This past weekend, when out on the water for a memorial celebration, we looked over at another boat fighting a billfish on the hook. The billfish was beautiful as it jumped out of the water. Although at a distance, we could feel the excitement of the people on board as they actively participated in the catch-and-release sport.
Understanding the Construction Workforce Demographics
The U.S. construction industry employs approximately 8 million individuals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among other sources. Among this workforce, about 89% are men, which equates to roughly 7.2 million, while around 11% are women, reaching toward 800,000. (Women in Construction Report), (Employment by Major Industry Sector), (US-Construction-Industry-Statistics). Construction management, representing approximately 8% of the workforce, has a higher representation of women than the trades, with about 26% of the positions filled by women.
Starting my career in trade school and enjoying hands-on physical work, I later transitioned into construction business development and management, eventually moving into a staffing agency to create a balance between work and family life. I then set up a division specializing in the construction industry I was so passionate about. This path—and each piece of my journey over the years—has given me a unique perspective when helping others find their balance and fit for this time in their careers.
Perspective is key, as people often join or leave our industry and companies based on whether they believe they can achieve their goals by building on their current experience. Too often, they see their career only through the lens of what they’ve already been through. Their outlook is shaped by how willing they are to be bold, ask questions, and explore the opportunities that are truly available to them.
There is a saying: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” The saying itself is about creating self-sufficiency over temporary solutions you may be unable to build on.
The other version of this proverb in jest is: “Give a man a fish and he has food for the day. Teach a man to fish and he has to buy bamboo rods, graphite reels, monofilament lines, neoprene waders… and soon he’s spending more time and money on fishing gear than he ever imagined!”
The meaning behind this humorous twist on the original proverb is that learning a skill can often lead to unexpected complications or expenses. While the traditional saying emphasizes the value of teaching self-sufficiency, the second version spiritedly acknowledges that learning new skills, like fishing, can sometimes come with a new set of costs, hobbies, or obsessions that go beyond the simple act of learning. It highlights how getting deeper into something can bring about both empowerment and unexpected complexities.
I have yet, in almost thirty years of career matchmaking and coaching specifically in Construction Management, found two individuals who have had the exact same resumes and experience. Additionally, once we get to know the people behind the resume, we discover how they entered the industry (which we call their foundation), their passion for the industry, the challenges they face with building on their careers and the balance they require to align their personal life with their commitment at work, among other nuances, that help us guide them with their next planned career move. The candidates who ask for help and plan almost always secure not only a company and role they are excited about but balance and security for their personal lives. So, who are those whom we can help and those we find more difficult to assist and why?
Legends in Their Own Minds: Growth-Oriented vs. Stagnant Construction Managers
“Legends in their own minds” refers to those Construction Managers who resist engaging with our process and respond with comments like, “I’ve built it all—I can build anything. Just tell me what you’ve got for me.” These individuals often believe the industry has failed them, but in reality, they fail to recognize their own gaps in knowledge. Like a fisherman who boasts about catching the biggest fish but never admits when his bait or technique isn’t working, they’re unwilling to acknowledge what they don’t know. This makes them uncoachable and resistant to growth, leaving them stuck in their ways rather than evolving with the industry.
On the other hand, successful Construction Managers know there’s always more to learn, no matter how much they’ve built. They see that just like fishing, where different waters require different techniques—fly fishing in rivers, deep-sea fishing in the ocean or casting off the pier—each construction project, from high-rise to luxury residential home, brings its own challenges and requires new strategies.
These managers are open to engaging with our process because they recognize that having a guide with industry insight helps them adapt and grow. Whether it’s an interest and openness in learning a new market segment, refining their communication skills or navigating the complexities of balancing work expectations with their personal life, they’re willing to admit what they don’t know and are curious about the opportunities out there. They recognize that asking for guidance is not a weakness but a strength.
Credentialing vs. Real-World Experience in Construction
Some Construction Managers are “credential seekers”. These individuals aim for Project Management and executive roles in General Contracting and fill the top of their resumes with acronyms, certifications and degrees. Despite their credentials, they often lack practical experience or haven’t stayed long with any employer. When an academic, well-educated but less tenured individual comes to us struggling to get hired or advance in their company, their solution is often to seek another degree or certification, like a PMP.
Our advice to them is that just like a fisherman who keeps buying new gear but never actually goes out on the water, more certifications won’t make up for a lack of real-world experience. Success in construction management comes from honing communication and soft skills and getting hands-on experience managing projects and visiting the field to see the match between documenting and real-world challenges. Many times, the credentialing is about boosting self-esteem or creating a sense of superiority over those with fewer credentials.
Constantly returning to the comfort zone of academia without gaining practical experience to mix with the classroom experience won’t help individuals grow their careers; rather, it hinders their careers from growth.
Building a career in construction management is about finding the right balance between hard and soft skills, much like knowing when to use finesse in fly fishing versus strength in deep-sea fishing. The right mix, combined with a cultural fit and a focus on career development, is what leads to long-term success, not just collecting credentials.
“You’re the Last Resort” Candidates: Learning the Hard Way in Construction
The “You’re the Last Resort” candidates are those who believe they can navigate the job search on their own, avoiding advice or guidance they think they don’t need or don’t want to hear. Much like a fisherman who insists on using the same bait and casting in the same spot, thinking he’ll land a big catch, these candidates try their luck until the rejections pile up. They call us only after they’ve been turned down by employers, have taken the wrong jobs sold to them by aggressive sales recruiters, or applied online with no success.
These individuals often resist help because they fear being told to step outside their comfort zone or take advice that requires them to adjust their approach. By the time they come to us, they’re frustrated, defeated, and ready to blame external factors. What they fail to realize is that seeking help early and being open to guidance can prevent these setbacks.
The Role of Mentorship in Construction Career Advancement
In contrast, candidates who are less controlled by pride or a desire to stick to their own plan are like a smart fisherman who listens to local experts. They understand that fishing in new waters requires adjusting techniques, learning new methods and even changing bait. These individuals reach out early, knowing that listening to those with industry insight will help them land the right job faster and avoid the frustrations of wasted time.
When candidates are open to advice and willing to act on it, they’re more successful. Whether it’s refining their resume, improving interview skills, or learning to network effectively, they’re the ones who benefit from a broader perspective. They understand that a well-guided job search is like fishing with the right equipment in the right waters, maximizing their chances of success while avoiding wasted effort. Instead of seeing us or other qualified experts as a last resort, they recognize the value of partnering with experts from the start.
We didn’t stay long enough to see if the fisherman or the billfish won the fight, but either way, that fisherman gained valuable knowledge during the struggle—whether it was reeling in the fish or realizing if his gear was up to the task. Each experience builds on the last, helping him prepare for the next big catch.
Do you know your gap in reaching your career goals? Just as there are many types of water and fish, the construction industry offers diverse opportunities for everyone. The key is to have the right equipment and approach for the right catch.
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