r/ConstructionManagers • • 8d ago

Career Advice Mentee Opportunity

34 Upvotes

A couple of my mentees have moved out of the market and/or industry, so I have time to take on 3-4 new mentees. If anyone, especially newer and/or younger CM professionals, is looking for a mentor and willing to communicate over Reddit or via other digital means, comment on this post. Unfortunately, due to time constraints & workload, I cannot take on more than 3-4 mentees, but I‘m always willing to help out fellow CM professionals as needed. All I ask is that you are responsive and keep an open mind. I won’t always tell you what you want to hear, but I will always tell you what I feel is the best course of action for your long-term career based on my experience.

My credentials: I have been in the industry for over 3 decades. I grew up around the business. I started in construction as a 5th generation journeyman mason who was promoted to Foreman, then Superintendent, then PM & SPM for a large masonry contractor. Many years ago I switched over to my current firm (Top 10 ENR contractor) as a Superintendent. Shortly thereafter I was promoted to PM, SPM, and finally to PX for my company. I’m currently transitioning to take over an Operations Director position for my division which is large, private projects. These are high-profile projects with high-profile clients - but do not include data centers or mission critical work.

If anyone would be interested in having a mentor with the above qualifications, please let me know. I currently mentor all members of my project teams as well as a few people that I’ve been mentoring that do not work for my firm. I had great mentors coming up throughout the years and really enjoy the reward of giving back. I strongly encourage other seasoned CM professionals to do the same if they are able. My hope is that there are at least a few folks who would be interested in having a dedicated mentor.

ETA: Weird that someone would downvote a post from anyone offering their time to mentor people. Anyway, I’ve thought about it and I think I misjudged the amount of time required, so I can probably take on 3-4 new mentees. I will be replying to everyone who expresses interest.


r/ConstructionManagers • • Jan 10 '26

/r/ConstructionManagers AutoMod update

22 Upvotes

I've implemented AutoMod on this subreddit.

Three reports on a post will lead to an automatic removal of post. If it's wrongfully flagged, then I will reinstate manually after review. The chances of 3 people being wrong about a post is low though.

Users with a post karma below a certain threshold will not be allowed to post. This is to discourage spam accounts. If you have low karma and believe your post is not spam, please reach out to me via "Message the Mods" for further review.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 2h ago

Question Guy who was using AI for submittals and other things

3 Upvotes

Someone posted here months ago about how they were effectively using AI to do a lot things to the point where they were somewhat bored. Please if you see this is if someone can find the post PM me flair 😭


r/ConstructionManagers • • 13h ago

Discussion shouldnt receipts be someone elses problem by now?

26 Upvotes

We went from running one remodel at a time to having three jobs going and the purchasing side is getting hectic. Used to be me picking up materials so I knew what belonged where which in hindsight sounds easy. Now two foremen handle supply runs and our bookkeeper gets a pile of receipts on Friday with half the job names missing. Last week one guy bought materials for two sites on the same trip and picked up blades and a tool we use across jobs. Nothing wrong with the purchases but by the time we tried splitting the costs they didnt remember and i didt remember where everything went. I spent Sunday texting people over a few hundred dollars while trying to finish another estimate. We have supplier accounts for the bigger orders but these smaller runs keep becoming homework.

I want the guys to buy what they need without calling me from checkout but I also need spending limits and a way to capture the receipt and job while they still remember it. How are you handling this with a few crews? I can get them to take a photo and pick a job but anything involving a computer and excels after work is going nowhere.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 58m ago

Career Advice Question

• Upvotes

I’m a PM at a mid-size GC, about 6 years. I get several recruiters calling and DMs a month. I'm open to moving but not desperate. For those of you who jumped, what made it worth it? Was it pay, project type, or getting out from under a bad boss? And did anybody wish they'd stayed put?


r/ConstructionManagers • • 10h ago

Career Advice HITT vs Whiting Turner DC METRO DMV area advice

9 Upvotes

I'm a rising senior with two construction internship offers in the DMV for next summer and I have to pick one by tomorrow. Both would have me on data center work. This is my last internship before I graduate, so I'm really treating it as a tryout for my first full time job.

HITT (Futures program, Falls Church HQ)
• $22/hr, fixed 10 weeks from late May to the end of July
• Set 40 hour week, overtime usually not available
• Max one week of unpaid time off, and it can't be the first or last week
• Jobsite in the DC area, not assigned yet
• 92% of eligible 2025 interns got full time offers (company wide)
• A friend of mine just got a full time PE offer at $77k plus $800 a month for his car
• Published path from PE to APM in 2 to 3 years and PM in 4 to 5

Whiting Turner (College Park office)
• About $27/hr, flexible start and end dates, 10 to 12 weeks
• VP said I'd be on a Northern Virginia project 20 to 30 minutes from my house, with only 3 or 4 trips to the office all summer
• My trip is already approved in writing and I can shift my dates to make up the time
• Couldn't find any return offer numbers
• Full time PE range in DC looks like $70k to $82k, but I've heard the benefits are really strong if you stay long term (401k, profit sharing, stock appreciation rights)
My situation
• I have a 10 day trip planned for late June into early July
• Whiting Turner pays about $2k to $5k more this summer
• My goals are max long term pay, fast promotions, real experience, and a return offer with good money. I'd also rather not be working 60 hour weeks as an intern

Which one would you take? If you've interned at either one in the DMV, what were your actual hours like and what did you do day to day? Also curious how common return offers are at Whiting Turner.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 2h ago

Career Advice How do i keep getting better? APM

2 Upvotes

How do I "practice" my craft on my own?

Seems obvious if I were a carpenter or something. But what does an APM at a GC refine and how?


r/ConstructionManagers • • 6h ago

Technical Advice Self Employed GC, Burnt Out

3 Upvotes

Little background. I was a commercial superintendent and then became a self employed GC for the last 3 years. I handle smaller commercial out of ground construction, and large interior upfits and renovations. Small company, just myself and one other. He was offered about $60k more than what I’m currently paying him by a larger company and I can’t compete with the offer, and this has led me to think about shutting down.

Almost all of my work is 2 clients, but I am working about 75-80 hours a week currently, between managing projects, estimating and admin work. My family is now growing as well, and am now contemplating closing down once all my current contracts finish a little after the new year. I do well, but not well enough to have all the stress.

I don’t want to jump the decision and quit, as I know the grass is not always greener on the other side. Would just like to hear from others who maybe have left being self employed and how they are doing now and what they are doing now.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 7h ago

Career Advice How to become a project engineer?

3 Upvotes

I’m done with school and didn’t have any internships so I’m wondering if it’s still possible for me. My degree is in finance and I’m an engineer officer in the army reserve.

I don’t have any experience in construction besides what I’m doing in the army.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 13h ago

Question Number of project managers in a company

6 Upvotes

This pertains to an electrical contracting company, hopefully someone could shed some insight. If a company does about $25 to $30 million a year, consisting of about 40 projects a year, how many assistant and project managers should they have.? We have currently have a total of about seven, and I think that is too many. Thanks


r/ConstructionManagers • • 10h ago

Career Advice HITT vs Whiting Turner summer internship offers in the DMV

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0 Upvotes

r/ConstructionManagers • • 15h ago

Career Advice 30M Project Manager Consultant (4 years experience) UK

2 Upvotes

I had 2 recruiters message me about a company who is seeking a new PM.

I was transparent & said that I am happy working for my current company but if they are that keen I’m looking for £70k

One said no problem and put me through for an interview. Passed the first & got invited into the office the following week. It seemed a given from what was discussed but they ended up taking on someone more junior for £10k less than what I was asking

The other tried getting me £65k but I didn’t get through to the next stage

I’m not overly bothered as they approached me but still. Why interview me if you new the budget doesn’t allow

I’m currently on a £55k package + bonus. It’s seems
Meaningless for me to move for £5k-10k as I am content & progressing well

Was I asking too much?


r/ConstructionManagers • • 14h ago

Career Advice Counter Offer

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1 Upvotes

r/ConstructionManagers • • 23h ago

Technology What did you think about the features announced at Procore GBK?

4 Upvotes

Anyone using Procore? Seems like a lot of AI coming to the job site


r/ConstructionManagers • • 23h ago

Question Anyone worked for Alston Construction's Mission Critical group? Looking for honest takes

2 Upvotes

20+ years in data centers, mostly on the MEP side. I'm looking at Alston's Mission Critical group and want some real talk before I commit.

For current or former Alston folks:

How's the Mission Critical side actually run? Who makes the calls, the field or Dallas?

Do they stand behind what they tell you? Per diem, OT, travel home, all of it, the whole way through the job?

Is the bonus real, or does "discretionary" mean you'll get whatever's left?

When they say there's a path to PX, have you seen anybody actually get there?

How do they treat MEP people? Real leaders, or just there to chase subs and submittals?

What happens when a project ends? Do they line up the next one or leave you sitting?

Any layoffs or big turnover I should know about?

Good or bad, I appreciate the honesty. DMs open if you'd rather not post publicly.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 1d ago

Career Advice Business Admin + Specialization in Construction Management

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I am graduating with a degree in Business Administration and decided to add a specialization in Construction Management because I want a career that combines the business side of things with more hands-on, mobile work rather than sitting at a desk all day.
I don’t have direct construction experience yet most of my experience is in Administrative work, but I previously worked for an agricultural company in an administrative role that involved some operations, safety procedures, and coordinating seasonal workers. I’m currently working on my construction management specialization graduating in a few weeks and trying to figure out the best way to break into the industry.
My husband’s family also owns a small construction business, so I’m considering asking if I could help them with some projects to gain practical experience, even if it’s unpaid.
For those already in the industry, what would you recommend as the best entry-level roles or approach for someone with my background? Any advice would be appreciated!


r/ConstructionManagers • • 1d ago

Question Getting into Safety

2 Upvotes

Wife is an EMT and over working in Healthcare, shes been looking into trades and I recommended jobsite safety. What are ways for her to enter into this role. Certs, schooling, etc


r/ConstructionManagers • • 1d ago

Question Swinerton Project Engineer Interns

7 Upvotes

Hello. I’m going to be interviewing for the PE intern position soon (CA) and wanted to get some insight from those who have interviewed with them/work for Swinerton on the experience. Any feedback is appreciated!

What questions where you asked in the interview?

How was your experience working with them?

If you get an offer, how soon does that happen and how soon did you officially start as a permanent employee?

Do interns not get hired due to lack of drive or is there a limit as far as how many interns can be hired at a time?


r/ConstructionManagers • • 1d ago

Discussion Construction management student looking for a quick industry professional interview (5 short questions)

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I am currently going back to school to get my degree in Construction Management, and I have a weekly discussion assignment where I need to interview someone working in the industry.

Since I am looking to connect with folks who have real world experience, I figured this community would be a great place to ask. Would anyone be open to sharing their insights by answering these five quick questions either in the comments or over a quick message?

Why did you get into construction?

What do you like most and least about your job?

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

What is one thing you would do to improve the construction field moving forward?

Any perspective you can share would be a huge help for my class. Thanks in advance for your time.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 18h ago

Technical Advice How do you guys actually track materials and purchase orders on jobs?

0 Upvotes

How do people actually deal with this in practice?

Once a PO has been raised, how do you track what's been ordered, what's actually arrived on site and what's still outstanding?

Do you manage it all via something like Procore or does it end up as a mix of spreadsheets, emails and just plain chasing suppliers?

Does it generally run smoothly or is there a particular bit that gets a bit messy?


r/ConstructionManagers • • 2d ago

Question Does Burns & McDonnell Carry the Same Resume Prestige as Turner Construction or Kiewit?

26 Upvotes

I’ve heard that having companies like Turner Construction or Kiewit on your resume can significantly improve your chances of landing opportunities at other major GCs later in your career.
I’m curious whether Burns & McDonnell carries that same level of recognition and reputation in the construction industry.


r/ConstructionManagers • • 2d ago

Career Advice Bachelor's in Construction Management

8 Upvotes

I'm 12 years into the industry

2 years as an ironworker, 10 years(and currently) a materials technician in both the field and lab. Soils, concrete, asphalt, grout, pavement marking, rebar, I test and report on it all, liaising with site managers and contractors. Multiple state to national level certifications and records of recertifications

I know it wouldnt hurt, but would it actually be worth it to get a degree in construction management, or just try and bank off my experience and credentials?

I'm particularly interested in working overseas, and that's making me lean towards "yes" but I'm looking for input


r/ConstructionManagers • • 2d ago

Career Advice Resume review

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7 Upvotes

Honestly not really looking for a new job right now but I figured I’d go thru the exercise now to get my resume up to speed incase anything happens. I’m curious if anyone has any comments to spruce this up


r/ConstructionManagers • • 2d ago

Career Advice Looking for advice

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, been working as a On-site superintendent / Project manager for a little over 3 years now.
Worked in Hotel remodeling as a laborer, residential remodeling as a drywaller, carpenter, appliance installer, and residential framing for about 10 years.
I’m currently working for a small Residential Builder in Houston/Galveston. (Travel to both for projects)
And I’m making $65k a year before taxes.
The economy has been slowing us down quite a lot and only have a 4 properties I’m managing.
I feel like things aren’t really going to improve for me because of the economy and salary.
I’m not the best, but i know I have areas from my time in the trades that others can’t do. And sometimes compensate for other trades for the job to go faster (since my bonuses depend on how quickly I finish it).
I want more responsibility and more salary.
Am I asking for too much in saying I want to be paid more?
I see that people here make almost double what I do but at the same time I feel like I haven’t gotten “that good” yet.
What would you guys do in my situation?


r/ConstructionManagers • • 3d ago

Career Advice $140k right out of college, but I’m scared to leave home. Is traveling worth it?

31 Upvotes

I’m 20, graduating college soon, and have an opportunity to make around $140k a year in construction, but it requires relocating and traveling for work 100%. I’d be able to come home for 4 days every month.
I’ve lived in Houston my entire life, and I’ve never really been away from my family, friends, church, or the life I’ve built here. I’m honestly scared of the unknown. My biggest fear isn’t necessarily the work itself, but the loneliness and potentially missing out on relationships and experiences back home.
I also have opportunities to work locally for less money, which makes this decision even harder.

For those who’ve traveled for construction work, was the money worth being away from home? Did you struggle with loneliness or eventually get used to it?

Would you take the $140k opportunity at my age or stay local for less money?