Construction is a very lucrative profession. College graduates entering the workforce often earn more their first year in construction than in most other professions.

The key to a successful career is to find one you really enjoy. Talk to people within the construction profession and ask them about their typical days, the benefits and drawbacks of the job, etc. The more you learn going in the better.  It is often easy to get meetings with such construction personnel by visiting a job site, or the office and simply asking to speak with someone performing the job you are considering applying for, or aspiring to.  Most people respect a new entry candidate who is doing her research and as long as you respect their time constraints (no more than 15 min of their time) they are likely to be receptive to a meeting.

 

Today it is important to obtain a two year or four year degree if one hopes to reach a management level for one's career within construction. It is not absolutely necessary for career advancement but most employers look for college degrees when considering someone for senior management. Project level roles may not require a college degree.

Some construction firms will finance or pay for employees to attend night school and complete degrees as a benefit of employment and a means to encourage the pursuit of education.