So, you’ve finally graduated from university and landed a job in the construction industry. Congratulations! But wait, where are the laboratories? The vegetation surveys? The cuddly animals? Suddenly, you’re wondering why you bothered with all those late-night study sessions and caffeine-fueled cram sessions. Fear not, because those university lessons will come in handy—just not in the way you might expect.
Chemistry Class: More Than Just Ions and Cat-ions
Remember those basic chemistry classes where you learned about chemical formulas and ions? You might be thinking, “How does this apply when I’m building a road?” Well, imagine you’re on a job site with a sediment basin that’s full after a rain event. You need to treat that water, but after four tries, a lot of chemical and major emotions, nothing’s working. This is where your background in soil science and water quality comes into play. You might discover that the pH level is affecting your treatment chemicals. Voilà! Your chemistry knowledge helps you figure out what needs to change for the treatment to work.
Legislation: The Unsung Hero of Construction
All construction projects are guided by legislation and approvals. When I was in university, I took an environmental planning course that taught me how to navigate local planning schemes. This knowledge has been invaluable in helping my team pave the way—literally and figuratively. Understanding the legal aspects of construction ensures that your projects comply with local regulations, saving you from potential headaches down the line.
Networking: Your Secret Weapon
One of the best things about university is the relationships and networks you build. Down the line, you might find yourself working on projects where you have the opportunity to do workshops with university students or offer work experience to undergraduates. Plus, you can donate leftover equipment from your sites to local schools or universities. This not only helps the community but also keeps you connected to the academic world. And let’s not forget career expos—you’ll know exactly where those students are coming from because you were once in their shoes.
Conclusion
So, while you might not be cuddling furry animals or conducting vegetation surveys, the knowledge and skills you gained in university are far from useless. They provide the background and context needed to tackle real-world problems in construction. Plus, the relationships you build and the legal knowledge you gain are invaluable assets. So, next time you’re scratching your head on a job site, remember: your university education is more relevant than you think. And hey, at least you don’t have to worry about lab reports anymore!
