Peter Zlotnick

Construction Administration, May 2010

Please describe your academic background including the reason(s) for enrolling in the M.S. program at the School of Continuing Education.

I graduated from the University of Connecticut, where I received my degree in business management with a focus on entrepreneurship. I also obtained a minor in anthropology. During my junior year, I participated in the Social Entrepreneur Corps in Guatemala where our group of volunteers aided in teaching Guatemalan men and women how to implement sustainable business models. We also took intensive Spanish lessons, traveled the country and stayed with host families. The program was an amazing experience that blended my passion for business and helping others. 
 
Upon graduation I began working with my family’s construction company and realized that I wanted to further my education. Given my age, and being in an industry where experience is the largest indicator of one’s ability to succeed, I felt that a master’s degree would help me further my career and gain the respect of my peers. An alumni mentor that I was paired with while at UConn recommended the M.S. in Construction Administration program at Columbia’s School of Continuing Education, and it was a perfect fit. 
 
Please describe your professional background leading up to your current position. What is a typical day like in your current position?
 
I began working with my family’s company when I was 16 years old. Once I was 18 and it was legal for me to work on site, I became a manual laborer.  This allowed me to travel to different projects and physically contribute to the outcome of the project. At times I would only sweep the site or perform mundane tasks, but I learned that all assignments were instrumental in completing the job and the work gave me a much higher respect for those in the industry. I held this position throughout college and worked during my breaks. The experience was invaluable because I saw how our projects were run in the field, I learned about the physical construction of a building, and I realized how demanding the work is. I have the utmost respect for those working in the field everyday.  
 
Once I graduated from college I began working in the office, assisting in the areas of accounting, estimating, project management and general administration. Currently, I am the corporate secretary and vice president. A day’s work is anything but typical. Whether I am working on implementing new construction software, signing checks, reviewing financials, or contacting subcontractors for bids due, it’s a dynamic day to say the least. 
 
How did the Construction Administration program help you with your career?
 
The Construction Administration program proved to me several things.  Firstly, I became confident that I could excel and effectively communicate with my peers in the industry. Secondly, the professors confirmed that my existing knowledge of the industry and business practices were generally correct.  This fortified the lessons and experiences passed on to me by my father and grandfather. Lastly, the program allowed me to network with wonderful contacts in the industry through my professors and fellow students, but more importantly I made some life-long friends.
 
What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue careers in Construction Administration?
 
There’s no doubt that construction can be one of the most difficult and cyclical industries, but it is a very down-to-earth, honest way to make a living. In fact, I believe it is one of the most intricate industries to excel in. At times I am still trying to figure out the balancing act of overseeing a budget and our employees, while working with several different types of professionals, including the subcontractors, architects, engineers, and owners, who have a range of demands and personalities. Seek balance in all of these things and you will be very successful in the industry. Embrace the chaos.