Nicholas Guevara
Construction Management Technology
Project Engineer at Power Construction
Describe your potential job duties
Project Planning and Scheduling: Assisting in developing project plans and schedules, ensuring they align with client requirements and project goals.
Coordination: Coordinating with subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
Budget Management: Monitoring project budgets, costs, and expenditures, and ensuring projects are completed within budget constraints.
Document Control: Managing project documentation, including drawings, specifications, and change orders, to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Quality Assurance: Implementing quality control measures and conducting inspections to maintain construction standards and specifications.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating project risks, and addressing issues that may affect project timeline or budget.
Communication: Facilitating communication between stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, and construction teams, to keep everyone informed and aligned.
Reporting: Preparing progress reports, project status updates, and other documentation for stakeholders and management.
Safety Compliance: Ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations on-site, promoting a safe working environment for all.
Problem-Solving: Resolving technical issues and challenges that arise during construction, collaborating with teams to find effective solutions.
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
Purdue equipped me with a strong foundation in construction management, which I reinforced through hands-on experience during my internships. By applying classroom concepts to real-world projects, I developed a well-rounded skill set that enhances my qualifications and prepares me to excel in the construction industry.
How has the college or someone in the college helped you achieve your goals?
Throughout my time at Purdue, I have been fortunate to have many mentors who have guided my academic and professional growth. Two pivotal figures in my development have been Toni Munguia and Danny Wyman, whose mentorship has shaped my journey as both a student and a future professional. Their support has not only helped me refine my career path but also provided invaluable opportunities for professional growth, from networking with industry leaders to gaining hands-on experience in real-world projects. Their guidance has been instrumental in building my confidence, leadership abilities, and overall preparedness for a successful career in construction management.
What specific classes helped prepare you for your new job?
Several courses at Purdue played a pivotal role in preparing me for a career in construction management:
Construction Materials and Methods – This course provided a comprehensive understanding of construction materials, methods, contracts, and project layouts across various sectors, including commercial, residential, heavy/civil, and industrial construction. Hands-on lab experiences strengthened my skills in quantity estimating, construction plan reading, and project documentation, all of which are essential in the field.
Capstone Project in Construction Management – This course challenged me to integrate my pre-construction management knowledge into a real-world project. It refined my ability to manage specialized construction projects, analyze complex challenges, and apply strategic decision-making to deliver effective solutions.
These courses, combined with my internships, have equipped me with both the technical expertise and practical experience needed to succeed in the construction industry.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
One of my favorite classes has been Real Estate Investment & Development with Professor Mike Eriksen. The course covers both the development process and investment analysis, giving me a well-rounded understanding of how real estate projects come to life. I’ve enjoyed learning about feasibility studies, market analysis, financing strategies, and risk management—elements that directly connect with my background in construction management. This class has reinforced my passion for real estate and development, and I appreciate how Professor Eriksen ties real-world examples into the coursework.
Purdue gave me a solid foundation in construction management and the chance to apply what I learned through internships. Courses like Construction Materials and Methods and the Capstone project gave me real-world skills, while mentors like Toni Munguia and Danny Wyman helped me grow into a confident and capable professional."