CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT LEARNER SPOTLIGHT: FRANCISCO MATAMOROS GARAY

Can you describe your current role and responsibilities?

Francisco: I am a partner at my firm, Inovum. I started my career as an architect and earned a master’s degree in architectural lighting design. Then, I transitioned to residential and commercial projects. 

Currently, I am the construction manager at my firm. I oversee the design and financial aspects of our construction projects while my colleagues handle other key areas. I also devise the construction management plan for each project and determine what we are going to build.

What motivated you to pursue professional education at this stage in your career? 

Francisco: When my company decided to transition into real estate development, I realized that my experience in the design-build method wouldn’t be enough. I needed more precise and efficient knowledge to tackle this new venture. Not only would we be using our own capital, but we would also be bringing in external partners. The stakes and risks were much higher.

It’s not that I wasn’t capable, but I had doubts when it came to feasibility assessments and financial management. Those were my weak points, and I knew I needed to improve in those areas.

Why did you decide to take the University of Michigan’s Construction Engineering and Management course?

Francisco: We were working through this big transition, and I couldn’t afford to take time off to commit full-time to developing and acquiring new skills. So, I was specifically looking for a program designed for working professionals.

Since I earned my master’s degree in Europe, I initially looked at courses there and even considered some in Asia. However, after researching several programs in the U.S., we liked the idea of expanding into U.S. markets in the future. It made much more sense to choose a course that would teach us about the U.S. market and its building practices. 

I reviewed several syllabi from different institutions and concluded that the University of Michigan provided the information more concisely and would allow me to apply the skills I learned right away. I told my partners that the core of this program–planning, scheduling, control, and financial accounting–would be very helpful for us.

What was the most important thing you learned in the course? 

Francisco: There were many things, but the most important takeaway was my shift in mindset. I used to think about a project from the perspective of an architect or a contractor, but in this course, I learned that the full construction process requires a new set of skills. 

I also realized it wasn’t just about getting a project management certification. Instead, I needed something more hands-on and directly applicable to the job site. We were working with clients on project development while also creating our own, so I didn’t have time for a two-year program. I needed to gain knowledge as quickly as possible and put it into practice right away.

And now, I’m a strong advocate for the construction manager role in every project. For me, the biggest takeaway was the shift in mindset and how the construction skills I learned were immediately applicable.

Which classes in the program did you find the most valuable, and why?

Francisco: The class that really changed the way I think about construction and management was the one I least wanted to take. It was about sustainable construction practices. I thought that class was going to be all about theory, practices, sustainable materials, etc. And frankly, I thought it was going to be pretty dull. 

But that class changed how I view everything. You learn how to financially and administratively manage a project throughout its complete life cycle. It was an incredible eye-opener because it shows you that construction projects are so much more than designing and building. I now know how to procure a project, analyze it, ensure it’s feasible, design it, build it, and maintain it through the whole life cycle. 

Another class that I found immensely valuable was about planning, scheduling, and control. We learned how to tackle a project from all angles. We learned how to plan, schedule, and control a project and how to adapt when the unexpected happens.

Who would benefit the most from taking this course?

Francisco: I would recommend this course to any technical professional in the construction industry. This course will give you applicable knowledge that you can implement right away. There are some classes that may not directly apply to your work. For example, we manage construction safety very differently in my country. But the rest of the course was spot on. You definitely get what you’re paying for. That’s why I would recommend this course to anyone involved in the construction industry.

What advice would you give to potential students interested in taking this course?

Francisco: Try to adopt an implementation mindset. Do the exercises, write the emails, and watch the videos. I review my videos every once in a while when I need a reminder. I know things can get hectic. Deadlines pile up, and it feels like you don’t have the time. But you have to keep at it. It’s all worth it.

In the beginning, it seems pretty simple and basic. But actually, the basic things—once they become habits—are what help you the most. You’ll take the time to analyze a project’s feasibility before accepting a client. You’ll understand scheduling and be able to adjust when time constraints or setbacks arise.

Finally, the only way you’re going to learn is through practice. You have to practice and implement what you learn in real-life situations.