A Path Through Construction 

I was more focused on being a shithead in high school. Then, a hailstorm blew through my town, which is how I ended up in construction. Contractors from out of town swarmed the area, bringing their crews but still needed local help. This was my first exposure to traveling construction workers, a unique breed of individuals who lived on the road, for some unknown reason, and thrived in the chaos.

After high school, I tried college, studying computers but the tech bubble derailed that attempt. Between my lack of direction and a job market that quickly dried up, I dropped out after just a year. Needing a job, I fell back on what I knew, which was construction, and started as a roofer. The work was physically demanding and grueling, and while it taught me to respect hard work, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me.

After several years and several girlfriends, I left roofing, hoping to get away from construction altogether. I then re-enrolled in school, determined to learn something and make a change. However, balancing education with financial responsibilities led me back to the trades through a friend. This time, I started a painter apprenticeship while going to night school. I eventually finished school and found myself in NYC. My background in construction, specifically roofing, gave me a jumpstart in facade and waterproofing consulting.

We are going to take a journey through the construction industry, where ivies meet migrant worker. Where traditions and working-class culture laid the foundation for countless careers, and smart brainy types design and finance the most exclusive buildings in the world. 

Some of the jobs I didn’t even realize existed until recently. We’ll examine what the future will look like, exploring labor and technology may or may not change the future. Finally, we’ll give some practical advice about a career in construction. This roadmap provides a full spectrum of insights, along with my own tale, industry trends, and practical tips.

Starting as a Tradesman

For many, the gateway into construction begins with the trades. These roles involve hands-on work and are essential to bringing projects to life. The roles are not only relegated to building a new building, many of the skills are dual purpose and figuratively and literally keep the lights on.  This list is a cross section of some of the key trades, but is by no means exhaustive.

• Electricians:
  • Construction: Electricians are responsible for installing entire electrical systems in new buildings or rewiring for renovations. This includes everything from risers and circuit breakers to outlets and lighting systems. 
  • Repair/Maintenance: Troubleshooting and repairing existing electrical systems. This can be a call to fix a broken light to troubleshooting complex building electrical systems.
• Plumbers:
  • Construction: Installing water and sewage infrastructure, which facilitate essential services like plumbing and heating. 
  • Repair/Maintenance: Fixing leaks, replacing fixtures, and troubleshooting heat/cooling systems.
• Roofers:
  • Construction: Installing roofing, flashing, and waterproofing systems that protect structures from the elements.
  • Repair/Maintenance: Troubleshooting and addressing leaks  and localized interventions to extend the lifespan of an existing roof.
• Drywall Finishers/Painters:
  • Construction: Using compound/plaster to seal and smooth walls then apply primer/paint.
  • Repair/Maintenance: Repairing damaged walls, preparing for paint, and repainting.

For those who enjoy working with their hands and seeing immediate results, the trades offer a fulfilling path. These roles demand skill, precision, and often certification or apprenticeships. The amount of money to be made in each niche is specific to the market, demand, and your role in the process.

The satisfaction of creating something tangible like a bridge, a home, or even a skyscraper, is fulfilling and makes for good storytelling.

Once you enter a trade, your career typically begins with some form of training or an apprenticeship. These programs are designed to teach you the practical skills you’ll need on the job while also providing all of the safety protocols, typically OSHA standards. As your skillset grows, so does your pay and responsibility. 

For me, entering the trade was part of a broader cultural norm. Growing up in St. Louis, most of the people I knew either joined the military or went into construction. Often, it wasn’t an either-or choice, and many returned from the military and started careers in the trades. In a city where unions had a strong foothold, union construction jobs offered pay comparable to mid-level office jobs and offered a more colorful office.

Engineering, Architecture, and Management

Beyond the trades, construction careers branch into technical, creative, and managerial roles. Among the most common are:

• Engineers: Civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers design systems that keep buildings and infrastructure standing and functioning. They solve complex problems, while maintaining safety and compliance. From super tall buildings to eco-friendly urban planning.
• Architects: Focused on the design and aesthetic of both the exterior and interior of buildings, architects work closely with clients and engineers to bring visions to life while adhering to practical constraints. They balance creativity with technical knowledge, navigating zoning laws, building codes, and client needs. 
• Construction Managers: Overseeing entire projects, they administer contracts by coordinating tradespeople, scheduling, and keeping budgets in check. Construction managers are the linchpin of a project. They’re problem-solvers and decision-makers, navigating challenges ranging from design flaws to labor shortages.

These roles typically require higher education, but they also offer the chance to shape projects from concept to completion. The work demands analytical skills, effective communication, passion for problem-solving, and high tolerance for bullshit. Professionals in these fields often find satisfaction in creating structures that stand the test of time. 

However, the intersection between management and labor isn’t always smooth, and experience is oftentimes the key to a successful project. Workers tend to respect those who have walked in their shoes, while management often focuses primarily on timelines and budgets, sometimes without fully grasping the challenges of execution.

As a tradesman, I recall one particular project that highlighted these tensions. My team was working on a critical path area for a casino hotel lobby. The structure had been built according to the engineer’s plans, but there was a glaring oversight. The design didn’t account for earthquake safety factor. The engineer had to scramble to adjust, and the clock was ticking. When the engineers finally ran out of ideas, it fell to us, the contractor, to brainstorm solutions and feed ideas back to the engineering team to make the design work. 

Despite the challenges, moments like this underscore the importance of collaboration and the unique problem-solving skills that workers bring to the table, skills that ultimately keep projects moving forward.

After finishing my degree and starting consulting work in NYC, I quickly realized the challenges of working in an office setting. These challenges are very different from those faced in the field. Typically, as a designer or project manager, your goal is to create something buildable that doesn’t blow the budget. But more often than not, clients delay decision-making until the last minute, only to suddenly push for quick pricing and results.

One aspect that’s not widely discussed in the industry is liability. Architects and engineers, who are often the weakest financially among project stakeholders, bear the greatest responsibility for ensuring designs are safe and functional. This imbalance frequently leads to overbuilding and overthinking, which adds time and money to projects. For some of us, the daily chaos ranging from owner demands to tradesmen’s incredulity, makes it both fun and challenging. Sometimes you have to be an amateur therapist to successfully get through certain projects. 

Finance Roles in Construction

For the early part of my career, I didn’t grasp just how essential finance professionals were to making projects a reality. Finance bridges the gap between vision and execution, and is my weakest understanding of the construction process. It wasn’t until I transitioned into consulting that I realized how deeply intertwined finance is with every aspect of construction. 

It’s not just a wealthy client looking to fund something, but it is a corporation formed specifically for development or an existing building that needs to fund repairs. The following lists some common positions:

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): The CFO oversees the financial health of large construction companies or developers; they manage budgets, cash flow, and risk while maintaining  profitability. This is a pivotal role in forecasting costs and navigating financial complexities, and they often juggle tight timelines and large investments.
• Real Estate Analyst for Developers: Real estate analysts evaluate project proposals and compare with market trends to determine financial viability. They perform detailed market research, analyze risks, and project potential returns to guide developers. 
• Asset Manager: Asset managers oversee the financial performance and long-term value of real estate portfolios. They ensure that investments meet profitability goals, optimize property operations, and implement strategies to maximize returns. Oftentimes, they collaborate with the development team to make informed decisions on asset acquisition, renovations, or balancing high upfront costs with long-term revenue potential.

Usually the finance types are not found on job sites that often. Typically, they do millstone walk-throughs with stakeholders, but are usually far removed from the operations. Asset managers in the city are typically more involved, since a lot of the capital projects are driven by DOB compliance like facade repairs (Local Law 11 now called FISP) or energy upgrades (Local Law 97).

As a restoration consultant we work with asset managers to help with planning of capital projects. Also, I have worked with developers on building conversion projects. It’s generally straight to business and to the point, and the only push back is when projects have too many unknowns or hidden conditions that balloon budgets. 

This field of work requires a minimum BA/BS degree and oftentimes these folks have advanced degrees in finance, real estate, management, and law. 

Resilience Against AI and Technology

The construction industry is a resilient sector when it comes to the rapid advancements of AI and technology, and sometimes the industry is well behind trends. Tools like project management software and drones have streamlined processes and improved efficiency, but they can’t replace the skilled workers and tradespeople. Also, with the level of experience and gut intuition needed, the entire industry isn’t going to evaporate overnight like a lot of other white collar jobs. 

What’s Next

No matter your starting point, the construction industry offers opportunity, growth, and challenges. Whether you’re pouring concrete, drawing plans, managing budgets, or negotiating contracts, there’s an undeniable pride in contributing to projects.

For those who love variety, problem-solving, and tangible results, construction could be the career you didn’t know you were looking for. Whether you are in the workforce and want to make a jump or you are young looking for a career, I am sure there is a path just pick your poison. 

My journey through construction has been far from linear, and probably not over, but I have learned a lot with much more to learn. From the physically demanding days on to navigating complex financial discussions, each step has taught me invaluable lessons about persistence, collaboration, and adaptability.

For anyone considering this path, it’s a field where grit meets creativity, and no two days are the same. If you’re thinking about a career in construction, hopefully I provided some insights. So, pick a lane and follow through. 

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