Gen Z Drives Surge in Self-Taught Skills
There has been a 66% surge in employees reporting self-taught job skills, a trend largely led by Gen Z workers using resources like YouTube and TikTok. A new report finds this rise in unconventional learning is creating pressure for companies to verify the genuine expertise of candidates.
- A business degree is a recognized entry point into construction management, with large firms often preferring candidates who combine a business or related degree with hands-on experience. Entry-level roles like Project Engineer or Field Engineer are common starting points for graduates, focusing on either the project management or on-site supervision tracks respectively. - To bridge the gap from a business background, emphasize transferable skills such as budgeting, financial management, strategic planning, and contract management during interviews. Highlighting proficiency in project management methodologies and software is also critical. - The construction industry is projected to need over 546,000 additional workers to meet demand, creating significant opportunities for new graduates. Many companies, facing labor shortages, are increasing their staffing levels and are open to candidates from non-traditional backgrounds whom they can train. - When interviewing for a construction management role without direct experience, focus on your ability to manage logistics, delegate tasks, and communicate progress to stakeholders—key functions of a project manager. Prepare to discuss how your academic projects or other experiences demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure. - For business development roles in construction, understanding the industrial B2B sales process is key; this involves longer sales cycles and selling a solution to a problem rather than just a product. Success often depends on identifying a specific target market, persistence, and building strong relationships with multiple decision-makers within a company. - Major construction markets include commercial, residential, industrial, and heavy civil (infrastructure). Notable large-scale general contractors that hire recent graduates include Turner Construction, Skanska, McCarthy, and Kiewit. - The industry is increasingly adopting technology like AI and machine learning in its processes. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable and green building practices, which can be a valuable area of knowledge for new entrants. - To gain practical experience, seek out internships or co-op programs, which are highly valued by employers. You can also pursue entry-level certifications like the Associate Constructor (AC) or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) to bolster your credentials.
