Tim Johnson, from Derby, Kansas, is entering his senior year at Pittsburg State University in the Construction Management program. What started with a wood shop class in high school turned into a clear career path focused on building, leading, and solving problems on the job site. Today, Tim is preparing to become a superintendent and, eventually, a project manager in the construction field.
Tim Johnson always enjoyed building things—but it wasn’t until he took a wood shop class at Derby High School that he realized construction might be more than just a hobby. From that moment, he gravitated toward hands-on courses like drafting and CAD, where he could apply creativity and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting. Sitting at a desk never felt quite right for Tim. “I have a hard time staying still,” he admits, “but when I’m working with my hands, it just clicks.”
After high school, Tim enrolled in the Construction Management program at Pittsburg State University, where he’s now entering his senior year. What sealed his decision to pursue construction wasn’t just the coursework—it was the pride he felt after taking a summer construction job. “When you finish a project and step back to see what you built, there’s real pride in that,” he says. “You can literally drive by something and say, ‘I helped create that.’”
Tim has a strong vision for his future: he hopes to become a superintendent within five to ten years, and eventually transition into a project management role. Even then, he doesn’t see himself staying behind a desk all day. “As a PM, you still get to be out there, visiting job sites, making sure everything’s going right.”
For young people uncertain about their path, Tim encourages trying out a summer job or internship in construction. “You might love it,” he says. “There’s plenty of opportunity right here in Kansas—and you don’t have to leave the state to find a high-paying job if you’re willing to work hard.”
