Construction Professionals Offer 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
“There are two traits to pursue being new in the industry: hunger and humility. Be hungry for the next opportunity and responsibility. Execute what’s in front of you and seek out the next way to contribute to the team or learn something new. Don’t get scared of big challenges or failure, just jump in and ask questions. Most importantly, be humble enough to recognize what you don’t know. Your degree is a key to unlocking opportunities and provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. You’re the new man in the room; remember that you’re not above anybody or any task. You’re entering a workforce full of well-seasoned experts in their craft. Seek coaching and knowledge from the industry vets, regardless of their role. Lastly, say yes.”
– Sam Arnold, Superintendent, Harper General Contractors, Greenville, SC
“What an amazing industry you have joined! The construction industry is made of up hard working, salt of the earth men and women. There is no shortage of opportunities you will be afforded. Show up on time daily and be trainable and you’ll be successful!”
– Leslie Clark, Chief Operating Officer, Carolinas AGC (CAGC), Columbia, SC
“At our company, new graduates who are entering construction operations must understand that they’re going into these projects not just as a contractor, but as a design-builder, meaning they’re on the same internal team as our design group. Having a winning attitude and team-first mentality are critical to the success of the project, your company, and the client.”
– Dan Crist, President, A M King, Charlotte, NC
“You are not expected to know everything. You are expected to learn. Show up early, pay attention, and ask questions. Talk to everyone – they all play an important role. Email and text are for documentation. Phone calls and face-to-face conversations are for communicating.”
– John Hildreth, PhD, PE, Interim Associate Dean for Research, Kimmel Distinguished Professor, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
“Stay positive, work hard, and make it happen! The most valuable professionals aren’t just the ones who are the ‘smartest,’ they are the ones who support their teams, care more than the rest, show kindness and grace, and truly invest in the success of their roles. So be professional and thoughtful, and never underestimate the power of building meaningful partnerships and staying true to your word. In the grand scheme of your career, your reputation and personal brand will take you farther than any piece of paper ever will.”
– Julia Kunlo, CSP, CSP, President, Evolution Safety Resources (ESR), Raleigh, NC
“Never underestimate the value of the people who came before you. In the electrical industry, the best knowledge isn’t learned behind a desk. It’s earned in the field alongside the crews and leaders doing the work every day. Build respect, ask questions, learn from their experience, and as your career grows, never forget the people who helped build your foundation.”
– Bradley Michie, Sr. Director of Operations, CarolinaPower, Inc., Columbia, SC
“Embrace your innate strengths by leaning into what really excites you about your field. We are all different; some of us are quiet, chatty, technical, or imaginative. Wherever you fall naturally, your personality and contributions are so valuable to a team. Stay true to yourself!”
– Cecilia Torres-Panzera, Interior Designer, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Charlotte, NC
“Understand that your first job is not your last job. It’s part of your continuing education. The habits you build now, how you treat people, how you respond under pressure, how reliable you are – all of that compounds. I can still trace relationships and opportunities in my career back to how I showed up in those early years. You’re not just doing a job. You’re building a reputation that will follow you long after you forget your starting salary.”
– Mark Zweig, Chairman and Founder, Zweig Group, Fayetteville, AR
GroundBreak Carolinas sends best wishes to all new grads entering our industry!
