News

When new project engineers enter the construction industry, many aspire to grow into the roles of project manager, superintendent, and beyond. Whether starting out at a new company or simply ready to take the next step in your career, there is one key way to show an employer you're able to handle more responsibility.

When asked what sets an exceptional project engineer apart from their peers, our project teams and leadership came back with one common response. The answer was packaged in a lot of different forms— work ethic, dedication, drive, eager to grow— but it all boils down to one thing, and that's the determination to learn.

A Desire to Grow Shows Capability to Succeed

Amoroso Construction's Southern California President, Brian DerMatoian, believes that project engineers who balance confidence in their abilities with the understanding that there is always more to learn end up being the most skilled. When hiring new team members, this is a characteristic he is always looking for.

"What I look for is someone who eager to learn from those that have more experience than them," DerMatoian explained. "Rather than sitting back and waiting for things to come to them, they are looking for new opportunities and tasks in their role."

According to Project Manager, Nathan Berkey, a good work ethic is the most important factor in being a successful team member. Having a dependable project engineer provides peace of mind, as the project teams trust that they will do what it takes to get their job done.

"You don't expect a young project engineer to know it all, because they're new. You just expect them to listen and learn their surroundings," Berkey said.

With listening comes the initiative to find solutions rather than waiting for issues to be resolved by others. For DerMatoian, the desire to get the answers is a signal that this employee wants to excel in his or her position.

"Basic knowledge of how a jobsite operates is less important than attitude when hiring a new project engineer. With the right attitude, the necessary skills can be learned over time. Attitude can't be taught," DerMatoian said.

Assistant Project Manager, Cindy Quinteros, was recently promoted from project engineer after starting at Amoroso as a summer intern in 2013.

"I've done a little bit of everything just so I can learn the different aspects of the project. I always made sure to do more than I was assigned." she said.

Charlie Pepper, superintendent on Amoroso's VA Palo Alto projects, also emphasizes the importance of a go-getter on the job.

"What have I seen in those who are above and beyond what we expect from a project engineer? The project engineer on our job here is very alert to his surroundings, he tunes in on conversations and already knows the next step, even without asking him," Charlie Pepper said.

However, being willing to learn and eager to succeed is not the entirety of the equation. In turn, companies and leadership must be able to recognize and respond to these employees with opportunity and mentorship.

"I've been at Amoroso for 23 years now, and if you mentor a person who is eager to be there, then it can be very productive," Pepper said.

DerMatoian echoes this thought, explaining that Amoroso is constantly seeking to help its ambitious employees move into higher and more suitable roles.

The Right Company Takes Notice

When looking to move up at a job, being a part of a company that encourages and expects employee advancement is key. Employers must be willing to take a risk when they see the potential of a hard worker, even if they haven't had the chance to take their knowledge out of the classroom yet.

"One of the biggest mistakes an employer can make is to be turned off to an eager hire simply because they lack robust work experience. The right candidate may possess the right attitude where their resumes lacks, and leadership has to be able to spot that during an interview," DerMatoian explains.

That makes the job of choosing project engineers all the more critical to company success. More than just being qualified to complete designated tasks, new hires must fit in with the company culture and know what they want from their experience.

When a project engineer shows an interest in their company and is curious about their role in the company's success, an employer will often take notice and start thinking about the employee's future at the firm. While it may seem simple, asking questions and being able to adapt to circumstances and absorb information will pay off in the long run.