Construct Your Future

Picture yourself driving down the block. You slow down near a new building and tell your friends, "Yea, that's my design" or "If it weren't for me, those people would be in the dark. I installed the electrical." Just to knock you down a notch, the bold one in the group responds, "I guess you paved the road, too?" Now you have the perfect come back, "Well, no but I have friends who did."  

For the nearly 12 million workers in the construction industry, this is a reality.

Why Construction?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 800 million additional construction laborerjobs will be needed worldwide by 2018. This signifies a 13 percent increase from 2008 to 2018. Architecture and engineering are also projected to grow 16 and 11 percent, respectively, in the same time period.

Another reality – workers at all levels earn above-average wages, which makes construction even more attractive. In most cases, a "living" wage can be earned at any skill level. Construction laborer jobs traditionally pay between $10 and $15 per hour. Architects and engineers can average $50,000 or above annually. 

Moreover, construction businesses require project managers, human resource and logistics managers, estimators, accountants, sales professionals, marketers, attorneys and sustainability experts, in addition to the "construction" personnel. Construction is a growing industry with good wages that has a need for nearly every business skill set imaginable.

Construction is currently a male-dominated field, but that should not discourage women from joining. At one time, most all fields were male-dominated. Some fields have just taken longer to evolve than others. While construction may always be a male majority, there is plenty of room for women who want to excel in this arena.

How do I find out about the choices?

You will work in your career field about twice as long as you've been alive; So take time to look at all your options and discover where your aptitude and passion intersects.

The best way to determine if a career in construction may be your "dream job" is to do some reading, but more importantly, get some hands-on experience. Even if it doesn't turn out to be your passion, knowing how to use basic tools is a skill set that will not go to waste throughout your life.

Here are some ways to accomplish this "research":

Job Overviews

The Bureau of Labor provides great overviews of many exciting careers in the construction industry in their publication, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Trade careers are in the construction tab, while professional positions like architect and engineer are under the professional tab. The services and transportation tabs offer more opportunities. You can assess this free-to-use database at www.bls.gov/oco.

Another great resource can be found on the Web site of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). It provides a variety of information about trade careers. Learn more at careers.nccer.org.

Networking

Business leagues and industry trade organizations generally have local chapters with educational breakfast or lunch meetings. This is another place to learn more about the construction industry. For example, Associated General Contractors of America and Associated Builders and Constructors are two you should be able to find near you. Specifically for women, there is NAWIC as well as the Women's Contractor Association and Women in the Building Trades. Many more trade groups exist; a specific internet search should quickly help you find the best groups to contact about visiting a meeting.

Hands-on Opportunities

Most communities have Habitat for Humanity projects that continually need volunteer workers. Some homes, through their Women Build program, are built exclusively by women. Volunteering for one of these opportunities will provide a great opportunity to see the many facets of residential construction. It looks good on your résumé and college applications too!

Mentors

Many professionals are willing to spend time with students considering a career in their field. The ACE Mentor Program (www.acementor.org) is designed to do that for high school students exploring careers in architecture, construction or engineering. Also, if you contact a local firm, it is likely employees will be willing to give a realistic view of what their job is all about and what it takes to get there.

Picture yourself looking at the first building you designed or the road you built. Or perhaps you are the one who operates the crane. Picture them all! Then, give them a test drive either through talking with people in those careers or by getting some hands-on experiences.

People find their passions in many places. The construction industry is growing, and workers will be needed. Consider the vast possibilities. It could make "all the difference" for the rest of your life.