The bulk of my career has been working in various aspects of the construction and metal fabrication industries. Initially I was trained in vo-tech for board drafting that later led me to work for a general contractor where I helped with detailing specifications of new and existing buildings. This work also allowed me to be involved in the hands-on building of structures, including installation of HVAC systems, plumbing, foundation walls, and more. Some of my later work was within the environmental field where I was managing projects to remove asbestos from schools and hospitals.When I realized that the work of board drafting was becoming obsolete, I decided to return to technical school for training in AutoCAD. After receiving my associates degree, I began using my new skills to design cabinets and eventually moved into another position designing specialty projects made out of metal. Since 2003, most of my focus in the metal industry has been on estimating the costs of raw materials needed for projects, coordinating the external machining of certain parts, and negotiating the purchase/delivery of these materials.As I look toward the future, I'm open to exploring career opportunities where I can combine all my skills and experience. My idea of the ultimate job would allow me to be more in control of the initial planning and oversight of projects, thus allowing me to deliver a greater impact on their quality and timely completion.