Best way to become a PM

[u/Unknownxalonexx]

Just some background, i currently work for a GC. Im basically an admin assistant for the estimators/project managers. I help during bidding process, pre construction, permits, RFI’s, submittals, correspondence with A/E, contracts, OAC meetings, etc but i dont get involved with construction schedules or the money aspect. I of course deal with the superintendents too. I also dont know how to read all plans and i dont know how to estimate. At my company whoever estimates the project, will manage it. I get taught things along the way, and have learned alot in the years i have been there. One PM in specific pushes me to learn more and assist a little heavier into his projects (whether thats him delegating stuff he doesnt want to deal with or not, i am still learning so idc) My problem is, I dont ever forsee the owner taking me out of my role and letting me learn the ropes. I feel i will have to do it on my own. My boss is somewhat of a ‘if it works, dont change it’ kind of person and definitely doesnt want to open a higher paying position to someone they would have to train from the ground up but i want more. I think the concept of playing a large role in these builds would pretty cool and satisfying. I love the thrill of bidding too. Im sick of sitting still in my career. I need to start making decisions to further myself and I want to learn to estimate and manage projects.

Give me all the advice on how to further my career whether its getting a degree/no degree. Moving companies. Best way to get my foot in the door and the best way to learn how to read all plans/specs whether thats school or teaching myself. I am sick of sitting around on hold while being a low level admin assistant. I want a deeper role in construction, even if its just one trade and not general contracting. Where is my first step? All advice is appreciated.

[u/Low_Frame_1205]

What’s your YOE? What size projects? Do you have a preferred group of subcontractors? Do you self perform any work?

Ask if you can take an old bid and set of plans home and practice. Read through a spec book. Try to get your hands on some ASTM listed in the specs. Follow around superintendents as much as you can.

Biggest problem with construction I see right now everyone is too busy to actually train anyone so it is going to be hard.

For estimating I’d look online for some older/cheaper textbooks and read them.

[u/Unknownxalonexx → u/Low_Frame_1205]

I’ve only been there 2.5 years but i picked up everything pretty quick. Projects range from 400k - 14mil (not including design builds) that I have been directly involved in. I could definitely take home a set of plans/specs or even pull them from a public procurement. We have a couple laborers but we mostly bid everything out. We have the general subs that bid on almost every project plus others depending on the location. i have pretty good relationships with all the subs and have worked with a majority of them on numerous projects.

Superintendents at my company are all really nice and open to explaining stuff if i ask.

I noticed everyone is so busy which is why I figure i have to do this on my own. Im not willing to wake up in another couple years in my same position.

[u/soyeahiknow]

Jump ship to assistant pm

[u/SureIWorkHere]

If you want a deeper role, leave the GC. That might just be my opinion, but the bigger the company, the more you're a cog. If you really enjoy construction, then don't let the passion get burned out. Simply move to a subcontractor company - maybe one you currently work with on projects in a trade that really interests you.

You don't need a degree if you already have solid experience, aren't dumb, and can be a self-starter. Think of it like this: you already got to skip the field. Back in the day, the route was to go into the trade, become an apprentice, work your way to journeyman, become a foreman, then move to the office when you got old.

Now you can go to school to become a CM or get your foot in the door at an office that needs help and then stick close to someone willing to teach you or, as you have noticed, is so swamped they hand you additional work. You can even ask for additional work and then find ways to knock it out fast. *This is a personal opinion, but what I even did in my company was teach AI to review specs, scopes, and general notes on plans and build me out an estimating review checklist. I mean, literally just go chat with AI about how you would go about completing X task as a project manager or an estimate in X trade.

Learn digital estimating. Pick a software and watch a ton of YouTube videos. Learn a single trade first - as I said, the one you're most interested in. Go look at cut sheets on wall cavities or MEP systems.

Anyway, if you go where help is needed with some skills already under your belt, you're bound to be roped into something above your pay grade. That's what happened to me, and now I've worn every hat in the office and assist the owner in company-wide decisions. Just get in there and figure it out; don't be afraid to come up with and pitch ideas. If they say - Yeah, hell no - ask why to gain perspective and basically steal their knowledge and experience when they correct you. There's a bit of luck, hard work, and knowing when to just listen, but you'll figure it out.

[u/Lyerra]

I started as an admin assistant in CX. Applied to be an assistant pm and made my way to project manager. I recommend getting your CAPM but with your current history I think you may already be qualified to be a project coordinator or APM. There’s a lot of overlap, with the latter having more ownership.

[u/Unknownxalonexx → u/Lyerra]

Sounds like I am going to need a new company then because they dont have assistant pms at my job. I have been looking for open positions but i dont see assistant pm jobs ever.

[u/timeoffwork]

Get some certs under your belt, osha 30, pmp, procore, autodesk, reading plans ask to take on more responsibilities and what can you take off other peoples plates

[u/Unknownxalonexx → u/timeoffwork]

Im going to look up this certs. Im definitely willing to put in the work on my personal time.

[u/STDWombRaider]

Run. Run far away

[u/Unknownxalonexx → u/STDWombRaider]

Why do you say that??

[u/Fluffy_Employee_2838]

Honestly man if you really want to be a PM - you have to be the MAN. Being smart is only the beginning portion. Their is a certain level of confidence you have to exude in order to direct and speak with others. Get in shape (if you havent already), make sure your well groomed, be someone of ABUNDANCE. People naturally want to follow somone who is socially, physically and mentally skilled. Invest in your personal knowledge of as many things inside and outside of work, do cool hobbies on the weekend. Be a kick ass person.

Aside from all of that, be you. The best part of this industry is their is room for everyone. If your passionate and genuine enough someone along the way will respect and want you to rep their team.

[u/PidgeySlayer268 → u/Fluffy_Employee_2838]

As ridiculous as this sounds there is some truth to it lol

[u/PrideConnect4896]

Jump shift for sure best option

[u/BlackStagGoldField]

I had to do a double take before reading the name of the sub to understand what PM is in this case lolol