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Nick, Project Manager at Related Companies: Advize Career Interview
A dynamic career path, starting with unexpected job acquisition and progressing through diverse roles in construction and development, is detailed by a Related Companies Project Manager.
The interview reveals a day filled with coordinating subcontractors, managing designs, and meticulous budget/schedule tracking.
Success in this demanding field hinges on communication, attention to detail, a "can-do" attitude, and a commitment to constant learning.
The most rewarding aspects include collaboration, problem-solving, and the tangible results of creating beautiful buildings.
Challenges involve managing people and navigating difficult conversations, requiring adaptability and strong leadership.
Entry-level opportunities abound, encompassing various roles and highlighting the importance of a strong work ethic and networking.
Key lessons learned emphasize leading by example, effective personnel utilization, and meticulous preparation for consistent success.
Undergraduate experiences, while not directly related to the current role, instilled valuable critical thinking, hard work, and networking skills, ultimately contributing to a fulfilling and impactful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nick Prince
Project Manager
Related Companies
University of Colorado, Boulder
n/a
Political Science, American Studies
Construction
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Project Manager at Related Companies
Nick's career path showcases adaptability and a proactive approach; after college jobs and a less-enjoyable finance internship, Nick "walked into the Webco office and asked for a job," progressing from intern to a role encompassing diverse aspects of the construction industry. This eventually led to a Project Manager position at Related Companies, where Nick now works closely with the development team, leveraging their experience in both construction and development.
A Day in the Life of a Project Manager at Related Companies
Nick's career journey began with managing college events, transitioned through a finance internship deemed "not enjoyable," and then unexpectedly into construction after "walking around the city" and securing a role at Webco, where the professional progressed from intern to a multi-faceted role encompassing "self-perform concrete work, estimating, and pre-con efforts," even field carpentry. After a brief stint in residential construction, a move to Related Companies followed, leveraging existing connections to land a project management position involving close collaboration with development teams and a focus on "owner-builder" projects.
Most Important Skills for a Project Manager at Related Companies
A Project Manager at Related Companies spends their day coordinating subcontractors, managing the design process from concept to implementation, and meticulously tracking budgets and schedules. This includes "buying out" remaining project scopes, negotiating final change orders, and ensuring timely completion within budget, ultimately leading to contractor closeout.
Favorite Parts of Being a Project Manager at Related Companies
Nick, a Project Manager at Related Companies, emphasizes the crucial role of communication and "people skills," highlighting the daily need to "convince someone to do what they don't want to do." Beyond this, attention to detail, even down to "inches and quarter inches," and a "willingness to learn" through constant questioning are also vital for success in the demanding field of project management.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Project Manager At Related Companies
Nick enjoys the collaborative nature of project management at Related Companies, stating "it's really enjoyable to work with" the smart people in the industry. The problem-solving aspect and seeing tangible results—"at the end of the day you have this beautiful building"—are also highly fulfilling aspects of their role.
Favorite Parts of Working in Real Estate as a Project Manager
Nick's biggest challenge as a project manager at Related Companies is "working with people," requiring constant negotiation and difficult conversations to maintain high standards. This necessitates adaptability, as "you're not gonna have the same day," demanding a balance between flexibility and firm leadership to ensure project success.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Real Estate Development Industry, According To A Project Manager At Related Companies
Nick, a Project Manager at Related Companies, finds the most rewarding aspects of their career to be the collaborative nature of the work, stating that "working with people can be a great experience," and the constant learning and problem-solving involved in managing diverse projects, resulting in "unlocking new potential" and continuous growth.
What a Project Manager at Related Companies Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Construction Industry
Project managers in construction thrive by possessing a "can-do attitude," readily embracing challenges and "faking it till you make it," while simultaneously mastering the balance of accepting new tasks and knowing when to push back. Crucially, a commitment to asking questions, attention to detail, and humility are essential for navigating the complexities and setbacks inherent in the industry.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Project Managers At Related Companies
Nick, a Project Manager at Related Companies, emphasizes the importance of "asking questions" and "lead[ing] by example" in the industry, highlighting how a manager's work ethic and high standards are infectious, setting the tone for the entire team. This translates to viewing each project as "essentially runn[ing] a business," demanding high quality, safe practices, and intentional execution to deliver a product that people will love.
Significant Career Lesson From a Project Manager at Related Companies
Entry-level positions in project management at Related Companies include "project engineer," "project admins," and "project accountants," offering diverse entry points for undergraduates with varying backgrounds. Nick's own career trajectory, starting as a full-time intern with online coursework supplementing their formal education, demonstrates that "there's a ton of different avenues and ways to get into this industry," emphasizing the importance of a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit over specific educational prerequisites.
College Experiences That Helped a Project Manager at Related Companies Succeed
Nick, a Project Manager at Related Companies, emphasizes three key career lessons: leading by example and setting clear standards to elevate team performance ("the quality of work over the course of the whole team will all raise"), effectively utilizing personnel to foster a sense of pride and importance, and prioritizing preparation to ensure consistent success ("anything you do today will set you up and help you tomorrow").
How Identity Has Influenced a Project Manager's Career at Related Companies
Nick's undergraduate experience, while not directly related to project management at Related Companies, instilled valuable skills: "hard work and how to find the answer," critical thinking, and maximum effort. Networking proved equally crucial, with Nick emphasizing the importance of "connections" and building a strong reputation, attributing their current success to these relationships.
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