Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
Skills Series: Advancing Your Career
Congratulations, you’ve landed a job in the construction industry! You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, but your journey doesn’t end here. Now, it’s time to start thinking about how you can advance your career and achieve your long-term goals. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years, there are always opportunities to grow and develop your skills.
In this article, we’ll discuss strategies for advancing your career in the construction industry, including developing new skills, seeking out mentors, and exploring leadership opportunities.
Developing New Skills
One of the keys to advancing your career in the construction industry is to constantly develop new skills. The industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices is essential for success. Here are some strategies for developing new skills:
- Take courses and attend workshops: Many construction associations and organizations offer courses and workshops on a variety of topics, from project management to safety to sustainability. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in areas that interest you.
- Pursue certifications: Certifications can demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in specific areas of the construction industry. Some common certifications in the industry include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and PMP (Project Management Professional).
- Attend conferences and trade shows: Conferences and trade shows are great opportunities to learn about new products, technologies, and trends in the industry. They also offer opportunities to network with other professionals and learn from their experiences.
- Seek out cross-training opportunities: Cross-training allows you to gain experience in different areas of the construction industry. If you’re a project manager, for example, you might seek out opportunities to learn more about estimating or scheduling.
Seeking Out Mentors
Having a mentor can be incredibly valuable for career development. A mentor is someone who has more experience in the industry and can offer guidance and advice based on their own experiences. Here are some tips for finding a mentor:
- Look for someone you admire: Think about professionals in the industry who you admire and respect. Look for someone who has achieved the type of career success you hope to achieve, and who shares similar values and goals.
- Network: Networking is key for finding a mentor. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Once you’ve identified potential mentors, reach out to them and ask if they’d be willing to meet with you to discuss your career goals.
- Be open to feedback: One of the most valuable aspects of having a mentor is the feedback and advice they can offer. Be open to constructive criticism and take their advice to heart.
Exploring Leadership Opportunities
Leadership opportunities are a great way to demonstrate your skills and expertise in the construction industry. Whether it’s leading a project team or serving on a professional association committee, leadership roles can help you build your professional network and demonstrate your ability to take on new challenges. Here are some strategies for exploring leadership opportunities:
- Volunteer for industry associations: Many professional associations and organizations have committees and task forces that are responsible for organizing events, developing standards, and advocating for the industry. Volunteer to serve on one of these committees to build your professional network and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
- Take on leadership roles within your company: Look for opportunities to lead projects or teams within your company. This can help you build relationships with colleagues and demonstrate your ability to take on new challenges.
- Attend leadership development programs: Many construction associations and organizations offer leadership development programs that can help you build your skills and knowledge in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing: www.webuildstaffing.com. To learn more about Michael, or to follow his blog, please visit www.michaeldesafey.com.