It is hard to find a new college graduate that doesn’t want to be in the field. Finding someone that is ready to sign up for a desk job is rough. So how do preconstruction teams find entry-level professionals?
Architecture School
Architecture schools across the U.S. are full of people who are passionate about the design and creative process. They are also learning to read and understand drawings. These types of graduates are great to have in preconstruction because they have received formal training on project design and they’re eager to use their education as well as learn new skill sets.
Puzzle Solver
Preconstruction professionals are excellent data analysts. Recruiting applicants who are eager to solve problems and look at challenges from different angles are excellent new hires in preconstruction. Architecture students who are eager to understand the puzzle of a construction project continue to be a good bet for precon teams.
Desire to Affect Project Decisions
Individuals who are interested in Target Value Design and design-build are embracing the design as well as the constructability of that design within budget parameters. For many architectural students, they want to leave a positive imprint on a project. Preconstruction is the route for them since more and more precon teams are being brought into client meetings with the design team or before the architect is brought on the project.
Stability of an Office Environment
Not everyone wants to be out on the job site. Some people crave the stability of an office job with a good career path. Sometimes this may be a parent who wants to have a steady routine or someone who thrives being on multiple projects. Even though a person may not want to be in the field they will want to see the big milestones with the build team and estimating teams afford that opportunity.
While several colleges and universities have construction management programs there is a wealth of talent in architecture schools. Construction firms are encouraged to engage with those schools to discuss cross-training of architecture students with the construction sciences and trades. Not only will this encourage new college graduates to explore careers in preconstruction but give everyone a holistic view of the construction industry.
