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Ratan Lal is a preconstruction professional for Atlanta-based construction services firm HJ Russell and Co. with about 10 years of experience in project management. The opinions are the author’s own.
The construction industry has been the foundation of my professional life for over a decade. From multi-family housing to large civil infrastructure projects, I have contributed to spaces that shape the way people live, work and connect.
But beyond blueprints, budgets, and schedules, I’ve found a more lasting way to impact the future: mentoring youth, especially high school students, as they explore careers in the construction industry.
This work has become one of the most satisfying aspects of my life. We are not just building structures but we are building lives.
Why mentoring is important
Construction is at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Although rooted in hands-on craftsmanship, the industry is embracing transformative technologies such as virtual design and construction, drones and sustainable design.
However, construction still faces outdated perceptions. Many young people see it as a labor-intensive field with limited creativity, unaware of its great opportunities for innovation and leadership. At the same time, the industry is struggling with an aging workforce and a small number of new professionals.
Mentoring bridges this gap by connecting young minds with the possibilities of construction—opportunities to innovate, lead, and literally build the future.
Ratan Lal
Permission granted by Ratan Lal
Through initiatives such as the ACE Mentor ProgramI have worked closely with high school students to reveal the layers of the construction industry. Each mentorship begins with an introduction to architecture, engineering and construction, using real-world examples to inspire curiosity.
Practical group activities are part of the program. Students explore architectural concepts through massive sketching exercises and learn structural principles by building towers out of spaghetti and marshmallows.
They dive into problem solving by designing protective devices for egg drop challenges. These engaging activities encourage teamwork, critical thinking and decision-making while demonstrating the problem-solving nature of construction.
We also introduce them to industry software and tools, preparing them to navigate the digital transformation shaping construction.
Learning opportunities
A memorable activity is a simulated construction planning exercise. Students collaborate to evaluate options, prioritize tasks, and estimate project timelines. Watching them realize how their decisions shaped the outcomes of the project was electrifying – it turned passive learners into confident decision-makers who see themselves as future leaders.
The program also includes an annual project competition where students tackle real-world challenges like reimagining high school spaces or integrating carbon capture into construction. Participants balance design, functionality, budgets, and timelines, which encourages collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking.
At the culmination of the program, students present their projects at a gala, showcasing their ideas to mentors, peers and industry professionals. These events hone presentation skills, build confidence and provide invaluable networking opportunities.
Site visits to active construction projects further enrich the experience. Witnessing industry professionals at work and seeing the intricacies of large-scale projects leave lasting impressions. I’ll never forget a father’s gratitude during one of these visits when he shared, “This is exactly what I wish I had when I grew up.”
Life lessons from mentoring
Mentoring is a two-way street. While my goal is to inspire, I am constantly learning from the students I work with. Their enthusiasm, new perspectives and optimism remind me why I fell in love with this field.
For example, students often ask about the integration of renewable energy or the optimization of the use of space. Their questions challenge me to rethink traditional practices and stay informed of emerging trends. These exchanges demonstrate that mentorship is not only about preparing students for the future, but also about preparing the industry to meet their expectations.
Success in mentoring is not measured in square footage or budgets, but in moments: the “aha” realization during a workshop, the excitement of a student visiting a work, or the pride of seeing them receive grants for study construction-related studies.
If you are a construction professional, I highly recommend you consider mentoring. You don’t need decades of experience or a prestigious degree, just a willingness to share your passion for the industry. A small investment of time can profoundly affect a young person’s future.
