In my journey through the building engineering field, there’s one piece of wisdom from my previous boss that’s stuck with me like a trusty hard hat: “You can’t fast-track experience.” My boss, who was my supervisor for eight formative years, had a knack for delivering advice that was both profoundly wise and disarmingly simple. Back then, as a young and ambitious project manager, I didn’t always appreciate the depth of this insight. But now, having navigated the industry’s ups and downs, I see the truth in those words more clearly than ever.

When I first started out, I was eager to climb the ladder as quickly as possible. I wanted to be the boss, and I wanted it yesterday. My boss, however, was a firm believer in the “slow and steady wins the race” approach. His favorite mantra was that experience couldn’t be fast-tracked. You had to put in the time, get your hands dirty, and really understand the nuts and bolts of the job—literally.

At the time, it felt like a lecture. But looking back, I realize he was right. The construction industry isn’t just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about the gritty, real-world experience you gain on-site. The difference between knowing how a building should be built and actually building it is as vast as the difference between reading a cookbook and cooking a meal from scratch.

I remember one of my first on-site experiences. I was so focused on impressing everyone with my theoretical knowledge that I didn’t notice the concrete curing in the wrong conditions. It wasn’t until the project started to look like an abstract art piece rather than a building that I understood the importance of on-the-ground experience. My boss’s wisdom hit home—sometimes you have to experience the unexpected before you can fully grasp the nuances of your work.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself passing on that same wisdom to young graduates eager to leap into managerial roles without the necessary fieldwork. They come to me with grand plans and impressive resumes but often lack the hands-on experience that’s crucial for understanding the complexities of construction. It’s a bit like someone trying to pilot a plane after reading a manual but never having touched the controls.

Here’s the thing: No amount of classroom theory can replace the lessons learned on-site. Whether it’s the chaos of a rain-soaked foundation or the challenge of coordinating with subcontractors who speak a language of their own (and I’m not just talking about construction jargon), these are experiences that shape your understanding in ways that books simply can’t.

So, to all the young graduates and ambitious souls out there: take a breath, roll up your sleeves, and get some hands-on experience. Embrace the dirt, the delays, and the daily challenges of the job. It’s through these experiences that you’ll truly learn what it takes to succeed and lead in the building engineering field.

Remember, you can’t rush experience any more than you can rush a construction project. Both require patience, hard work, and, occasionally, a good sense of humor. And if you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, just think of the old adage: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Neither are successful careers or well-constructed buildings.

So here’s to embracing the journey, learning from every mistake, and, most importantly, enjoying the process. After all, as my wise former boss taught me, the best projects—and careers—are built on a solid foundation of experience.