Biggest Challenges Faced By An Engineer I At Granite Construction
Edgar's biggest challenges as an Engineer I at Granite Construction involve time management, specifically balancing field work with office tasks like processing invoices to avoid "getting slammed" at the end of the month. Another key challenge is negotiating with project owners on change orders, a skill Edgar notes is "acquired" through experience and depends heavily on the owner's personality.
Project Management, Negotiation, Time Management, Communication, Problem-Solving
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Edgar Sanchez Lopez
Engineer I
Granite Construction
San Jose State University
NA
Engineering - Civil
Architecture, Construction & Design
Operations and Project Management
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Time management and balancing field and office work is crucial for avoiding end-of-month rushes.
2. Negotiation skills are essential when dealing with project owners and change orders.
3. Developing strong negotiation skills takes time and experience, and depends on the specific project owner and their style
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
One of the biggest things is staying on track. Often, if you're spending too much time in the field, you let go of office work a bit.
I try to process invoices and similar tasks every two days, or daily. Otherwise, at the end of the month, when everything is due, you get slammed and might have to stay late. This happens because you have a pile of invoices and time cards that you didn't approve.
That's one significant point. Another is that sometimes we have to negotiate with the owner on things like a change order. So, having the skill of being upfront with an owner, but not rudely, and standing your ground, is important.
This is because they were fighting for a grant and construction. I think this is an important skill that you don't develop until you're a couple of years in. It depends on the owner too, as some are more complicated than others. I believe this is an acquired skill.
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