What do you do if your Construction Management internship isn't meeting your expectations?
Landing an internship in construction management can be a significant step in building your career. However, sometimes the experience might not live up to your expectations. It can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that you have the power to steer your internship back on course. In construction management, an industry that thrives on adaptability and problem-solving, these challenges can be viewed as opportunities to demonstrate your initiative and commitment to professional growth.
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Matthew Ruskosky, PMP®️Sr. Construction Manager, Director | Oil & Gas, Chemical, Heavy Industrial, Energy | $300MM+Project Experience |…
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Patrick MwangiConstruction Project Management | Construction Management | Entrepreneurship | Leadership | Mentorship | Advocacy |…
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Aydın OğuzConstruction Specialist 🏗️ Climate Change | Sustainable Solutions | Quality Management | Environment Management |…
Before making any decisions, take a step back and objectively evaluate your internship. Are your expectations realistic? Construction management involves a blend of on-site work, administrative tasks, and project planning. If you anticipated a hands-on experience but find yourself doing more paperwork, understand that these tasks are also integral to the role of a construction manager. Identify specific areas where the internship is lacking and consider whether these are due to the nature of the job or shortcomings in the internship program.
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When your construction management internship does not meet your expectations, it's important to first evaluate the situation critically. Reflect on whether your expectations align with the realities of the field, which often includes a mix of administrative duties and on-site work. If the discrepancy lies in the nature of the tasks rather than the structure of the internship, it may be beneficial to adjust your expectations. However, if there are genuine gaps, such as insufficient mentorship or lack of exposure to key areas, address these concerns with your supervisor. Constructive feedback can lead to adjustments that enrich your experience and provide more relevant learning opportunities.
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To improve a disappointing Construction Management internship, communicate openly with your supervisor about your expectations, seek clarity on roles and express your interests, propose solutions for enhancement, actively pursue additional learning opportunities, network with colleagues, reflect on the experience for personal growth, and if needed, explore alternative internship options aligned with your goals and interests.
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Schedule a meeting with your internship supervisor. Clearly express your desired learning outcomes and areas of interest. Ask if there are opportunities for more challenging tasks that align with your goals. Seek specific feedback on your performance and areas for improvement. This proactive approach can help turn your internship into a valuable learning experience.
Once you've assessed your situation, it's crucial to set clear, achievable goals for what you want from your internship. In construction management, goals could range from gaining experience with specific tools or software, understanding the project lifecycle, to developing leadership skills. Communicate these objectives to your supervisor; they can't help you achieve your goals if they don't know what they are. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your goals within the company.
Effective communication is key in construction management, and it's just as important when addressing internship issues. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your concerns and goals. Approach the conversation with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Be specific about what aspects of the internship are not meeting your expectations and offer suggestions for improvement that could benefit both you and the organization.
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If your construction management internship isn't meeting your expectations, the best course of action would be to "Communicate concerns." Communicate concerns: Openly communicate your concerns and expectations with your supervisor or mentor. Expressing your thoughts and discussing areas where you feel the internship is falling short can lead to constructive feedback and potential solutions. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to the internship and your willingness to address any challenges or issues that may arise.
If you're not being challenged enough, take the initiative to seek out more complex tasks or projects. In construction management, there's always more to learn, whether it's about new building techniques, project management software, or safety protocols. Ask your colleagues or supervisor if you can assist with more demanding work or shadow them during critical operations. This shows enthusiasm and a strong work ethic, traits highly valued in the construction industry.
Networking is an invaluable skill in construction management, as the industry relies heavily on relationships and connections. Use your internship as an opportunity to build your professional network. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues and other professionals on social media platforms. Expanding your network can lead to mentorship opportunities and open doors to future career prospects.
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El sector de la construcción suele discriminar a la gente joven, al ser un sector que requiere de mucho tiempo de aprendizaje para llegar a obtener la experiencia y responsabilidad que se requiere para ser un buen profesional. Si estás en tu período de becario, dando tus primeros pasos en el sector profesional, te recomendaría, aparte de aprender todo lo que puedas, que aproveches para mejorar tu red de contactos. Te comento esto, porque DETRÁS DE CUALQUIER TIPO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN HAY UN GRAN NÚMERO DE PERSONAS IMPLICADAS, que sin su colaboración y trabajo en equipo no podría hacer posible que se construyera ninguna obra. Cuantas más amistades dentro de tu sector puedas hacer, más sólida será también tu desarrollo profesional.
Finally, take time to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Every challenge you face during your internship is a chance to develop resilience and adaptability—qualities essential for a successful career in construction management. Document your experiences, noting what you've learned and how you've grown. This reflection can be a powerful tool for personal development and can help guide your future career decisions.
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It is very important to actually do some research on the internship opportunity before you accept. Seek out prior interns at the company and get a feel for their experiences and how that feedback aligns with your expectations. Heck, reach out to the CM's and PM's at the potential company on this platform and pick their brain regarding the opportunity. Personally, I truly enjoy the discussion with those aspiring to become CM professionals when they reach out to me seeking knowledge or insight.
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