In this episode Travis Shollin, senior project engineer with BNBuilders, shares his experiences in the construction management field. Travis graduated from the University of Arizona in 2020. He discusses his early-career journey from the classroom to large-scale contracting firms.
Travis highlights the dynamic nature of his role, where he navigates between negotiating significant financial decisions with clients and collaborating with seasoned craftsmen on-site. As a liaison between the field and the engineering side, Travis describes his role as a “Swiss Army knife” in the industry, constantly adapting and problem-solving.
One of the key takeaways from Travis’s experience is the importance of honesty and transparency in the profession. He emphasizes that it’s perfectly acceptable not to have all the answers and that the ability to admit uncertainty while promising to find the solution is highly valued. Travis underscores the significance of clear communication, documentation, and the art of handling challenging professional situations, such as delivering bad news to clients or stakeholders.
Travis imparts valuable advice to those embarking on a career in construction and project management. He encourages young professionals to have fun, take ownership of their work, and not be afraid to ask for help or explore other opportunities if their current company doesn’t provide the support they need.