By Alex Sylvester
Having a limited construction background and being new to the work world has not hurt the start of my career with Sundt.
Millennials in the workplace function differently. From multi-tasking to networking to a strong desire for work-life balance, the younger generation has a unique way of approaching the professional world. Forbes Magazine reported last year that Millennials will make up 40 percent of the workforce by 2020, so our opinions are meaningful.
For many people, getting a specific degree or attending the right school is essential to starting their career path. That was not my approach. The main motivation I had in obtaining a degree in business information systems was to maintain flexibility. When the opportunity came to interview for a database coordinator position with Sundt, I knew keeping my options open was a good plan.
When you do not come from a construction background, picking up on phrases and learning the industry takes time. When called on to maintain the database, it’s essential that I know the process. It took several months for things to start clicking. Fortunately, I have been able to rely on the help of co-workers and mentors who were in the same situation as me at some point: starting a new job and learning the ropes. The balance of mentoring from your colleagues to the trust your boss has in you to accomplish your work makes this an enjoyable work environment.
While this is a construction company, there are positions in human resources, finance, talent acquisition, administrative support, marketing … many career paths that don’t involve working on or managing a construction project.
There is a conscious effort by employee-owners to make each other comfortable and confident in the workplace. Even if construction is not in your plans, the experience as well as the mentorship here will prepare you for a career you might not have expected.
Alex Sylvester is a recent Arizona State University graduate and marketing database coordinator for Sundt. For more information about a career with us, please visit https://www.sundt.com/careers.