Career By Design

Dear Connections,

I have two years of experience in Construction management and inspection for various transportation and infrastructure projects. I graduated with a Master's degree in civil engineering and my responsibilities have included field inspection, field surveys, quality control, safety, project documentation, meetings, correspondence, preparing reports, RFIs, Submittals and change orders. My software skills are in Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and Adobe Photoshop. I am eager to know how the industry needs are for a background like mine in Construction Management and design engineering projects. I've applied to positions through various platforms (Indeed, LinkedIn, Company websites, etc.). I've indicated that I am willing to relocate and travel, but I have yet to receive any positive feedback from recruiters, and it is quite discouraging. I am looking to know what kinds of platforms people use while switching jobs during the holiday season?

Any advice is helpful, and I would be happy to share my resume if requested via mansoortaj22@....

Thank you.
Best,

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Mansoor Taj Mohammed A.M.ASCE
Arlington TX
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​Mansoor,

It sounds like you have a good background to begin your career. I recommend that you stay hopeful. I work for a construction company as a Project Engineer. From my viewpoint, the PM positions are typically reserved for more experienced employees. What type of positions have you applied for? I recommend applying for entry level  positions to build your reputation within the industry. Keep up the good work--

Regards,
DW

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Andrew Wixon EIT,A.M.ASCE
Project Engineer
Roseville CA
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Mansoor,

I understand what you are going through, because I am in the same position. Same experience, just graduated with B.S in CET. It is pretty hard to get employed if you are foreigner or have a foreign name. You would think, how come a man like yourself with few years of related experience can't land a job with a GC. The requirements are pretty simple for any entry level position, proper education and some internship. 
I have been applying for last 6 months, and no luck. How is this even possible? Some say "check your resume", I don't think so. The resume is up to date. Could it be work experience? No I have plenty of that. Kiewit, Hensel Phelps, AECOM, Flatiron- not a single response from their recruiters. Also I am applying with smaller firms, but it doesn't matter. This bias way of hiring is so annoying. It is just the hiring managers don't give an opportunity, that's the only explanation I have. Instead they send a generic response. That is a joke. Honestly if I were told before enrolling to school, that I will experience anything similar to what described above, I would never start school. 

Also keep in mind that we are going through winter season, it is a bit slow. Search on Craigslist as well, the best jobs (construction, drafting) I landed were found there. Don't give up, you will find it.

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Azamat Khadikov S.M.ASCE
Project Engineer
Denver CO
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Andrew gives some good advice- regardless of the degrees, etc., one needs to start in an entry level position and work your way up. Due to the universities and others, the term "construction management" has now become something akin to"document management" which can also be done by non-engineers- but it is important. The real hands-on management has nearly always been done by those with suitable experience and proven leadership traits, degree or not. You have to realize that many construction managers who came up from the trades are  quite intelligent and capable and many are willing to help you along in your career- if you are humble enough to want to learn..

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Jim Worrell] Retired
PE retired, RLS (retired)
Raleigh, NC
jimworrell@...
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