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Brad, Project Manager at CBRE : Advize Career Interview
A career progression from architecture to project management at CBRE is highlighted, showcasing a transition from design-focused roles to broader project management responsibilities.
The daily routine involves a blend of meetings and internal tasks like contract drafting and budget tracking, emphasizing organization and adaptability as key skills.
The most rewarding aspect is the "A to Z" project involvement, though navigating inefficient processes presents a challenge. The industry values driven, problem-solving individuals, but a strong understanding of contracts is crucial.
Entry-level positions like project coordinator or assistant project manager offer excellent starting points, building towards senior responsibilities.
A background in architecture provided a solid foundation, while adaptability and efficient problem-solving are vital for success in this fast-paced, rewarding field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Brad Meyerson
Project Manager
CBRE
University of Arizona
NA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Architecture, Interior Design
Construction
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Project Manager at CBRE
Brad's career path showcases a transition from architecture, where they progressed from "entry level" to "project manager" roles focusing on "construction drawings and permitting" for residential and multifamily projects, to their current position as a construction project manager at CBRE, acting as an "owner's rep" for office renovations. This career change reflects a shift from a purely design-focused role to a broader project management scope within the construction industry.
Main Responsibilities of a Project Manager at CBRE
Brad's main responsibilities as a Project Manager at CBRE center on "schedule and budget tracking" to ensure project delivery aligns with client expectations and allotted timeframes. This involves extensive "contracting" with vendors and robust "stakeholder management," including weekly meetings with various client divisions and design/construction teams to maintain project momentum and successful outcomes.
A Day In The Life Of A Project Manager At CBRE
A typical day for an associate project manager at CBRE involves roughly half the workday in meetings, both internal and external, while the other half focuses on internal tasks such as "drafting contracts with vendors" and "tracking budget" on a weekly basis, with bi-weekly team reviews. This highlights the significant role contract management and budget oversight play in the position.
Most Important Skills For A Project Manager At CBRE
Brad, a Project Manager at CBRE, emphasizes the critical need for "organization" and "adaptability," citing the frequent unexpected events requiring flexible approaches. The ability to manage people effectively, "interfacing with people...understanding what they want," and relaying information to the team are also key aspects of the role, requiring strong communication and follow-up skills.
Favorite Parts of Being a Project Manager at CBRE
Brad, a Project Manager at CBRE, most enjoys the "A to Z" involvement in projects, from initial conception to completion, finding the construction phase particularly rewarding because it allows the culmination of efforts in design, budgeting, scheduling, and contracting to be realized. This full project lifecycle engagement is a key motivator for Brad's career transition from architecture to project management, culminating in the satisfaction of delivering a completed project for the client.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Project Manager At CBRE
Brad's biggest challenge as a Project Manager at CBRE is navigating "processes that are not always the most efficient," specifically the lengthy contract routing and funding processes impacting project timelines. This necessitates skillful stakeholder management to temper expectations of speed while adhering to established procedures.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Real Estate Industry As A Project Manager
Brad, a project manager at CBRE, finds the most rewarding aspect of the construction and architecture industry to be "being a part of something that actually turns into a space that people will use," contributing to spaces impacting people's daily work and leaving a lasting mark while also enjoying the innovative problem-solving inherent in the field.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Construction Industry According to a Project Manager at CBRE
Project management in the construction industry rewards "go-getters" who are driven, adaptable, and enjoy problem-solving, with ample opportunity to "leave their stamp" on how things are done; a curious and efficient approach is key to success. The industry thrives on diverse approaches to problem-solving, valuing ingenuity and a willingness to find more efficient ways of working.
What a Project Manager at CBRE Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Commercial Real Estate Industry
Brad, a project manager at CBRE, wishes he had better understood the significant role of contracts and legal considerations in the industry, noting that "everyone you work with...is gonna be contracts," requiring a deep understanding to ensure deliverables align with agreements. This contrasts with his prior architecture experience, highlighting the unexpected shift towards more clerical work and contract management in this project management role.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Project Managers at CBRE
For undergraduate students interested in project management, entry-level roles such as "project coordinator," focusing on "the process side of things," or assistant project manager positions assisting senior team members are good starting points. These roles offer exposure to project management's various aspects, allowing individuals to "work their way up" to more senior responsibilities.
Significant Career Lesson From a Project Manager at CBRE
Brad, a project manager at CBRE, learned that "there's no one right way of doing things," emphasizing adaptability and efficiency as crucial skills. This realization helped Brad optimize their approach, prioritizing effective methods over rigid adherence to prescribed processes, a key factor in navigating the fast-paced project management environment where "time is money."
College Experiences that Helped a Project Manager at CBRE Succeed
Brad's architecture background provided a "foundation" for his current project management role at CBRE, giving him understanding of "design, construction, and developing a project from concept to delivery." The rigorous nature of architecture school also instilled valuable time management and strategic problem-solving skills, proving beneficial in a demanding professional environment.
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