Senior Executives and Young Leaders Give Firsthand Advice to New Graduates Entering AEC Industry
GroundBreak Carolinas reached out to a cross section of architecture, engineering and construction top executives and young leaders in North Carolina and South Carolina to see what advice they might have for new college graduates entering our industry. Check out their “words of wisdom!”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions; that’s the only way we learn. That little piece of advice has carried me through my career. Ask questions and ask a lot of them, and it will serve you well.”
– JD Boone, Vice President, A M King, Charlotte, NC
“As you start your new construction job, always remember to respect the experience of people on your team. Listen and learn from others. And master the basics! Once you have the basics down pat, you will build yourself a solid foundation and can build on it from there. Welcome to the real world!”
– Kelsey Davis | Project Manager, WB Moore Company of Charlotte, Inc.
“As you enter the workforce, the best advice that I can give you is to get involved and be present. Get involved in every aspect of your work and try to learn everything you can. You don’t have to be an expert but just have a foundation of the whole business. Also, get involved in trade associations for the networking and leadership development. The networking may not pay off immediately but you will be surprised when a problem arises and you know who to call. All trade associations have a leadership development aspect attached to them whether it is in committees working on certain issues or through running the association as a board member. In summary, get involved and be present!”
– Paul Edwards, Business Development Manager, Reeves Construction, Columbia, SC
“Welcome to the construction industry! As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that continuous learning and adaptability are key. The construction field is constantly changing and staying curious will help you keep up with new technologies and methodologies. Find a mentor and ask lots of questions. Be open to learning from everyone around you, regardless of their role, experience, or background. Every person you work with has unique insights and knowledge that can contribute to your growth and success. Embrace the diverse perspectives and experiences within the industry, and you’ll find yourself continuously improving and innovating.”
– Emily Ellis, Executive Vice President and CFO, CT Wilson Construction, Durham, NC
“First, build your network and work your network. No matter what industry you are in, you are in the “people business” and relationships always win. Second, embrace change so that you will enhance your ability to adapt and grow both personally and professionally. Finally, take on each opportunity with gratitude.”
– Josh Fowler, PE, President, Davis & Floyd, Greenville, SC
“Keep an open mind and embrace new challenges and opportunities. Technology and markets are constantly evolving. Be eager to learn new things and remain flexible and ready to adapt.
– Justin Jones, Director, Preconstruction, Environmental Systems Division, Harper General Contractors, Greenville, SC
“As a recent graduate entering the workforce, ask questions and actively listen to coworkers and peers with real-world experience, as this is an area where you may have little exposure. Focus on networking with coworkers, clients, and partner companies, as these relationships are a key part of the construction industry, which makes strong communication skills an essential part of success. Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Setbacks are inevitable, but they often provide the most valuable learning opportunities.”
– Cameron Lipe, Assistant Project Manager, CarolinaPower, Greenville, SC
“As you step into this next chapter, I encourage you to embrace the unknown, stay curious and share your ideas. Spend time building connections with your coworkers and the communities you serve — there’s always something to learn from those around you. The people who thrive in this field are those who show up with a great attitude, learn from every setback and take pride in the little details. Keep in mind that growth takes time, so be patient with yourself. The effort you put in today will help shape the professional you’ll become tomorrow.”
– Rebecca McAdoo, CEO, Garman Homes, Morrisville, NC
“Never stop learning. The most valuable takeaway is being empowered to learn from experiences – good and bad – and apply them throughout your career. The job sites will teach you things the classroom never could. Stay curious, ask questions, and learn from your mistakes.
Be respectful of others. From laborers to project executives, every individual has an important role to play on a project and within the industry. Earn respect from others by giving it first. Your reputation will carry you further than any title. Be honest with people, follow up so they know you are listening, and do what you committed you will do. Be humble, but take initiative. Your fresh ideas and energy are valuable to the construction industry.
Act as your sister’s and brother’s keeper on the jobsite. Watch out for others, and they will, in turn, watch out for you. Safety isn’t optional. You are empowered to coach, train, and provide oversight to ensure everyone is planning and executing their work safely. Own it and hold yourself accountable to enforce it.
Try not to be too rigid in your plan because it will change. Be adaptable to this change and listen to others who have an alternative plan to execute. Be intentional and thoughtful in your communication. Miscommunication often causes delays, rework, and discourse on a project.”
– Keith Poettker, CEO & Chairman, Poettker Construction, Charlotte, NC
“If I could offer one piece of advice to recent college graduates entering the A/E/C industry, it would be to invest as much energy into developing your people skills as you do into mastering your technical craft. The A/E/C field is uniquely rewarding in that it combines technical expertise with the dynamic challenge of collaborating with a wide range of individuals — including internal team members, project partners, consultants, financial institutions, review boards, municipal staff, regulatory agencies, inspectors, and more. While technical proficiency is essential, your ability to navigate these relationships with emotional intelligence is equally important. Building strong interpersonal connections, approaching problems with empathy, and communicating effectively are vital not only to the success of your projects, but also to your overall success in the industry.
– Russ Seamon, President, SeamonWhiteside, Mount Pleasant, SC
“Your college degree does not mean you know everything. It means you are trainable. Come to work every day, on time with a good attitude. Network with people at your company and in the industry to learn ways you can make yourself better. Find a mentor, someone who has been around the industry for a while and absorb what they tell you. Be confident in your decisions and if you make a mistake (because you will), own it and learn from it. Be an eager learner and willing to accept difficult assignments. Make your bed, put up the shopping cart and exercise every day.”
– Will Williams, President & CEO, Western SC Economic Development Partnership (EDP), Aiken, SC
GroundBreak Carolinas sends best wishes to all new grads entering our industry!
