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The Best Industry in the United States

April 28, 2008  |  from The Construction Contractor's Digest

My child is in college. She is starting to ask about industries and careers. Olivia has made me think further about what construction contracting has to offer her. I have concluded it is the best career a young person could choose. You may not believe it, but the facts will show our business is unmatched. It offers participants long term tangible benefits. However, many people will argue that point. Let me show you the many virtues our industry has. You be the judge.

The Industry is Not Going Away - Construction is a basic necessity to human life (shelter, food, clothing, and water). Contrastingly, most manufacturing will be leaving this country over the next few years. Construction cannot be exported. It must be "insitu" or occurring where it produces the end product. This is unlike service center, computer programming or engineering where other countries provide it from afar and then send it back to the United States. Construction and its sister, demolition are captive to the site.

Merit Based - the construction industry rewards hard work. There is no substitute. We are all dissatisfied with the work ethic today. When we find it, we reward it. Let me give you an example - a person comes to you (male / female) doesn't speak English well, but has promised to work hard and keep their nose clean. You give them a chance and 1 year later, you are glad you did. They kept their promise. Now, what will you do? Ignore them? Cut their pay? Of course not! You will increase their wages and give them more responsibility. Construction contractors reward merit. We are an equal opportunity employer.

In a few years, that same person, having earned the technical understanding and crew following might start their own business. It is almost expected. After working in the field, interacting with clients and managing labor, it is normal and rational for this person to at least attempt it.

Additionally, the industry is also merit based. Question: What is the best advertising in the construction business? A completed project that is on-time and on-budget. It speaks volumes of a contractor's savvy and diligence. There are a minority of good contractors. Word of mouth will travel fast. Excellent contractors have more opportunities for work than their lesser competitors.

Filed: Career