CAREERTIPS: 10 Reasons why Young Engineers should obtain Construction Site Experience early in their careers

Project Manager & Senior Civil Engineer Innocentia Mahlangu gives MY CAREERTIPS on young Engineers should gain site experience earlier on in their careers

I was initially opposed to the idea of working on a construction site at the beginning of my career and I believed that I could learn everything I needed to know as an engineer in an office based environment. The idea of working on a remote construction site and the isolation from family and friends was not appealing at the time. Assignment conditions of course vary between companies and projects: however, some remote sites keep you away from ‘civilization’ for extended periods. The comfort of working in an office and the convenience of the city was certainly more appealing.

After my first Construction site experience I took the time to reflect on some of the lessons I learnt during that period, to assist young engineers grappling with a similar decision. Here’s a summary of some of the critical lessons:

1. Problem solving and thinking on your feet

Most problems encountered on construction sites are likely urgent and delays encountered due to some unresolved issue will likely impact on the project baselines. The construction environment teaches you to be swift in resolving issues that arise. It also teaches you to develop practical and efficient solutions, in consideration of cost and schedule impacts, as well as the technical feasibility of the solutions.

2. When things don’t go according to plan

Engineers and project managers spend a significant amount of time planning; and despite all best efforts, there are situations which will necessitate changes to 'the plan'. A typical example of this is when unexpected site conditions are encountered which necessitate a change in design or unidentified buried services. This stumbling block teaches you lessons on dealing with change and being adaptable.

3. Conflict resolution

Given the number of different stakeholders & interests on a construction project, conflict is inevitable. Construction is undoubtedly a high stress and high pressure environment and conflicts do arise. The environment better prepares you to deal with conflict and to develop skills in conflict resolution.

4. Professional ethics & responsibility

Field engineers are entrusted to oversee the construction of the design and to confirm the technical conformance and quality of construction. In this role, you will have to make difficult decisions, especially when the construction does not meet the required standards. Acting ethically in difficult situations is an important element in your journey to become a registered professional engineer.

5. Stakeholder engagement and teamwork

The construction environment exposes one to different stakeholders with differing interests in the project. The client, EPCM, contractor and community are all stakeholders on the project and the project may be unsuccessful without their mutual cooperation. The construction environment teaches you the value of teamwork and lessons in stakeholder engagement.

6. Contract management

Commercial matters are usually a blind spot for most engineers (because contracts are too wordy right?). The lesson here is simple, in order to manage a contract, you need to understand the contents and terms of a contract. Understanding terms of the contract will enable you to better deal with disputes and contractual claims.

7. Leadership and Confidence

As a field engineer in construction, you become a leader representing your organization and your client. In some instances, you will be tasked with leading teams. Furthermore, the construction environment requires you to communicate effectively with people with different backgrounds and skills.

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8. Planning and logistics

One of the skills I gained from working on a construction site is planning. The construction environment requires planning and coordination of day to day activities. One of the more intensive planning exercises is the detailed planning and logistics required in preparation for major shutdowns and tie-ins.

9. Reward of completing a project

The sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing a 2D drawing become a tangible, physical structure is rewarding. This leaves you with a greater level of confidence.

10. Technical competence/experience

This is probably the most important lesson for a young engineer: Exposure to the construction environment will help you grow technically. This will empower you to make better engineering design decisions. Furthermore, you will develop the necessary competencies as required by ECSA, which will be beneficial in your registration as a professional engineer.

Accepting a role on a construction site was one of my best career decisions. I experienced tremendous growth, which I believe I wouldn’t have experienced in the same period had I been based in the design office. So in closing: don’t shy away from roles in construction. It’s not easy, it’s not comfortable but it's worth it.

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