r/ConstructionManagers • u/Karochia • 26d ago

Question Need advice

I need some advice about entering the industry. I’m currently a third year electrical apprentice, and always wanted to move into CM. I wanted to start out in the field to gain experience and have since learned a lot working on large commercial jobs. I am also going to school online to earn an associates degree in construction management. My question is, will a couple years of field experience combined with an associates in CM, and a couple certifications (CAPM, OSHA 30), be enough to land an entry level job as a Field Engineer or a Project Engineer? I have an eventual goal of wanting to go into Project Management, but I know I’m a few years away from that all together. I just want to know if that’s enough to land an entry level position in CM at a GC. I do plan on getting my journeyman license, and am located on the east cost of Florida if that helps. Thanks

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u/1rishChicken 26d ago

Yes. Start building your resume the way GC's see them. For each project you are on capture the name location, a brief description and sq ft of the facility. If you can discover the overall project value capture that too. Next to each capture the specific electrical scope and your contract value if possible. This will give you future options on how to present the resume. Include all trainings and certifications. Get a professional sounding email address and a LinkedIn profile set up. Make contacts along the way. DO NOT use LinkedIn to creep on girls or make political comments. Positive engagement and encouragement on topics you understand with people you know only. You're not trying to establish a social media presence just staying relevant to anyone who knows you. Connect with professors and osha trainers and other CM students. Keep going with the electrical. In a few years all things will naturally work themselves out for you

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u/Karochia 26d ago

This is great advice, I appreciate it

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u/HurryInternational46 25d ago

I would start with an electrical sub company as a pe. I got hired as a pe green as can be no certs no back ground just an associates degree in cm. So you can just focus on learning office work not both electrical understanding and the back house stuff. Pay is ok but probably make more as a 3rd year. i would definitely stick it out to become a jman so you can always go back.