Drew Hageman

Degree:    Bachelor of Science
Major:      Bio-Based Products                        

Years in the Field:    2
Current Job Title:      Project Superintendent
Organization:            Ryland Homes        

How did you find this job?
I contacted every homebuilder in the metro area and a few responded with possible job openings.

Please describe your job:
Overall project/subdivision supervision, from scheduling and managing trades to direct contact with customers.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
To be honest, the best thing for this job is confidence and time management. My athletic career alongside my education helped cultivate these traits. Communication courses, such as speech and writing proved to be very helpful. Obviously anything in construction management or residential building science gave me plenty of ammo in understanding how to build a home, but everything that revolves around the business was valuable

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
That you wont have contact with the customer/homeowner—I wasn't expecting that going into this field and had very few customer service skills, but sometimes just general people skills work.

What advice do you have for current students?
Be active outside of class. Employers like to see some Habitat for Humanity volunteer work as well as other community involvement.