What is the best way to get into the building and GC industry?

Question

Hi,

I'm currently working in South LA on my second residential property. I'm looking to work for a local GC as an Project Engineer. Ideally with a contractor who does both commercial and residential projects in LA.  My experience comes from mainly my own projects, I've also assisted others on their projects and have studied various online resources. I can read blue prints and have an understanding of how various aspects of a project should be done and look.

What is the best way to work with a contractor if you're starting out in the industry?

The past 10 years I've spent in Marketing and Advertising. Since I've already begun investing in properties and renovating them, I'd like to scale up by working with a contractor.

Best,

Parker

Jennifer Slaughter · Answer

@Parker Steele, it sounds like you have a diverse background, is your education in Engineering or Marketing?

Your post popped up in my keyword alerts because you mentioned Colorado State University, it's my Alma Mater and I also took some classes through the Global campus. The global campus is great because you can take the classes around your schedule but I agree with what some others have said, tapping your network, putting in the hours and working your way up will get you the best results.

No doubt, if you have military experience you can adapt and work the long hours. I would want to evaluate the total time and financial investment that it would take as you are getting experience and working your way up.  It really depends on what your end game goal is.  Whatever your goal is, you can get to it through various paths and some are more treacherous than others.  Is your ultimate goal to be a project engineer/GC or to be a full time investor?

Manolo D. · Answer

Kind of catch 22, I would prefer experience over education. Taking online classes does not matter on my books therefore doesn't have real weight.

Parker Steele · Answer

@Jennifer Slaughter Great suggestions! I'm at a crossroad with my work and with property investments. I'd like to eventually transition into managing my investments full-time. I'm currently running my own business. In order to continue investing/expanding I need to find a solid w2, I could sell one property and start flipping properties outside of LA, or find some outside investment. Our money is sitting in properties at the moment... and they're appreciating like crazy. I have to get that money to work! The construction industry aligns with my values and goals, so it makes sense.

@Hillary Gries I think I will take a few courses to enable me to become a student of construction, at least a couple courses, and I'll start introducing myself as such.

To @Manolo D. 's point, I'd gladly hit the ground running if someone would take me on. I've managed numerous residential projects of my own. At the end of the day, and this is what I respect most about the industry, it's about what you've done, not necessarily the degree in your office.

Hillary Gries · Answer

I would suggest obtaining a construction management degree. If you already have an existing four year degree, it should only take 2 years to complete. Many of the commercial GCs recruit entry level PEs through the universities. Some get started through internships toward the end of their schooling. My husband got his CM through CSU, and its a great program. I am not familiar with the global campus, but might be able to offer some info if you decide to check out Ft Collins. Good luck!

Parker Steele · Answer

Thanks @Seth Borman

Family connections are great too. One of my brothers is a PE  in Columbus, Ohio and my oldest brother is a property manager with The Heinz Corp. My wife and child will be traveling abroad Summer 18, so maybe I'll go back to Ohio and get some experience.

Some formal education is a must. I've checked a number of online CM program. Colorado State Global Campus looks promising. It's tough, because there is so much information readily available online, I loath the idea of taking classes.

Seth Borman · Answer

Look into a construction management degree. I managed to get on with a GC through some family connections, but they prefer people with a CM or engineering background.My brother has a degree in political science but works for a large GC in the Seattle area. He's a project engineer right now but should be running his own projects in a few years. He's going to have to get a CM degree at some point, while working.

Parker Steele · Answer

Thanks @Tyler Resnick

Congrats on your progress. I hear Idaho is one of the fastest growing states in the country. I'm sure there are lots of opportunities. Right now, I'm focusing my efforts on Los Angeles. I think I'll stick with the commercial route, verses residential.

Tyler Resnick · Answer

If you want to move to a Boise, let me know. If you do, send me your resume. We are looking for people. We do commercial, industrial, and heavy-civil. It is kind of unusual to find larger GC’s that do commercial and residential. I am building a $60-mil Wastewater Treatment Plant in Boise right now. I started as a Project Engineer doing everything @Brian Pulaski said, and after a short while am running my own projects. Dedication, some long hours and good judgement, the sky is the limit.

What is the best way to get into the building and GC industry?

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