Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with this whole construction management thing, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. I was trying to figure out if I should go the foreman route or try my hand at being a Stevenson – which, you know, is kind of like a project estimator, the guy who figures out all the costs and stuff.
First, I started digging into what a foreman actually does. Turns out, they’re the ones on the ground, making sure everything’s running smoothly on the job site. I spent a few days shadowing a buddy of mine who’s a foreman, and man, it’s a lot. You gotta make sure everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to, that the materials are there, and that the whole project stays on track. It’s like being a conductor for a chaotic orchestra, except instead of violins, you’ve got bulldozers and concrete mixers.
What I did as a Foreman
- Observed real projects and saw how tough it was to keep things on schedule.
- Talked to workers and saw how important it is to communicate clearly and be a good leader.
- Learned that being a foreman means being a problem-solver, always on your feet, ready for anything.
Then, I switched gears and looked into the Stevenson role. These guys are more behind the scenes, figuring out the budget, making sure the numbers add up, and basically trying to predict the future of the project’s finances. I sat in on some meetings where they were discussing bids and costs, and it’s a whole different kind of pressure. You gotta be super detail-oriented and good with numbers, or the whole project could go belly up.
What I did as a Stevenson
- Looked at project plans and tried to understand how they estimate costs for materials and labor.
- Watched them use some software to track expenses and make sure they don’t overspend.
- Realized that a Stevenson’s job is super critical because one mistake can cost a ton of money.
After all that, I’m still not 100% sure which way I want to go. Being a foreman is definitely more hands-on, and you get to see the project come to life right in front of you. But being a Stevenson seems like it would be a good fit for someone who’s good with numbers and planning. It seems that both need good communication skills. Both are essential, and both are tough in their own ways. One thing’s for sure, though, this whole experience has given me a ton of respect for everyone in the construction industry. It’s hard work, no matter which role you’re in, but it’s really cool to see a building go up from nothing.
