8 answers
1
Question
Asked
805 views
I am planning to get into construction management and at a later point down the line, have my own company. I’m excited, but a little apprehensive as I have never started a business myself. What advice do you have for a college student who wishes to have his own construction business someday?
I am a college student who wishes to study construction management and eventually own my own company. I do not have prior experience with owning a business, and therefore, I am hoping to learn what I can do in college to help me become prepared for it. Any tips regarding skills to concentrate on, internships, or what to avoid doing would benefit me a lot.
Login to comment
8 answers
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Estimating! Learn to thoroughly read plans and specifications, how to break work down into packages, estimate durations, materials, and manpower necessary to complete the work. Pay attention to details a little. Could cost you a lot.
Updated
Oleg’s Answer
Construction, like toilet paper, is always needed. Start by learning the management side of construction. This helps with networking, scheduling, and handling contracts. You'll also need to get involved in planning, which includes estimating and budgeting. Visiting construction sites will teach you the details of each project.
If you want to own a business, remember this: Do good work, build a reputation, and form strong relationships. Clients care about results, not budgets or brand names.
Keep in mind, not everyone is cut out to own a company. Some construction business owners make less than superintendents who don't have to worry about payroll or inventory.
If you want to own a business, remember this: Do good work, build a reputation, and form strong relationships. Clients care about results, not budgets or brand names.
Keep in mind, not everyone is cut out to own a company. Some construction business owners make less than superintendents who don't have to worry about payroll or inventory.
Updated
Valeria Fernanda’s Answer
I think it's a very interesting option. I've worked as a civil engineer for over 10 years on construction sites, specifically in construction management and administration. The more you detail the technical specifications, requirements, regulations, deadlines, budget, materials, etc., and the more you can assume you're the contractor and carry out the project under the supervision of someone with experience, the more you'll truly learn how it should be. I advise you to do your internship thoroughly and conscientiously.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Most important if your parents speak English as a Second Language, make sure that you can read and write at a college level (this is why I went to community college first rather than enroll in a four-year college as a freshman). Also make sure that you either have already taken high school math and science sclasses that will be a prerequisite ffor the lower-division requirements for getting a college degree (this is another reason why I went to a community college to get my AA degree before I transferred to a four-year college to get my BA degree.
Updated
Murat’s Answer
Starting your own construction business is thrilling, and you can definitely do it! Begin by learning the basics of construction management, like project planning, budgeting, and understanding permits and rules. This knowledge will give you a strong start.
Getting hands-on experience is super important. Try working at a construction company to see how things work in real life and to gain useful skills. Building a network is crucial too—reach out to mentors, contractors, and suppliers. A strong network will be a big help when you launch your business.
When you're ready to begin, start with smaller projects. This way, you can build your reputation and gain experience without too much risk. It's also important to learn business skills. Think about taking courses in business or entrepreneurship to learn about managing money, employees, and marketing.
Most importantly, be patient. Building a successful business takes time, and there will be challenges. Keep your eyes on your long-term goals. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll achieve great things!
Getting hands-on experience is super important. Try working at a construction company to see how things work in real life and to gain useful skills. Building a network is crucial too—reach out to mentors, contractors, and suppliers. A strong network will be a big help when you launch your business.
When you're ready to begin, start with smaller projects. This way, you can build your reputation and gain experience without too much risk. It's also important to learn business skills. Think about taking courses in business or entrepreneurship to learn about managing money, employees, and marketing.
Most importantly, be patient. Building a successful business takes time, and there will be challenges. Keep your eyes on your long-term goals. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll achieve great things!
Updated
Glory Khedard’s Answer
While doing your bachelor's degree go for some internship to accelerate your understanding of the market then after graduation work for at least 3years to improve your knowledge and build your reputation.
Before graduating, I will suggest you to take the CAPM certification this will allow you to take later the PMP certification which is super important for your career.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a long journey, so just make sure start small and while building a strong team and network.
Before graduating, I will suggest you to take the CAPM certification this will allow you to take later the PMP certification which is super important for your career.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a long journey, so just make sure start small and while building a strong team and network.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Your goal is both daring and thrilling, and recognizing the opportunities and challenges ahead gives you a strong starting point. Launching a construction business requires technical skills, business savvy, leadership, and determination. As a college student aiming for construction management and entrepreneurship, here are some focused steps to set you on the path to long-term success:
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Construction and Business
Education: Enroll in courses like construction management, civil engineering, project management, and business administration. Basics of accounting and finance are particularly helpful.
Certifications: Consider earning valuable credentials such as:
- OSHA safety certification
- LEED (for sustainability)
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- CMIT or CCM (Certified Construction Manager)
2. Gain Real-World Experience
Internships: Work with a general contractor, construction firm, or real estate developer. Observe how projects are planned, scheduled, and executed.
Jobsite Exposure: Embrace manual or support roles early on — understanding jobsite operations is essential.
Learn from Leaders: Observe both effective and ineffective managers. Leadership, problem-solving, and communication are as important as technical skills.
3. Network Aggressively
Mentorship: Find a mentor, ideally someone who has started a construction company or held a management position.
Industry Events: Attend trade shows, local construction association gatherings, and seminars.
Connect with Tradespeople: Build relationships with electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and others. You’ll rely on subcontractors in the future.
4. Develop a Business Mindset Early
Start Small Projects: Manage small remodels or renovations during breaks to gain experience in handling scope, budget, and labor.
Learn the Business Side: Master how to price jobs, estimate costs, manage cash flow, pay taxes, and navigate local regulations.
Understand Risk: Construction involves risks like delays, injuries, and lawsuits. Learn to protect your business with contracts, insurance, and compliance.
5. Think Long-Term and Strategically
Create a Vision: Decide what type of construction you want to focus on — residential, commercial, public works, green building, etc.
Business Plan (Eventually): As you near launching, draft a plan covering your services, market, competitive edge, and financial model.
Start Lean: You don’t need a large operation to begin. Many start as project managers or subcontractors and grow from there.
6. Stay Curious and Adaptable
The construction industry is changing with technology (like drones, BIM, project management software) and sustainability needs. Stay ahead by constantly learning.
Final Thought: Many successful construction company owners began just like you — without a business background but with a strong desire to learn and work hard. You won’t know everything at the start, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to keep moving forward, stay humble, and surround yourself with smart, dependable people.
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Construction and Business
Education: Enroll in courses like construction management, civil engineering, project management, and business administration. Basics of accounting and finance are particularly helpful.
Certifications: Consider earning valuable credentials such as:
- OSHA safety certification
- LEED (for sustainability)
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- CMIT or CCM (Certified Construction Manager)
2. Gain Real-World Experience
Internships: Work with a general contractor, construction firm, or real estate developer. Observe how projects are planned, scheduled, and executed.
Jobsite Exposure: Embrace manual or support roles early on — understanding jobsite operations is essential.
Learn from Leaders: Observe both effective and ineffective managers. Leadership, problem-solving, and communication are as important as technical skills.
3. Network Aggressively
Mentorship: Find a mentor, ideally someone who has started a construction company or held a management position.
Industry Events: Attend trade shows, local construction association gatherings, and seminars.
Connect with Tradespeople: Build relationships with electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and others. You’ll rely on subcontractors in the future.
4. Develop a Business Mindset Early
Start Small Projects: Manage small remodels or renovations during breaks to gain experience in handling scope, budget, and labor.
Learn the Business Side: Master how to price jobs, estimate costs, manage cash flow, pay taxes, and navigate local regulations.
Understand Risk: Construction involves risks like delays, injuries, and lawsuits. Learn to protect your business with contracts, insurance, and compliance.
5. Think Long-Term and Strategically
Create a Vision: Decide what type of construction you want to focus on — residential, commercial, public works, green building, etc.
Business Plan (Eventually): As you near launching, draft a plan covering your services, market, competitive edge, and financial model.
Start Lean: You don’t need a large operation to begin. Many start as project managers or subcontractors and grow from there.
6. Stay Curious and Adaptable
The construction industry is changing with technology (like drones, BIM, project management software) and sustainability needs. Stay ahead by constantly learning.
Final Thought: Many successful construction company owners began just like you — without a business background but with a strong desire to learn and work hard. You won’t know everything at the start, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to keep moving forward, stay humble, and surround yourself with smart, dependable people.
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Shayan! That’s an exciting goal and it’s great that you’re thinking long term while still in college. Start by learning everything you can about the industry through internships, networking, and classes that cover project management, finance, and leadership. Don’t worry about having all the answers now. Entrepreneurship is a learning journey, and every step you take builds your foundation. Surround yourself with mentors in construction and business who can guide you as you grow. Stay curious, stay driven, and remember: every big company once started with someone who simply decided to begin. You got this, good luck!