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Trey, Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies: Advize Career Interview
A career as a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies offers a dynamic path filled with daily challenges and continuous learning.
A civil engineering degree and internships are excellent starting points, leading to roles like project engineer, field engineer, or estimator, where strong math and communication skills are essential.
The work involves diverse responsibilities, from developing billion-dollar project proposals to managing budgets and collaborating with architects, engineers, and trade partners.
Success demands self-motivation, problem-solving, and teamwork; a proactive approach to learning and seeking help is crucial.
Joining a construction club during college offers valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, greatly enhancing interview prospects.
The industry's collaborative environment, coupled with the constant learning and problem-solving, provides significant career satisfaction, making it an exciting field for those who thrive on challenges.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Trey Novara
Senior Estimator
McCarthy Building Companies
Santa Clara University
Engineering - Civil
Construction
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of A Civil Engineer At McCarthy Building Companies
Trey, a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies, pursued a civil engineering degree at Santa Clara University, completing two internships with McCarthy during their sophomore and junior years as a "field PE intern". Following graduation, they joined McCarthy full-time, working in their San Jose office for two years before relocating to the San Francisco office.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies
As a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies, Trey's responsibilities vary depending on the project phase, encompassing "pursuits"—developing proposals including cost, insurance, and fees for billion-dollar projects—and ongoing cost management for design-build projects, where they work weekly with architects and engineers to ensure budgets are met, "a lot of Excel sheets, a lot of checking costs and a lot of working with trade partners."
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Estimator At McCarthy Building Companies
A senior estimator at McCarthy Building Companies spends roughly half their workday in meetings, "aligning and talking through pricing" with design and internal teams. The other half involves compiling budgets, securing pricing from trade partners ("spending probably five hours a week just calling trade partners"), and preparing presentations for clients and colleagues.
Most Important Skills For A Senior Estimator At McCarthy Building Companies
A senior estimator's success hinges on a blend of "hard skills," such as "numbers and understanding all the math," and crucial "soft skills," including teamwork and communication. The ability to present information "in an organized and clear way" is equally vital for effectively contributing to the team.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies
Trey, a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies, finds the daily challenges and constant learning most rewarding; "every week there's a new challenge," and the ability to leverage past experience, learned "through going through fire," to efficiently solve problems is a significant source of satisfaction in their career.
Biggest Challenges for a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies
Trey's biggest challenge as a Senior Estimator is "being young and still having a lot to learn," requiring continuous knowledge acquisition while juggling new roles and responsibilities stemming from career progression. The constant influx of new tasks necessitates effective time management and a proactive approach to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Construction Industry as a Senior Estimator
Trey, a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies, appreciates the diverse and "loud personalities" within the construction industry, finding the mix of driven problem-solvers and "hard to work with" individuals keeps their work life interesting. This variety of people, with their "different cultures" and personalities, is a significant source of enjoyment for Trey in their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Construction Industry According To A Senior Estimator At McCarthy Building Companies
Success in the construction estimating industry hinges on self-motivation—"being able to keep pushing yourself"—and strong problem-solving skills, requiring individuals to embrace challenges, collaborate effectively ("leaning on others"), and persevere through ambiguity to find solutions. This proactive and collaborative approach is key to navigating the demanding nature of the work.
What a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Construction Industry
Trey, a Senior Estimator, advises aspiring construction professionals to "be okay asking questions and asking for help," emphasizing that seeking assistance from experienced colleagues is crucial for navigating the industry's inherent stress. This involves approaching colleagues prepared to learn and efficiently utilize their time, demonstrating a proactive and respectful approach to mentorship.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Senior Estimators at McCarthy Building Companies
Entry-level construction positions for undergraduates include "project engineer," "field engineer," and "estimator" on the pre-construction side; field engineers focus on "real issues on the field," while project engineers handle management and communication, and estimators, often starting with smaller projects, develop budgeting skills.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Estimator At McCarthy Building Companies
Trey, a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies, learned the significance of teamwork and collaboration, stating that "seeing this as a team" and working together rather than competing makes the job "a lot easier". This collaborative approach, focused on shared success rather than individual advancement, has been a crucial lesson in their career.
College Experiences That Helped a Senior Estimator at McCarthy Building Companies Succeed
To prepare for a career in construction estimating, Trey recommends joining a construction club; this provided opportunities to learn practical skills like scheduling and estimating from industry professionals, allowing Trey to "dip their toes in the water" and confirm their career path while developing foundational knowledge. The club's hands-on experience and guest lectures, covering topics like "how does the steel building go up?", gave McCarthy Building Companies' Senior Estimator a significant advantage in interviews and early career stages.
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