Find An Infrastructure Job!

So, you have decided the infrastructure industry is a great career option for you. Now what? It is time to start exploring how to find an infrastructure job. There are countless options to explore. This blog will help you find your infrastructure job.  

Find an Infrastructure Job (With No Degree)

 

1. Update your resume: Before you begin, make sure you have your resume in order. Draw on any relevant work experience from the past. Consider all the work and projects you have contributed to beyond jobs you were just paid for. A well-rounded person is ideal of the industry. Try and demonstrate your curiosity to learn new skills.
2. Search smarter: If you’re searching for jobs online, look for construction jobs that advertise little to no experience required. Don’t only use job posting site. Search google for companies and cities you’re interested in. Then start calling. There is nothing wrong with taking an entry level position. All you need to do is get a foot in the door.
3. The internet is only a tool: The internet is a tool not the answer. There are too many people these days who think by sending a resume out that they have done enough. I disagree with this. Follow up with phone calls to companies you are interested in. If the companies are local to you, go to the job sites and ask to talk to someone in charge. Making a personal connection will go a long way in showing someone you are serious. It will also set you apart from others looking for the same position.

Should I go to school?  I would never say absolutely no. But I will say this. School takes time and money away from you. Time is one of the most valuable aspects of your life. If you have the money and time, then sure go ahead. If not, do not worry. There are endless resources online these days to teach you everything that a school can. And most importantly no school can teach what real work experience can teach you. No, you don’t need to go to school to find an infrastructure job in my opinion.

Find an Infrastructure Job (With a Degree)

 

1.  Choose wisely: Don’t waste time with classes that will not help your career. It is good to be well rounded. This does not mean jazz class will help your construction career. Many schools offer different focuses in their programs. Some schools focus on residential construction, others on commercial, and other on highway. You need to know what the school teaches. And if the school only offers one sector this is ok. I went to a school that mainly focused on residential developments. I work in highway infrastructure now. If your fundamentals our sound you will be ok.
2. Become an intern: Internships are some of the most valuable work experiences you can get as a young professional. Internships will help you see what aspects of the industry you like and don’t like. It will also provide you with experience.
3. Find a job: Most schools offer job fairs. Make sure you take advantage of these opportunities. Also use online tools to search for jobs. Indeed and zip recruiter are great places to search. Also call companies in cities you want to live and start calling. When I graduated, I called over 20 companies in Denver asking if they were hiring. This is how I got my first job.

Now that we have the basics out of the way let’s start talking about different jobs available. Within the construction industry there are thousands of possible jobs. So where should you start? Careers in Construction is an amazing web site that can help you learn more about what direction to go. Below is a list of some of the top paying jobs in construction.  

Some Top Jobs

1. Construction Project Managers

If you envision being in charge, this is one of the best careers in construction for you. Project managers (PMs) are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project from startup to closeout, including planning, coordination, and budgets. To become a PM, you need excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to handle high-pressure situations, solid organizational and budgeting skills, and strong leadership qualities. To become a PM, it’s helpful to have a degree. However, a degree is not required. Some of the best PMs I know don’t have a degree. Before you become a PM, you need experience. Most PMs start their careers a Project Engineers (PE). This does not mean you have to have an engineering degree to get this position. Start searching for project engineer positions and work your way up to the project manager role. The project manager role compensates well and offers excellent growth potential. The median salary for project managers is $95,260 annually. Additionally, the job is anticipated to grow at a rate of 10% from 2018 to 2028 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

2. Plumbers

Plumbing was ranked as the #1 best construction job by U.S. News & World Report. The market for plumbers is rapidly growing, at a rate of 14% between 2018 and 2028. This translates to an additional 68,200 jobs in the next eight years, says the BLS. With a median salary of $55,160 annually, this is one of the most lucrative careers to pursue without a degree. So, what does a plumber do? In the construction industry, typically, plumbers install and repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, appliances, and fixtures for residential, commercial, and even industrial projects. Plumbers can be on small residential project or work on the largest buildings in the world. An additional benefit to being a plumber is there are a lot of maintenance opportunities. Even if new construction is slow, a plumber can find maintenance work. Successful plumbers have a strong mechanical aptitude, coordination, and a problem-solving skillset. To be a plumber, you must be certified and licensed. The best way to obtain these requirements is to work under a licensed plumber for a while. After this apprenticeship you can become the licensed plumber. As with other jobs the best way to find these jobs is to contact reputable plumbing companies. If you find a good company, they will provide the training and mentor to train you for free.

3. Civil Engineers

If you love the concepts of construction but don’t love being out on the job site, civil engineering is a great career path to explore. Engineers spend most of their time working on computers in offices. Civil engineers design the construction of our world’s infrastructure which includes roads, tunnels, bridges, sewage systems, and more. Engineering is the first step in the construction process. And without engineers no project would be possible. With an expected 6% job growth from through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as a median salary of $87,060 annually, it’s a great career path. But and engineering career path does require a degree. You also most possess strong math abilities. Withing the engineering career there are countless different branches of engineers. You can be a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, traffic engineer, and the list goes on. To begin their careers, civil engineers generally have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related specialty. Many in higher positions also have a graduate degree. To learn more about this role, check out this in-depth exploration.

4. Ironworkers

While a career as an ironworker can be dangerous and full of risks, there are plenty of positive benefits that make it a fulfilling career for many. Some of the most iconic construction pictures in the world are of iron workers.

Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings and other infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. To be an iron worker you have to have strength, courage, and be a little crazy in my opinion. If you have those skills, you’ll find that ironworking is quite rewarding. It offers significant job security, with roles growing at a rate of 11% between 2018 and 2028, says the BLS, and a median salary of $53,650.

5. Construction Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operators are required on every project. There are countless career opportunities for operators. Equipment operator salaries are among the highest in the industry and the position has no educational requirements. The market is growing at a rate of 10% from 2018 to 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a median salary of $46,10 annually, you’ll make a comfortable living as well. Keep in mind this is a median salary. Many operators make well over $70,000 a year. In this role, you can expect to operate, maneuver, and control the heavy equipment and machinery used in a variety of construction environments. Successful traits include hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, and mechanical skills. It’s important to be able to operate different types of equipment. The more you are proficient on different types of equipment the more valuable you will become. To start a career as a construction equipment operator, you’ll need to know some basic math and that is about it. The best way to become an operator is to join a company who will make you an apprentice to an operator. It takes time and practice to become a good operator. Almost no one just hops in a machine and is good right away.