As of September 2024, the U.S. construction industry faced a considerable demand for talent, with almost 300,000 job openings reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This talent shortage highlights the increasing need for skilled professionals capable of managing complex projects and addressing industry challenges.
Kaisar Onlaybayev, the CTO of SemArco and a judge at the National Business Award 2024, a prestigious event for construction and infrastructure, deeply understands what it takes for young professionals to meet the modern demands of sustainable and smart infrastructure. His career path reflects the shift in construction management toward the growing need for adaptable, data-driven leaders prepared to meet the demands of sustainable and smart infrastructure. It also showcases the industry’s evolution alongside new technologies and how a dedicated professional can adapt and drive change within an entire sector. He shared his story and valuable insights on how to stay relevant from now on.
Strong Educational Foundation
In the fast-evolving construction industry, a solid educational foundation is not a credential but a launchpad for navigating complex technical challenges and industry innovations. Embracing an interdisciplinary approach empowers professionals to think critically and creatively.
“Each field I studied contributed to my ability to approach projects from multiple perspectives, helping me to anticipate challenges and create effective solutions,” Kaisar notes.
Kaisar Onlaybayev’s journey began with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Czech Technical University in Prague. This solid technical foundation gave him the skills to enter the industrial sector with a rigorous understanding of engineering principles. He recognized the need for specialized knowledge and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and certification of IPMA in project management. This combination enables Kaisar to work on a wide range of projects in the industrial and civil sectors and be in demand in any construction field.
A multidisciplinary foundation enhances competitiveness in the job market, making professionals adaptable to various challenges and valuable across different market sectors.
Hands-On Experience in Diverse Roles
In construction management, practical experience across diverse roles is invaluable. Such exposure helps professionals understand every facet of project execution, from engineering to project management, fostering a comprehensive view of the industry. Those who work in varied roles early on develop adaptability, which is crucial for managing complex projects and mitigating on-site challenges.
“Throughout my career, I’ve worked as a field project engineer, managed technical issues resolution, budgeting and scheduling in project execution, and coordinated directly with on-site teams to oversee daily operations,“ Kaisar explains. “Each role has given me a unique insight—from technical design to practical execution — allowing me to grasp the full scope and intricate challenges of large-scale construction projects.”
His career reflects this approach, as after completing his education, he began his career in 2013 as a Process Engineer at United Chemical Company in Kazakhstan, working on developing new industrial plants. This early exposure to the practical side of engineering laid the groundwork for his future roles in construction management. In 2016, he joined BI Group, a major construction company in Kazakhstan, where he gained experience as a Field Project Engineer, Superintendent, and later as Deputy Project Manager.
Such diverse experience across roles enables professionals to make informed decisions, make useful contacts, and get to know up-to-date technological advances.
Emerging Technologies Adaptation
Adapting to innovations is also critical in today’s construction industry, where timelines are tight and budgets constrained. Modern digital tools help managers streamline workflows, identify potential issues early, and reduce costly rework, making technology an essential part of effective project management.
“Throughout my career, I’ve relied on various digital tools — from BIM software to project management platforms — to optimize resources and anticipate challenges. Embracing these technologies has been essential in managing complex projects efficiently, especially when working under tight deadlines”, Kaisar says.
One of Kaisar Onlaybayev’s achievements is his successful implementation of Building Information Modeling on various projects. He integrated this technology into project workflows to minimize delays and avoid costly rework.
Beyond BIM, Kaisar also played a key role in the development of LandPlanner, a revolutionary digital tool for managing land assets. Developed as an internal product at BI Group, LandPlanner centralizes land portfolio management, offering real-time analytics, integration with government registries, and strategic planning dashboards. Previously, companies relied on fragmented, manual systems, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and missed investment opportunities. By creating a unified ecosystem, LandPlanner streamlines land asset tracking, minimizes risks, and enhances decision-making for businesses.
As one of the co-authors of this patented technology, Kaisar contributed his expertise in project management and engineering to refine LandPlanner’s capabilities, ensuring its effectiveness in large-scale construction planning. The tool’s ability to reduce non-liquid land holdings by 30% by 2027 and integrate with national land registries makes it a significant innovation in the industry. Its first version is set for release in March 2025, with full deployment expected by January 2026.
Kaisar continues to push forward with cutting-edge solutions, planning future integrations of drones and 3D laser scanning to further enhance construction site monitoring and precision measurements.
“For years, land management felt like navigating in the dark—scattered data, endless paperwork, and costly mistakes. With LandPlanner, we finally brought clarity and control to the process. It’s a game-changer for the industry,” Kaisar shares.
As well as some of his colleagues, Kaisar plans to incorporate drones and 3D laser scanning into his future projects to enhance site monitoring and ensure precise measurements.
Lifelong Learning
Whatever the work is, lifelong learning is not optional but essential. New materials, sustainable practices, and digital tools constantly reshape the industry landscape, making continuous education crucial for professionals to remain relevant.
Kaisar Onlaybayev encourages young professionals to pursue lifelong learning: “Staying relevant requires both technical skills and adaptability. I always tell new engineers that learning should not stop at graduation — it is a career-long commitment,” he says.
His career success stems from skilled mentors and his dedication to continuous learning, allowing him to adapt to challenging environments and build resilience. Now, as a mentor himself, he inspires young professionals to see learning as an ongoing journey essential for long-term growth and success. For that, Kaisar has become a member of prestigious professional organizations, including the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Qazaq Chapter, which he joined in September 2024, contributing to the global legacy of advancing project management practices. Additionally, he is a member of the Kazakhstan Geotechnical Society, which is recognized for its commitment to the development of geotechnical engineering in the region. Beyond his professional affiliations, Kaisar also serves as a judge for the National Business Awards, underscoring his expertise and leadership within the construction and engineering sectors.
Kaisar Onlaybayev’s career path serves as a roadmap for aspiring construction professionals, underscoring the value of a strong technical foundation, adaptability to new technologies, and a commitment to strategic thinking and lifelong learning. For those seeking to make a meaningful impact in construction, Kaisar’s story highlights that success is built through continuous growth, resilience, and a dedication to leading by example. These qualities will be essential for the next generation of professionals as the industry evolves.
