Day in the life of
Construction Manager – Nick Randall
I would say you can describe my life as a construction manager in just a few short words, which would be demanding, rewarding, and teamwork.
A project only fails or is successful because of the way that you’ve handled the project throughout. People are looking for answers from you all the time. You need to be able to think outside the box, adapt quickly, and execute a plan when things don’t go the way they are planned. This is going to happen on every project. At the end of the day, it was your thought process that made this job work. It was your ability to adapt to the problems and solve them. When everything comes together at the end, it should be something that you’re proud of. If it’s not, you learn from the mistakes you made and adjust them on the next project. On the rewarding side of things, when it is finished you can look back and see the rewards. You had a hand in making this all work, your leadership helped mold this project along with your team’s ability to execute your vision. Your team is who carries out your plan. Never forget that without your team your just another person holding onto a pen. A good team can make a manager look really good; I have been fortunate to have a great team so far.
Work-life is busy, there is no doubting that. Things start early and sometimes end late. Sometimes you have to take calls when it’s supper time, but that’s what happens when you care about your company and you care about your work. I will be the first person to tell you that it’s important to make time for your family also. My company has always encouraged it as well. Be prepared to work a few weekends, expect to be spread a little thin and not know how you’re going to get everything done; but trust me it all comes together in the end. Then you look back and wonder why you stressed about it so much, but it ended up not being as bad as you thought. It is all worth it at the end of the day.
The pros of this industry, though not always popular, provide millions of jobs not only in the United States but worldwide. It helps lower energy costs. Although we only have a small part to do with it, it feels good to know that what we are doing helps keep our house heated in the winter, keeps our cars going on the road, as well as thousands of other products that are made by it. Also, this industry is a good life experience. In this industry, you are expected to work hard, be dependable, and most importantly be safe while doing it. That’s just a good life lesson that you can take anywhere and be successful. Work hard, show up on time, and do what’s asked of you in a safe manner.
Construction Managers
plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.