I just graduated college and I am thinking about going to work in construction. Any advice?
Asked by Ravenman
I just graduated college with a degree in history from a private school on the east coast. I am thinking of going to work for a small construction company, that one day I will be the owner of. The only problem is that I would be starting from the ground up and would be working out in the field on one of the crews. Am I throwing away my degree? Any advice? Also in about 5-10 years I would be the owner and work out of the main office.

Best Answer:
Yes and initially you might be making more but not in the long run. Going into construction is more of a physical type position versus a white collar job that you can get with a degree. It is also seasonal and cyclical so you may not be working for periods of time. If in the future you get injured, you are out of work, there isn't many construction jobs that accommodates people with injuries. Finally, construction work is a line of work that is being flooded by undocumented aliens so the pay scale will most likely go down.

Go into teaching. Avoid backbreaking labor work. No purpose of a college degree if your going to pick up a nail and a hammer. Pick up a contractors license and become a handyman and specialize in plumbing or electrical work if you still want to do construction. Leave the heavy work to someone else. Even if the housing market slumps and new house aren't built there are still need for people who can fix water pipe leaks and bad electrical wires.
Answered by Bill M