fbpx

Tag: construction

Biden notes Pa.’s record low unemployment rate

U.S. President Joe Biden noted Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate for August, which remained at an historic low 3.5%, a figure that ranks below the national unemployment figure of 3.8%.

“Under Bidenomics, we have helped build one of the greatest stretches of job creation in American history, and Pennsylvania is leading the way with its second month in a row at its lowest unemployment rate on record,” Biden said in an email. “The Bidenomics boom is in every corner of Pennsylvania. With record lows in areas from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, York to Erie, Scranton to Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania is leading America and America is leading the world again.”

The late rankings were released Friday by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). While Pennsylvania’s rate remains its lowest since January 1976, the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly by three-tenths of a percentage point. 

Pennsylvania’s unemployment was 0.8% below its August 2022 level of 4.3%. The state’s civilian labor force, which is the estimated number of residents working or looking for work, increased by 1,000 in August. Resident employment rose by 6,000 from July and unemployment fell by 4,000. 

Nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania were up 15,800 in August to a record high of 6,164,500. It marks the eighth consecutive month that jobs have set a new all-time high level. 

Eight of the 11 industry supersectors saw jobs increase in July, the largest gain (7,400) being in education & health services, which rose to a record high. Construction and trade, transportation and utilities also reached record high levels in August. 

Nonfarm jobs for the year have increased by 153,800, with gains in all 11 supersectors. The largest volume over-the-year gain among supersectors was in education & health services, which increased by 50,000.

Pros/cons to AEC industry pros earning advanced degrees

Professionals working in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry who want to advance their education are faced with at least two potential options – an MBA or an advanced architecture, engineering or construction management degree. Ultimately, the choice depends on individuals and their career aspirations.  

Architects, engineers and construction managers are problem solvers. They are strategic and analytical, examining complex issues from all perspectives. Their qualitative and quantitative skill sets already differentiate them when they leave school and start a career in the business world. The architect, engineer and construction manager have the academic background and technical skills that enable them to understand design and construction and to speak with customers, consult clients, and lead teams in a business setting. 

Many AEC professionals are faced with an important question: “Should I get an advanced degree to move my career forward?” Today, nearly a third of employers across the U.S. are bumping up education requirements for new hires, according to Career Builder. Companies are looking for candidates with a master’s degree or higher to be innovative leaders with a strategic perspective. 

Two possible education paths are offered to AEC professionals working in industry — a master’s in business administration (MBA) or an advanced professional degree (master’s and/or Ph.D.). There are several factors to consider when making the decision.  

Completing an MBA program demonstrates a commitment to learning, improving, and applying skills that can help a company succeed. Professionals with MBAs also feel a greater sense of confidence in their marketability, as well as the ability to bring a wealth of information to various endeavors.  

Here are a few of the advantages of getting an MBA.  

Increased Global Market Awareness:  

MBA graduates had opportunities to have close contact with other students from around the world that bring different work experiences and perspectives on the global economy. MBA students can expand their knowledge of other industries in the U.S. and internationally.  

Improved Communication Skills 

Effective communication is a critical fundamental skill required for professionals to succeed. Communication may be considered a “soft skill” compared to “hard skills” but it is very valuable. An MBA can help sharpen verbal and written communication skills, allowing AEC professionals to successfully convey concepts to different people at different levels of an organization to ensure everyone is able to work together toward a common goal.  

Expanded Professional Network 

An MBA graduate becomes part of a global network of a significant number of alumni, which provides the graduates access to connect with a large network. There is a significant opportunity to build relationships with other professionals in the classroom and beyond. 

Increased Job Opportunities 

An advanced degree can help differentiate AEC professionals from their peers in a highly competitive marketplace. An MBA can be an asset in any industry. Employers typically look to hire or promote a candidate with an MBA because they have skills in marketing and finance that others within the organization may lack. This allows them to have a jumpstart to take up various initiatives and help their company increase profits.  

Improved Time Management  

An MBA program requires juggling extracurriculars alongside a challenging course load — not to mention other personal and professional pursuits. Obtaining an MBA can help AEC professionals manage their time effectively, which is an in-demand skill among employers and a valuable life skill. 

Deciding which degree to pursue requires a critical consideration of a person’s passion. An MBA degree and an advanced technical degree each take considerable time and money. Working before going back to school can help determine the best career path. The degree pursued depends on focusing on rising to the C-Suite in the corporate world or starting a business.  

Pros and Cons of: 

MBA Degree 

PROS: An MBA can help gain business knowledge outside a technical specialty, build a professional network and help those aspiring to a management role.  

CONS: MBAs can be expensive, take time to earn, and MBA classroom knowledge can seem outdated compared with the speed at which technology innovates. 

Specialized Master’s Degree 

PROS: The Specialized Master’s Degree is less expensive, takes less time, requires less work experience, and provides potential for a greater impact in a specific field.  

CONS: Specialized Master’s Degree graduates gain lower salaries than MBA degree graduates, have no internship, engage in a more arduous program, and gamble on the quality of some programs that were created hurriedly and not strategically designed. 

Conclusion 
It’s important for AEC professionals to decide if they want to be a subject matter expert or a manager. If there is a passion for architecture, engineering or construction and being on the technical side of things, then an advanced technical degree puts them at the top of their field. But, if AEC professionals are excited about working at a macrolevel in business and managing teams or considering an entrepreneurial endeavor, then an MBA is the right choice. An undergraduate architecture, engineering or construction background provides problem-solving skills and critical thinking methodology that serve them well in any career, regardless of which choice is made.  

“An MBA is a great degree for career paths like investment banking, finance, consulting and large companies. An MBA is not necessarily the right path for starting a tech company. You should be building a prototype, not getting an MBA in that case.” Guy Kawasaki, an American marketing specialist, author, and Silicon Valley venture capitalist. He was one of the Apple employees originally responsible for marketing their Macintosh computer line in 1984.  

Glenn Ebersole is a registered professional engineer and the Director of Business Development at JL Architects, a nationally licensed commercial architecture firm based in West Chester. He can be contacted by [email protected] or 717-575-8572.  

High Construction names new president

Lancaster-based High Construction Co. has promoted Michael Kreider to president.

He joined High Construction in 2020 as vice president of estimating. Kreider brings strong leadership and extensive experience in all facets of commercial construction, a release noted. Previously, he worked for Wohlsen, Warfel and Benchmark construction companies, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“During his time with High Construction, Kreider has played an instrumental role in developing the High Construction team and delivering great results for our clients,” the release said.

Kreider succeeds Richard Stoudt,  president of High Construction since 2014. Stoudt will continue to serve the company as executive vice president with a focus on client development and services.

High Construction Co. provides preconstruction, design-build, general contracting and construction management services throughout the mid-Atlantic region. It specializes in the commercial, industrial, education, hospitality, retail, health care and multi-family residential markets.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer