Download So I hear you`re thinking about a career in the construction industry

So I hear you’re thinking about a career in the construction industry. My name’s Jim Yayley. I’m a
Project Manager for JR Findlay and Son. What I’d like to do is take you through what I do in a day…so
why don’t you come along and see what we’re doing?
Well… looks like you’re interested in learning more about Project Manager. Welcome into my office.
Let’s get the day started. A typical day for a Project Manager can start in a variety of places.
For me it usually starts in the office where I make phone calls keep up on emails I’ll usually have the day
laid out with some meetings. Some at the office, some on site, and also some time for some desk work.
To be a Project Manager you it takes strong communication and technical skills, and a passion for multitasking.
Another part of my day which is important is to hold the other meetings. Today we’ve assembled a
team that will work on the project share the ideas and pull together consensus before we start the
project. So let’s go on and see what the teams’ working on.
It’s very important to be organized also o as a Project Manager. Work from an agenda during your
meetings. Set your goals and objectives. It’s important to bring people together and help them work
together towards a common goal. This includes listening, sharing ideas, and creating a sense of
accomplishment and direction at the end of the meeting. Technology plays a big part in the
construction industry. Today I’m meeting with Josh, our BIM engineer. BIM standing for Building
Information Modelling. Let’s see what Josh is working on. The use of BIM has changed how we plan
and execute construction projects. The use of computers and modeling has been time and money
savings on all projects.
It’s hard to say where technology will take the const industry, but I’m sure it will involve time and
labour savings, plus offer opportunity for additional careers in the construction industry .
Working as a project manager, you’ll become part of a collaborative team that works to make each
other successful. Respecting each other’s ideas and opinions are the recipe for success in this
environment.
Alright so here we are. We’ve made our way up y to the job site. We’re at Meriter hospital. Today
we’re going to go up. We’re going to check in with the field crew. We’ve got a few…jobs going on up
here. Let’s head on in and hear how things are going. Now we’re up to the 7th floor. This is where we
keep our temp construction offices for the projects. What were doing today going to meet with …the
superintendent and foreman. Do some coordination we’ve got a project coming up in a couple of
weeks…and we want to make sure that we’re looking ahead see if there’s any issues…so let’s go see
what they’re working on
Hey guys. It’s important to always try to look ahead. As a Project Meetings, it is our job to be in front of
the needs of the people and even take the time to listen, understand the urgency, and then get the job
done. All right here we’ve our way down to the engineering department we got a 10 o clock so we’ll
head in what we’re doing today we’re going to meeting the owner’s happy with how things are drawn
we’ll any input we can provide. Let’s go on and see what everyone’s feeling. It’s important as the
Project Manager to make all team members
Are being heard and their expectations are being met. We hold meetings in order to make sure those
expectations are clear and we’re all going in the right direction. Part of my day I come up to the job site
help answer questions and talk to the crew. We’ve got a couple of guys here with questions and … so
let’s see …what’s going on. For me it was the opportunity to get out and do some hands on problem
solving.
Having a career where no two days or projects are the same keeps me motivated to do my best. Also, I
enjoy interacting with so many people throughout the course of a day. There is a great sense of
accomplishment to see the product of your hard work and coordination being put in place.
To be a construction Project Manager it all starts with getting good grades, gaining related work
experience, having a good work ethic, being organized, having strong technical skills, working well with
the team and most of all being a great communicator. Communication is important in every situation
….therefore I’d recommend taking as much communication presentation and leadership classes that
you can find. I enjoy the dynamic nature of a typical day that helps make the time pass quickly. From
the time at my desk , to meeting on site to reviewing an issue in the field.…Before I know it, it’s almost
time to go home. Wait a sec, t IS time to go home. To find out about more opportunities, go to
www.buildwisconsin.com or search for Build Wisconsin on Facebook and Myspace.