WHAT CAN I WITH A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DEGREE?

“What you do today can improve all of your tomorrows.” — Ralph Marston

Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.

Often called general contractors or project managers, they coordinate and supervise a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of public, residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads, memorials, and bridges. Either a general contractor or a construction manager oversees the construction phase of a project, but a construction manager may also consult with the client during the design phase to help refine construction plans and control costs.

Construction managers oversee specialized contractors and other personnel. They schedule and coordinate all construction processes so that projects meet design specifications. They ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Some construction managers may be responsible for several projects at once: Example being the construction of multiple apartment buildings.

Construction managers work closely with other building specialists, such as architects, civil engineers, and a variety of trade workers, including stonemasons, electricians, and carpenters. Projects may require specialists in everything from structural steel and painting to landscaping, paving roads, and excavating sites. Depending on the project, construction managers may interact with lawyers and local government officials. For example, when working on city-owned property or municipal buildings, construction managers sometimes confer with city inspectors to ensure that all regulations are met.

For projects too large to be managed by one person, such as office buildings and industrial complexes, a top-level construction manager hires other construction managers to be in charge of different aspects of the project. For example, each construction manager would oversee a specific phase of the project, such as structural foundation, plumbing, or electrical work, and choose subcontractors to complete it. The top-level construction manager would then collaborate and coordinate with the other construction managers.

To maximize efficiency and productivity, construction managers often also perform the tasks of a cost estimator. They use specialized cost-estimating and planning software to show how to allocate time and money in order to complete their projects. Many construction managers also use software to plan the best way to get materials to the building site.

GROWING INDUSTRY

Employment of construction managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 45,800 openings for construction managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS TYPICALLY DO THE FOLLOWING

• Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and work timetables

• Interpret and explain contracts and technical information to other professionals

• Report work progress and budget matters to clients

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other construction specialists

• Select subcontractors and schedule and coordinate their activities

• Respond to work delays, emergencies, and other problems

• Comply with legal requirements, building and safety codes, and other regulations

IMPORTANT QUALITIES

ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Construction managers plan project strategies, handle unexpected issues and delays, and solve problems that arise over the course of the project. In addition, many managers use cost-estimating and planning software to determine costs and the materials and time required to complete projects.

BUSINESS SKILLS

Construction managers address budget matters and coordinate and supervise workers. Choosing competent staff and establishing good working relationships with them is critical.

CUSTOMER-SERVICE SKILLS

Construction managers are in constant contact with owners, inspectors, and the public. They must form good working relationships with these people and ensure their needs are met.

DECISION-MAKING SKILLS

Construction managers choose personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks and jobs. Often, these choices must be made quickly to meet deadlines and budgets.

INITIATIVE

Self-employed construction managers generate their own business opportunities and must be proactive in finding new clients. They often market their services and bid on jobs, and they must also learn to perform special home improvement projects, such as installing mosaic glass tiles, sanding wood floors, and insulating homes.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Construction managers must effectively delegate tasks to construction workers, subcontractors, and other lower-level managers.

SPEAKING SKILLS

Construction managers must give clear orders, explain complex information to construction workers and clients, and discuss technical details with other building specialists, such as architects. Self-employed construction managers must get their own projects, so the need to sell their services to potential clients is critical.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Construction managers must know construction methods and technologies, and must be able to interpret contracts and technical drawings.

TIME-MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Construction managers must meet deadlines. They ensure that construction phases are completed on time so that the next phase can begin as scheduled. For instance, a building’s foundation cannot be constructed until the land is completely excavated.

WRITING SKILLS

Construction managers must write proposals, plans, and budgets, as well as document the progress of the work for clients and others involved in the building process.

HOW TO BECOME A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Typically must have a bachelor’s degree, and learn management techniques through on-the-job training. Large construction firms increasingly prefer candidates with both construction experience and a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field. Although some individuals with a high school diploma and many years of experience in a construction trade may be hired as construction managers, these individuals are typically qualified to become self-employed general contractors.

EDUCATION

Although there are various ways to enter this occupation, it is becoming increasingly important for construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering. As construction processes become more complex, employers are placing greater importance on specialized education.

More than 100 colleges and universities offer accredited bachelor’s degree programs in construction science, building science, or construction engineering. These programs include courses in project control and management, design, construction methods and materials, cost estimation, building codes and standards, and contract administration. Courses in mathematics and statistics are also relevant.

More than fifty 2-year colleges offer construction management or construction technology programs. An associate’s degree combined with work experience is typical for managers who supervise smaller projects.

A few universities offer master’s degree programs in construction management.

Jobseekers with a high school diploma and several years of relevant work experience may qualify to become a construction manager, although most are qualified to become self-employed general contractors.

THIS IS AN INDUSTRY ALWAYS IN NEED WITH EXCELLENT JOB SECURITY AND WAGE FORECASTING. 

 THE NEXT TIME YOU DRIVE PAST A CONSTRUCTION SITE, SEE IF YOU CAN COUNT HOW MANY DIFFERENT NICHE JOBS ARE TAKING PART IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS.   

SOMEONE IS AT THE TOP ORGANIZING IT!