I attended SDSU from 2009 to 2013, where I earned my BS in Construction Management with a Minor in Business. During my time at SDSU, I met my wife, and we are now avid real estate investors together outside of our professional careers. Currently, I work as a Senior Site Superintendent for Clark Drew Construction, and throughout my career, I’ve been involved in numerous construction projects, both during my time in school and now. I started as a general laborer on projects like the Davis Dairy Plant addition and renovations and the Young Hall renovations, and I’ve since worked my way up to a Site Superintendent for major projects such as the Brown Hall renovations, the American Indian Student Center, and Harding Hall renovations, among many others.

To students pursuing a degree in Construction Management, I recommend focusing on public speaking. Construction contracts are not only won through low bids but also through articulating your company is the right choice for the job. Additionally, I suggest gaining hands-on experience while still in school. Brookings offers many opportunities to work with construction companies, so get involved and learn all aspects of the trade, whether it’s as a laborer, concrete worker, or carpenter. Building that foundation will be invaluable.

For students in any major, my advice is to focus on personal finance. It’s easy to think that making a lot of money after graduation will solve everything, but if you don’t learn how to manage it properly, you could still find yourself struggling financially. It’s just as important to know how to handle your finances as it is to pursue your career.

Hard work lays the groundwork, but financial wisdom builds the future.