MAXIMISING YOUR BIM CAREER

Businessman jumping on springboard as symbol of progress. Mixed media

Good career progression in the construction industry can be a challenge. None more so than in the still embryonic world of BIM – with many companies still coming to terms with digital transformation. Should you stay where you are or move on? What should you focus your attention on? How do you take control and make the most of your potential?

ESCALATORS, RUTS, TRAMPOLINES + RED HERRINGS

Some businesses create a progression plan from day 1 and reward performance accordingly. It’s a constant, interactive, positive and upward process. I call these companies escalators.

At the other end of the scale some businesses simply don’t care. They are not fun to work for and sap energy. These are the ruts.

In between there are those that look good and feel good but simply don’t have the structure that allows progression. You can step-up by moving to these companies and learn more but the only way to progress further is to leave. These are the trampolines.

Unless you are with an escalator the only way to move up is to move on.

Escalators are rare and not necessarily good for your career. Trampolines can be more beneficial –understanding how different businesses deliver digital construction broadens your perspective and adds value to future employers.

As you can see, if you really want to progress and add value as you do, trampolines are great. Escalators are too but mixing it up a bit will help you develop a more rounded career.

But don’t be mislead. Avoid ruts makes sense but whether current / future employers are escalators or trampolines is irrelevant.

THE RIGHT FOCUS

What is relevant is the next milestone in your career progression and how you get there. Can you achieve it where you are or do you need to move on?

It’s important not to overestimate your current level of competence. BIM is still immature. Different role titles and definitions abound. One company’s experienced BIM Manager could be another’s Coordinator. Use the BIM Career Map and Competencies to help identify where you are now, and your next milestone.

RESEARCH

If you can’t progress where you are and do need to move on, how do you know which opportunities will deliver what you want. How do you avoid the ruts?

When looking for opportunities, do your research. Ask people who know. Talk to people you can trust who have worked at the companies you are interested in or good recruiters who have been around for a few years, have the benefit of hindsight and care about helping good talent find the best fit.

If you are thinking about moving on right now, johnsonBIM have been recruiting in the AECO world for over 30 years, please feel free to include us in your research. Email: mike@johnsonBIM.com

Meanwhile, here are some of the most exciting, positive career moves we have right now – with our best, digitally centric, clients:

https://dbe.careers/job-board

Mike Johnson

33 years specialising in AECO recruitment. What I have learned over the years is that too much talent is squandered because there is not enough information available to help. dbe.careers is a free 'knowledge hub' of career centric information for everyone working in the Digital Built Environment - or thinking about joining us.