Every October is Careers in Construction month, a time dedicated to highlighting and supporting career opportunities in the industry and to recognize industry professionals. Imperien is passionate about raising awareness and providing access to careers in construction for area youth. This blog shares how the organization engages the community and highlights key insights from one of its employees.
Job Spotlight: General Superintendent
With the multifaceted nature of the construction industry, there are multiple career paths to choose from. In celebration of Careers in Construction month, we spoke with Jamie Musick, general superintendent at Imperien. Musick plays a crucial operational role – from coordinating contractor schedules to managing emergencies, like water-damaged buildings, and ensuring smooth project progression across various projects, Musick balances problem solving with administrative tasks.
As general superintendent, Musick is responsible for the overall management of projects from the planning stages through completion – from large industrial construction projects to multi-family housing projects.
Community Outreach
Imperien actively participates in various student-focused outreach activities throughout the year, including the Rockford Public School District 205 (RPS 205) Academy Expo, attended by all freshmen.
Both Musick and Imperien President Colin Simpson attended this year’s Expo with a goal to connect with and inspire the next generation of industry professionals. Their booth was both informational and engaging, featuring a communication game designed to highlight the importance of clear, effective communication in construction work.
“Every year we play a communication game with the students,” said Musick. “In this game, one student verbalizes a layout of Legos to convey the shape to another student, who then attempts to build it from scratch. Out of around 250 participants this year, not one was able to successfully complete the task.”
The activity showcased how critical communication skills are to successfully complete any project.
“Students are often amazed that their partner couldn’t figure out how to assemble the Legos correctly,” said Musick. “Effective communication is essential in our field. Without it, tasks can easily go wrong.”
Imperien won a “Best in Show” award at the 2024 event, an honor determined by votes from students, teachers and administrators in attendance.
Connecting Students to Careers
Imperien also invites local students to attend industry events. Most recently Rockford students joined the team at the Chicago Build conference. A dozen students from East High School were introduced to various companies and professionals. The event is a great way to get students interested and explore the job opportunities available in the field.
Imperien also partners with RPS 205 to conduct mock interviews with high school students to help prepare them for real-world experiences. This often-overlooked step in connecting students to careers is incredibly beneficial, preparing them with the skills they need to be successful outside the classroom.
In addition to working directly with students, Imperien collaborates with teachers and administrators on various ways to bring construction education into the classroom.
“We provide council to teachers and administrators to help introduce construction concepts into classrooms, from blueprint reading to industry-relevant math skills,” said Musick.
For example, students can learn the distinction between construction and manufacturing blueprints. Construction blueprints, used primarily in architecture, engineering, and construction, detail the specifications and dimensions for building projects. In contrast, manufacturing blueprints are used in industrial settings and illustrate the design and fabrication processes for products. And, construction blueprints use feet and inches, while manufacturing blueprints use the metric system. Introducing concepts like these early on can better prepare students for future careers in the construction industry.
Student Engagement
Some of the best moments when interacting with students come from their genuine interest in learning more.
“At the Academy Expo, there was a student who asked question after question about what we do as carpenters. One question that stood out was, ‘How often do you get to use your imagination when building?’” said Musick. “Inquiring students like that are what make the interactions so interesting.”
Imperien is making a real difference in the life trajectories of young people.
“We are all about giving students new knowledge and opportunities to help them discover that there is something out there for them – they just need to have experiences to help them make those discoveries.”
Advice for Aspiring Construction Professionals
When asked about industry advice, Musick said, “Make sure this is what you want to do. If you don’t love what you’re doing, then work can become unpleasant. I love my job, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
As Careers in Construction Month comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of raising awareness about the industry. By connecting with students and sharing knowledge, Imperien remains committed to building a brighter future for the next generation of construction professionals.
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