the new guy in the office; questions

[CMRyan]

I had a previous thread: https://www.heavyequipmentforums.co...at-to-wear-concrete-labor&p=527809#post527809

However, some things have changed since that thread. To sum it up, I'm 28 and finishing up my BS in construction management (in my 3rd year now). I have no experience aside from 7 years with Home Depot, which at the very least has made me very familiar with materials and some equipment.

Anyhow, I have been fortunate to impress one of my professors with my work ethic and determination. So much so, she has gone out of her way to land me a few interviews, one of which has bitten! On the 26th, I will be starting a long-term internship working as a project coordinator with a relatively small construction company. During the interview I made it a point to be clear I had no experience so neither of us were in for any surprises. I was informed I'd be mostly in the office, helping with estimating, take-offs, coordinating with clients and subs, and possibly some work in the field with the superintendent.

So my question is, what can I do to better prepare myself for day one? I'm very nervous about this new job as it is worlds different from what I've been doing at Home Depot. Trying my best to calm my nerves! Anyone have experience being in my position or hiring someone in a similar position? What do you think are some expectations they may have starting me out? I've been brushing up on my excel skills, since it's been a little while since I have worked with it.

 

[old-iron-habit]

Going to work with a cheerful outlook and a positive attitude is the number one thing. Show up on time, do not miss work unless its for a valid, real reason, pay attention, listen to what they say and ask, say so if you do not understand, check your work, be ethical, and follow thru with your promises. Companies do not hire interns expecting them to be old hands and know everything. If you are a keeper they want to mold you to their system. You will do well and be a treasured asset in no time if you follow these simple rules. Keep us posted.

 

[apetad]

Listen a lot, Observe a lot, don't talk very much.

 

[CM1995]

Going to work with a cheerful outlook and a positive attitude is the number one thing. Show up on time, do not miss work unless its for a valid, real reason, pay attention, listen to what they say and ask, say so if you do not understand, check your work, be ethical, and follow thru with your promises. Companies do not hire interns expecting them to be old hands and know everything. If you are a keeper they want to mold you to their system. You will do well and be a treasured asset in no time if you follow these simple rules. Keep us posted.

That is very wise advise.

The construction industry is in need of new blood on a continuous basis - remember that. None of us with experience walked into our first construction job with it.

2 years ago I was contracted to perform the site work for an auto parts hub store, the one with the green leaf. I was dealing with a seasoned project manager who had an assistant that was fairly green but a good guy. Fast forward to today and I have another auto parts store with the same company and the assistant is now the PM for this job. Great guy, young and a straight shooter. Actually the new PM is better at communication than the seasoned PM from 2 years ago, which happened to be the owners son. Not taking anything away from the original PM but showing how someone with a will to learn and a work ethic can better themselves in the industry.

Keep your eyes, ears and brain open. Absorb everything you can on how they run their business. Commercial construction from an office perspective is all about the flow of paper work - from bidding, job selling, construction and close-out. The subs, for the most part, will have already been vetted and they will know how to do their job. Now being a super on a job and knowing what it takes to get the job done is another part of the equation but like I said before, none of us with experience in the industry started with it.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[crewchief888]

one thing you need to be aware of is the jobsite safety regulations set forth by your company, osha, and unions (if applicable).

for the most part setting foot on a jobsite requires proper PPE hardhat, glasses, and safety toe footware.

many sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts, beards/facial hair, some require hearing protection, dust mask/respirator, gloves, work permits/ job hazard assesments

some sites you may visit will require all employees, including sub contractors, and mechanics to sit through a safety orientation/certification before being allowed on site. in addition to being escorted on site.


:drinkup