As we edge closer to spring, many students are making important decisions regarding their futures: Which internship to apply for this summer? Is college the right path? How do I know if I’ll actually enjoy the field I’m going into? Regardless of the educational context that these decisions are in, they can be overwhelming ones to make. Here, we sit down with three Gray & Son team members—Chris, Patrick, and John—to learn more about how they got their careers started.
Why Are People Interested in a Career in Construction?
Like all successful careers, having an interest in construction is imperative for a long-lasting and rewarding professional life. For some, a job in construction in their teens is what kick-started their careers. “I’ve always been involved in the construction industry,” said Patrick. “One of my first jobs was for my father as a home improvement contractor.” After attending a career fair, Patrick saw the limitless potential that comes with a position at a larger company. “When I heard about Gray & Son through a job fair, I knew it would be an easy transition for me.”
For others, the components that make up construction are what sparked their interest–this was the case for Chris. “From an early age, I always helped my dad with his many projects around the house,” he explained. “I’ve always had a knack for math and science, and found that the construction industry was a rewarding way to combine them into one.” Chris, like all employed by the construction industry, finds himself using math and science on a daily basis, whether on the job site or in the office.
Patrick and Chris aren’t the only ones that had childhood passions propel them into donning a hardhat instead of a suit and tie. John found a natural transition into the industry based on curiosity about how things work. “Having the ability to see how things are built is what inspired me to work in the construction industry,” he noted. Plus, the office–or lack thereof–was a big incentive, too. “I always had experience working outdoors growing up and I knew having the ability to work hands-on was something that came naturally to me.”
It’s not surprising that dreams and interests that stem back to being a kid are what drive most to seek out a job in construction. After all, working in construction is like playing with life-size Tonka toys–something that is appealing to many. “Learning to operate heavy machinery was certainly a plus,” said John.
Are Internships, Apprenticeships, or Trade School Experiences Worth it?
While the construction industry welcomes all levels of experience, investing time into completing an internship or apprenticeship, or making the decision to go to trade school, can really accelerate a career in the field. These opportunities give students real-life experiences that will put them ahead of their peers once they start their first job. “Everything can be taught to you in a classroom, but going out and actually constructing it is a whole different ball game,” noted Chris. “Time spent in the field will really make you realize what it takes to get a job done and the constructability of the project. The value of the field was my biggest takeaway from my internships.” It’s this kind of work that sets individuals up for success in the industry. “Having this experience is such an advantage to have when entering a new construction career,” explained John.
In addition, working closely with an actual construction company or in a realistic setting allows students to better understand the ever-evolving resources available to them. The construction industry, like the rest of the world, has entered the digital age, adopting a myriad of different technologies. “The biggest thing that I learned through my internship with Gray & Son was how to use all of the resources at your disposal to get the job done,” said Patrick. “My previous experience involved more independent work and there were fewer resources at my disposal. But, when I got to Gray & Son, there were more people around me to collaborate with and more software to utilize,” he explained. “At first, I was hesitant to use everything, but as I got more comfortable, I found that asking for help from my coworkers was the best way to find the correct process.”
With real-life scenarios come real-life lessons–most of which are better learned early on in one’s career. “My biggest lesson was that things don’t always go as planned,” explained John. “If you can learn to be proactive rather than reactive, you will find out that life at work can be much more manageable.” Often, these are lessons that can’t be learned in a textbook or from a lecture, but only from getting into the field and learning from one’s mistakes.
Along with providing hands-on experience, these opportunities serve as a way for students to see where their passion in the industry lies. “Internships are a trial,” explained Chris. “They allow you to see what you like and companies that may be a good fit for you.” In an industry where there are so many different avenues, taking advantage of internships, apprenticeships, or trade school allows individuals the opportunity to learn where their niche is. “They give you the opportunity to try different things and find which job or trade will be the best fit for you,” noted Patrick.
Trades School and Entering the Workforce: What are the Benefits of These Alternatives to Traditional College?
College can be daunting, and it’s not always the most beneficial path for everyone. “Everyone always told me that the best way to improve your career is to go to college, and that is not completely true,” said Patrick. “College is not unimportant, but it is not the only way to improve yourself or your career,” he noted.
The construction industry is one that is teeming with opportunity regardless of the possession of a college degree. “The possibility for advancement without a traditional college education is endless,” explained Chris. “Too much emphasis is put on students to go to college with the implication that they will not get a successful job or be successful in their careers. This is a huge fallacy when it comes to the construction industry. Anyone can make a name for themselves and become extremely successful with a little bit of elbow grease and a great attitude,” he said. It is this hard work that has allowed many individuals at Gray & Son to find successful and rewarding careers with and without a college degree.
An advantage of alternative paths is the ability to roll up your sleeves and get right to work. “If you don’t know what you want to do for a career, don’t hesitate to get into anything. Get started working as soon as possible—you won’t be stuck doing your first job forever,” explained John. “You’ll learn more than you think and it will really benefit you in the long run. College is great, but actual experience will win every time. Hands-on experience in this industry is the quickest way to move up”
Pave the Way for Your Career With Gray & Son
At Gray & Son, we recognize that your career begins long before you accept your first job offer. The education, training, and preparation you undertake to prepare yourself for your career can have huge impacts on where your journey takes you. Several of our Gray & Son team members have taken advantage of in-the-field training and it has opened many doors for them professionally and personally. To learn more about our team or to view our current job openings, click here.