why you need to work for a small to medium sized company. A large one will not allow you the opportunity to expand your role and learn all aspects like a small one will.

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It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

maherghomes

Good point. Thanks for the advice.