From Computers to Construction: How NAHB Inspired a Career Change
Each October, the home building industry celebrates Careers in Construction Month, a time to recognize the professionals in the field and spotlight opportunities available for the next generation. This is the third story in a weekly series highlighting the month.
Drew Williams’ career path took a sharp turn after he transferred to Kennesaw State University and changed his major from computer science to construction management.
Williams had strong success in computer technology, even earning a patent for a motion detection and sound recognition dash camera, but felt his original passion start to slip.
He remembered what did excite him, though. Growing up, his father taught him how to use power tools, how to handle a drill, and how to install a lock on the door. The duo knocked down their backyard shed and constructed a new one.
“He taught me everything, especially from the framing perspective,” said Williams.
Upon changing majors, Williams joined Kennesaw State’s Student Chapter to feel a spark again. “NAHB really enhanced my passion for construction management and residential home building as a whole,” he said.
The International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Student Competition at the show have had a huge impact on Williams’ career as well.
“I went out to IBS and that opened my eyes up to construction entirely. The more I walked around the IBS show floor, the more I learned,” he recalled. He’s set to compete in his third competition this year — this time as the chapters’ president.
All students who aim to have construction careers should take advantage of the student competition, Williams added.
“Be a sponge. You learn a lot in the competition, in some ways even more than in the classroom. So be a sponge to all the information that you can, and it’ll all come back to you,” he said.
Williams just completed his second internship with Taylor Morrison. In the summer of 2024, he worked as an assistant construction management intern and this past summer as a land development intern.
He’s appreciated all the experiences, especially getting to sit in on rezoning meetings and work in collaboration with the land acquisition and market analysis teams.
Williams is aiming to become the first in his family to hold a construction career, hoping to specifically find work in residential construction.
“Seeing a project go from a pile of dirt and a picture on paper get brought to life really inspires me,” he said.
Learn more about NAHB’s Student Chapters, including NAHB’s HBCU Student Leadership Program and the Student Competition.
Learn more about how to create an internship program at your organization using NAHB’s Student Internship Guide for NAHB members.
