During Careers in Construction Month, we’re highlighting the people behind our projects and the paths that led them to the industry. For Construction Manager Van Wydeven, his construction career began with a curiosity about how things are built. Today, he helps lead projects from planning through completion, finding satisfaction in solving new challenges and seeing a finished project that people will use for years to come.
We sat down with Van to talk about what he enjoys about his job and his advice for anyone considering a career in construction.
Q&A with Van Wydeven
Why is working in construction a good fit for you?
What drew me to working in construction at Mead & Hunt was the different types of projects I could be part of. I enjoy working on energy projects because they’re all a little different and involve creative ways of turning waste into energy. They aren’t cookie-cutter jobs, and that keeps them interesting.
What’s something you wish more people knew about working in construction?
It takes a lot more coordination than people realize. You’re constantly working with different teams, solving problems, adjusting schedules, and keeping things moving toward the finish line. No two days are the same, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the job.
When you’re standing on a completed job site, what goes through your mind?
I feel proud of what we accomplished. I think about all the planning and effort that went into it, then look at the impressive end result. It’s pretty cool to see a place that started as an empty field become a functioning facility that will be part of people’s lives for decades.
Who helped you early in your career, and what lessons still stick with you?
The first construction manager I worked with, Jim Miller, had a big impact on me. I learned a lot from him on that first project as far as what’s required day to day to manage project sites. Over the years, I’ve worked with other great project managers and construction managers, too. You learn different approaches from each person, and those lessons have influenced how I manage my own projects today.
What would you say to someone considering a career in construction?
Every project is different, so you’re always learning and getting the chance to be part of something new. If you’re curious about how things work and enjoy seeing a project come together from start to finish, construction has a lot to offer. There’s a real sense of pride in driving by a project years later and knowing you had a hand in building it.
