WP3 Final Project by

About Me

rembecki — 2024-03-18 19:37:26 UTC

My name is Holden Rembecki and I am from Warren, Michigan. I am attending Michigan State University majoring in Construction Management. I decided to major in construction management because I have family ties to the construction business as my uncle owns a company and my cousin is working as a project manager. When I first got to Michigan State I initially had my doubts about my decision, fearing potential regrets. However, as I've delved deeper into learning about the industry, my dedication to becoming a construction manager has only strengthened. My first construction management course (CMP-101) teacher has actually influenced me to think more highly of the position I am coveting for. He not only taught us the background and basics to becoming a construction manager, but he also showed us the importance of the position. The construction field itself is so important to our daily lives as every building we go into, every road and bridge we drive on starts and ends with construction, and the project manager (what I am aiming to become) is the one who runs it all making sure everything is efficiently and accurately done. With my major in construction management, I aspire to excel as a successful construction manager, using skills in problem-solving, leadership, and building to contribute meaningfully to the industry.

MSU Career Services

rembecki — 2024-03-18 19:40:25 UTC

Candid Career Services- Videos

rembecki — 2024-03-18 19:40:46 UTC

Candid Career Video- Construction Managing

rembecki — 2024-03-18 19:45:10 UTC

Lisa is a Project Manager with Turner Construction Company, one of the largest construction management companies in the United States. "A project manager is responsible for making sure that the team has the resources they need to do their work successfully." (0:29-0:38). The responsibility of a project manager to make sure the team has the resources necessary to do their work effectively includes both efficient resource management and regular support and guidance. "In construction, the two aspects is the physical aspect of actually building on the project site and there's an engineering side, that's building the project on paper". (1:14-1:24). The physical aspect of construction involves the actual execution of building projects on-site, including tasks like site preparation, excavation, foundation laying, structural assembly, and finishing. The engineering side of construction focuses on the planning, design, and development of construction projects before they are built on-site. Understanding both the physical and engineering aspects of construction is crucial for project managers and professionals to effectively coordinate the various stages of the construction process.

Candid Career Video- Business Etiquette: Introductions and Meetings

rembecki — 2024-03-18 19:47:07 UTC

Billy Glading and Crystal L. Bailey are from the Etiquette Institute of Washington and guide us on proper business etiquette for workplace introductions and meetings, outlining the dos and don'ts. "It's said that we only have three to seven seconds to make that great first impression and so making sure you start off with eye contact, a smile, and a firm and friendly handshake..." (0:20-0:35). It really surprised me, how short of a timespan is the most important for introductions. These small yet powerful gestures can set the tone for the entire interaction, influencing perceptions of credibility, likability, and trustworthiness. "Two key things to keep in mind when you're in any type of meeting. Making sure that everyone has been introduced... and making sure that you start on time and that you finish on time." (1:30-1:56). By making introductions, participants can establish connections, understand each other's roles and perspectives, and make for smoother communication and collaboration. Going to meetings on time demonstrates respect for attendees' time and commitments, making for better efficiency and productivity.

MSU Subject Librarian

rembecki — 2024-03-18 19:57:45 UTC

My specific major, construction management, doesn't have a subject librarian but I would say the closest thing to my major is most likely engineering, making my subject librarian Sheila Bryant.

Discipline: Engineering

Email: bryants@msu.edu

Phone Number: (517) 884-0896

MSU Major-related Clubs

rembecki — 2024-03-20 16:27:49 UTC

Engineers For A Sustainable World Club

rembecki — 2024-03-20 17:34:05 UTC

My major, construction management, consists of a lot of engineering within the program, but when thinking of construction for the future, you will always have to make sure it can be sustainable with the environment, especially with new guidelines that are being made every year to make sure our world is taken care of. Engineers for a Sustainable World aligns perfectly with my passion for both engineering and environmental sustainability. This club provides a unique opportunity to combine expertise in technology with an in-depth understanding of environmental issues. Being a member of a club of people who are passionate about building a more sustainable future is really motivating and encouraging.

Marketing Association

rembecki — 2024-03-20 17:50:12 UTC

Although in Construction Management does have a lot to do with engineering, business is also a major factor within the major. The Michigan State University Marketing Association presents an exciting opportunity for me to connect my Construction Management major with the dynamic world of business/marketing. It may seem like Construction Management might not have a lot to do with marketing but they intersect in various ways, especially in the realm of project management and business development within the construction industry. The club would allow me to broaden my skill set beyond the technical aspects of construction management.

Professional Organizations

rembecki — 2024-03-20 18:04:38 UTC

Construction Management Association of America

rembecki — 2024-03-20 18:24:04 UTC

The CMAA is a very useful organization to join if you are planning to or are already a construction manager. The goal of the Construction Management Association of America is to assist its members by providing them with a range of programs and tools that are designed to advance their career advancement and success in the construction industry. They provide its members with access to a vast network of industry professionals, creating valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration. CMAA also offers a range of educational programs, including seminars, workshops, and certification courses, designed to expand members' expertise and credentials. This empowers its members to continuously enhance their skills and stay competitive in the field. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, CMAA encourages members to share insights, experiences, and resources, strengthening the bonds within the construction management community.

American Institute of Constructors

rembecki — 2024-03-20 18:36:08 UTC

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to its members, facilitating their professional growth and success in the field construction, in my case being construction management. One of the primary ways AIC supports its members is through education and certification programs. They offer a range of certification options, including the Associate Constructor (CAC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). These certifications validate members' expertise and in construction, enhancing their credibility and marketability in the industry. Overall they provide comprehensive support to its members through education, networking, advocacy, and resources, empowering them to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to the construction industry.

What Can I Do With This Major?

rembecki — 2024-03-20 19:01:04 UTC

Common Career Paths associated with Construction Operations/Management that interest me the most:

Management of: Human Resources, Financial Resources, Materials, and equipment. One of the most intriguing aspects of this career path is its interdisciplinary nature, which calls for expertise in multiple areas like asset usage, supply chain management, financial analysis, and human management.
Estimation. An estimator is a pretty common job in construction. Estimators play a critical role in the pre-construction phase by analyzing project requirements, assessing costs, and preparing accurate estimates. What intrigues me about the role of an estimator is its integral role in the construction project lifecycle.
Project management. Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects from beginning to end, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. Project management is so appealing because it offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Employers That Surprised Me

rembecki — 2024-03-24 23:52:57 UTC

There were a couple employers that actually caught of guard a little bit because I did not expect them to be an option given my major. I was surprised that real estate developers would hire from the construction science area because I was thinking they would look for people more in the business realm. The other employer that shocked me a little was specialty trade contractors like plumbing, heating, and electrical. I know they are more related to construction than the last one, but I thought they would be looking more at specific majors like electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. It is really cool to see that even if it may seem that your major can only allow you to go down very few career paths, there is most likely a wide array of career paths that are open to you even if they may not be exactly related to your major.

Strategies That Stood Out to Me

rembecki — 2024-03-25 01:57:03 UTC

One of the things I really wanted to learn during this project was how to prepare for what I'm going to be doing after college which is why I was delighted when I was reading through some of the strategies that the "what can I do with this major" website created. The first strategy that caught my eye was "Become a good problem solver and develop tolerance for unexpected changes or problems". I believe this approach fits well with the dynamic, fast-paced world of construction management, where challenges and unexpected situations are common. In order to successfully put this method into practice, I want to concentrate on improving my problem-solving abilities through course work, real-world application, and opportunities for ongoing education. By developing these abilities and mindset, I hope to stand out in the field and be able to lead to successful outcomes even under difficult circumstances. Another strategy that caught my attention was "Be willing to start as an assistant to an experienced construction manager." By embracing this strategy, I can gain firsthand experience, learn from seasoned professionals, and gradually build my skills and expertise in the field. Both strategies, along with numerous others provided, are excellent for preparing individuals for the workforce post-college.

Candid Career Video- The Qualities of a Strong Leader

rembecki — 2024-03-25 02:05:25 UTC

The signs of a great leader start with "self-awareness" and great "emotional intelligence" (0:00-0:22). Leaders who possess these qualities are better equipped to understand themselves and others, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and inspire and empower their team members to achieve collective goals. "Listening is most important, you have to be able to listen to people, you have to be able to submit to other people."(1:08-1:16). Active listening is a cornerstone of effective leadership as it involves fully engaging with and understanding the perspectives, concerns, and ideas of others. Leaders who prioritize active listening demonstrate empathy, respect, and a commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of their team members.

Class Interview Sample | J. Hojnoski

rembecki — 2024-03-25 05:25:02 UTC

This sample interview discusses about routine writing tasks, such as composing emails, preparing presentations, and crafting diagrams, highlighting the importance of clear and effective communication. It also provided more context for the guiding questions by presenting a real-world scenario of communication in a management role. By reading the interviewee's responses, I gained insight into how each guiding question pertains to different aspects of communication, such as written versus spoken work, audience considerations, and content relevance. It helped me create some open-ended questions based on the interviewee's responses, allowing for deeper exploration of their specific communication strategies and implications. This class interview prompted me to reflect on my learning objectives and what I hoped to gain from the interview.

My Interview

rembecki — 2024-03-25 06:23:52 UTC

In my interview, I was able to speak to my father, Robert Rembecki. He is a desktop analyst at Alps Alpine North America and has over 20 years of experience at the job. When talking about the writing he has to do on a routine basis, he said that most of the stuff they did was done electronically through emails or texts, not on pen and paper (1:22-1:50). It really shocked me with the little amount of paperwork seen in the work force nowadays. It seems that that more we get into the future, the more technological we are going to become, even in the workplace. When asked about communicating with professionals compared to non-professionals (2:47-3:19), he explains how when you talk to someone who is a professional, you guys will both understand the technical terminology only used in that profession, but when trying to explain things to a non-professional you should try to stay away from using specific terminology as the person might not understand. While my father's profession differs from the path I'm pursuing, this interview provided valuable insights that have mentally prepared me for my future in the workplace.

My Story

rembecki — 2024-03-25 06:56:29 UTC

Key Takeaways

rembecki — 2024-03-25 07:23:16 UTC

Different Forms of Communication: Not only are there different ways to create communication like speaking, writing, or typing, I was able to understand more about how you communicate differently to different types of people. Like in my interview when dad explained how he talks to professionals in his job differently then he does to nonprofessionals as they wouldn't understand technical lingo.

New-Age of Writing: It seems that with almost any job you get nowadays, most of the writing you will do for that job is electronic whether its with emails, texts, documents, etc.

Networking Opportunities: Discovering professional organizations like the CMAA and AIC helped me understand the significance of networking in advancing one's career in construction management. Building connections with industry professionals, mentors, and peers can open doors to new opportunities and professional growth.

Adaptability in Technology: Learning about the evolving landscape of workplace communication, particularly the shift towards electronic forms of writing, highlighted the importance of adaptability in using technology effectively. Embracing these new tools can enhance efficiency, collaboration, and communication in the construction management field.

Continuous Learning: Through this project, I realized the importance of always learning as it helps with staying competitive and successful in my field. Exploring various resources, organizations, and career paths highlighted the need for ongoing education and skill development to adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies.

WP3-Reflection

rembecki — 2024-03-25 07:38:31 UTC

Awareness:

rembecki — 2024-03-25 07:39:29 UTC

When looking back at the writing stages during this project, I learned a lot about myself and my approach to various aspects of the writing process. I found class work time to be highly productive, because it offered valuable opportunities for peer feedback, instructor guidance, and focused writing sessions. By engaging in discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions with my peers, I learned to appreciate different perspectives and use collective expertise to enhance the quality of my work. One aspect that stood out was my struggle with time management. While I attempted to navigate through planning, drafting, revising, and editing, I noticed I began procrastinating a lot during the frame of time we were given, especially when the tasks seemed overwhelming. This writing project offered valuable insights into my strengths and areas for improvement as a writer, emphasizing the need for ongoing growth and development in various aspects of the writing process.

Analysis:

rembecki — 2024-03-25 07:39:54 UTC

Through the exploration of various organizations, clubs, and career paths related to construction management, I gained a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities within the field. Finding out about associations such as the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) highlighted the importance of making connections and professional development for enhancing one's career in construction management. This project has influenced how I approach my studies in construction management by emphasizing the importance of networking, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The interview had a pretty big impact on me by offering valuable insights into the realities of the workplace and the skills required to succeed in the field of construction management. Hearing about my father's experiences with his job shed light on the importance of effective communication and adaptability in navigating the difficulties of modern workplaces. This interview acted as a stimulant for reflection and reaffirmed my commitment to strive for greatness in construction management.

Actions to Take:

rembecki — 2024-03-25 07:40:03 UTC

Reflecting on this writing project, I would maintain a proactive approach to seeking feedback and incorporating revisions into my work. Engaging with my instructor and peers for constructive critique helped me gain valuable insights and perspectives on my writing, leading to improvements in clarity, coherence, and overall quality. In terms of what I would do differently, I would strive to enhance my time management strategies to ensure a more balanced distribution of workload and mitigate last-minute rushes. Rather than spreading out each part off my project for separate days, I worked on big chunks of the project at a time because I did not leave any time to myself as I did not prioritize a thorough timeline of when I should've been doing my work. The thing I enjoyed most about this writing project was definitely the interview. It provided a unique opportunity to connect with my father, Robert Rembecki because I usually talk to him on a regular basis but I never really got to speak deeply with him about his job. I was able to gain valuable insights into his professional experiences as a desktop analyst at Alps Alpine North America. Although he is not in the same profession that I plan on entering later in my life, I was still able to obtain great information and tips about the average work life. This interview sparked meaningful discussions about the evolving nature of workplace communication in the digital age and the importance of adaptability. Overall, the interview not only deepened my understanding of the subject matter but also deepened my connection with my father and inspired me to approach future writing projects with curiosity and a commitment to learning.

Works Cited

rembecki — 2024-03-25 07:41:35 UTC