Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 24, 1999 10:16pm | #1

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   s. ekblad,

   You any kin to Bob Ekblad of Smith, Ekblad & Assoc. , Dallas, Texas? He's a fine man.

   I would have to say that architecture, and construction management classes would be very helpful if you want to be a builder. I learned by the seat of my pants and the sweat on my brow. It would have been useful to have some educational background in what I do. However, the best experience is "hands on".

   Good luck,

   Ed. Williams

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 25, 1999 07:08pm | #2

   *Good point Ed, and little course work in engineering would be beneficial. I'd be interested in the course content in "Forest Products" will this include engineered lumber, imports, and the like? If so, "s." may be ahead of the pack in his knowledge of new/alternative building products. Not a bad thing.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 26, 1999 01:59am | #3

   *C. M. is right up there with Arch. However, there is limited use here depending on the type of company and it's operations. I strongly suggest a multitude of business classes. A trained monkey can be swinging a hammer with the best of them in a week--well, almost--but you need someone to have the decision making skills in order to maintain/grow the company. What will your decisions be based on? Business law, management, marketing, and company vision.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 27, 1999 12:03am | #4

   *I'm in a somewhat simular situation. I think the real question is what would you like to do when you graduate? That should steer you in the right direction. Design/ build? Your real world building experience is an asset many architects are sadly lacking.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 02, 1999 09:22am | #5

   *"...five years with good experience in most phases of residential construction..." no offence, but don't overestimate your experience. After 5 years, full time, in the optimum variety of work, you would be barely scratching the surface. You might be a really bright guy, with a great work ethic and all the aptitude in the world. But I would be stunned if any serious contracting company would consider 5 years anything more than a good start. - jb

2. 
   Guest_ | Aug 03, 1999 05:31am | #6

   *No offense jim.....just an observation here....in my neck of the woods anyone who can cut out a roof and have the rafters fit the ridge to within 1/2" can make a good living working for some of the "best" construction companies. Even semi-skilled labor is hard to come by....Just lost two carpenters in a week.....One to an airconditioned job and the other to a job up north with no heat and humidity. would give top pay for a carpenter who had a little businees skill and a lot of skill managing people (running a crew)...too hot for overalls......working naked........

2. 
   ekblad_s | Aug 05, 1999 05:43am | #7

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   JIM:
   Wanted to thank you for your honest response. I think that my message was not as concise as it could have been. I was hoping for the widest variety of answers. I agree about 5 years as being the tip of the iceberg, but I also feel I have good solid experience. I am most versed in carpentry, but only feel totally confident on my own in finish work. I was most interested in finding out what would distinguish me from other "almost journeyman" carpenters as I have access to a wide variety of coursework.

3. 
   Guest_ | Aug 05, 1999 06:57am | #8

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   I am with you Brian. Around here (NE Arkansas) , anyone who wants to work construction can get hired on right now. My mother-in-law has been pricing tool belts. Hot here too. Last two weeks in July we were on the job at 5:30 and cooked by noon. Little better this week. We made it to 2:00 today.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 05, 1999 07:42pm | #9

   *I'd have to agree with Ed W. about construction management and architecture. Chances are, you won't pick it up working for someone else as a carpenter. It's a lot easier to make a mistake with a design or estimating a job in the class room than in the real world ....... something I've learned the hard way.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 07, 1999 07:25am | #10

   *so what kind of work do you want to do? When you see those estimaters at the computer, do you think, "gee, they have a good job"? Or when you see a 50 year old carpenter still puttin' in his daily 8 do you think "man, I'd like to be in his shoes someday"? Do you like dealin' with people better than having a tangible result at the end of the day? Would you rather work alone, or with a group? These are a few questions that can give you insight into your career choices within our industry. Like Ed Williams says "trust your gut". And good luck, this can be a great profession. - jb

4. 
   kwiseman | Aug 08, 1999 02:09am | #11

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   Help is hard to find here too (Central Wisconsin).
   So, we only give a one question test.
   (you'd be surprised at how many people can't figure it out)

   Question # 1. How many 64ths in an inch?

5. 
   s._ekblad | Aug 08, 1999 02:09am | #12

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   I just wanted to get some input on career choices. I have worked as a carpenter for five years with good experience in most phases of residential construction. This fall, in order to expand my opportunites I start a masters in Wood Design and Construction at the University of Idaho. My question is "What course work would you consider most valuble in widening my career choices?". I have access to Forest Products, Architecture, and Construction Management(estimating, scheduling). I know that the field is the best learning environment, but I am mainly interested in specific answers. Thanks for your input.