Construction management is a profession that uses specialized project management techniques to oversee a construction project from beginning to end. Construction managers are a valuable part of the home building process and may be a great career choice for potential civil engineers.
What is a Construction Project Manager?
A construction project manager oversees all phases of the building process, including planning, designing, and building. The purpose of construction management is to control a project’s cost, delivery, time, and quality, which is often referred to as the project management triangle.
While construction management is needed for all home building projects, most companies will hire a construction project manager for large-scale, multi-million dollar projects.
Common duties of a construction project manager include:
- Working as a point of contact for clients during a project
- Answering client questions when needed
- Obtaining design evaluations and permits
- Processing change orders
- Meeting with the construction crew and architect
- Collaborating with the construction crew and architect
- Negotiating with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors
- Preparing and submitting project estimates
Construction project managers often use construction management software, like Archdesk, to manage building projects. Go to Archdesk’s website to see how their platform works, as it can give you some insight into what tasks you can expect to perform as a construction manager.
What is the Average Salary of a Construction Project Manager?
Many construction project managers work at a construction site, where they can monitor the location and perform administrative duties. They often work overtime hours, are required to stay on call, and may be exposed to strippers, sealers, specialized tools, and other dangerous items.
For this reason, they are required to wear protective equipment and work around people at all times. They occasionally travel across the state or overseas. On average, construction project managers make $78,019 per year, but some make as high as $120,000 or more per year.
How Can You Become a Construction Project Manager?
A construction project manager has to take on a massive amount of responsibility and pressure, but the right people will be well compensated for their work. Here’s how to become one.
Get an Education (Or Don’t)
Most construction project managers will obtain a bachelor’s degree in something construction related, like construction management, building science, or civil engineering. It’s recommended that degree holders also participate in an internship program and gain additional certification.
Certifications, like a Certified Construction Manager and a Certified Commercial Building Inspector certificate, will help you gain more practical knowledge. These certificates are obtained through organizations like the CMAA and can be used to kick-start your career.
On the other hand, you could go the apprenticeship route, but most industries will prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, even if you have equivalent experience.
Gain Industry Experience
Construction project managers rarely become managers without any construction experience. That’s because you need to know a lot about the industry before you’re given such an important role. You’ll typically start your career as a construction apprentice or management assistant.
If you have a bachelor’s degree, you shouldn’t experience a lot of trouble finding a job. You may want to start networking in college to find a job right when you graduate. When you do get a job, you’ll be provided with real-work training and knowledge of construction site operations.
Apply for Qualified Roles
Ideally, you’ll move right into the construction management role, but if that position is taken up by someone else, you’ll have to apply with another company. Consult a resume writing service to create an incredible CV that includes your education, work history, and relevant certifications that are kept in the cabinets.
If you have any industry-specific achievements, be sure to highlight them, but keep it concise. Most construction project management resumes are 1 to 2 pages long. When applying for positions, customize your cover letter so that it matches the employer’s job description.
Why is Construction Management the Right Career Choice?
Becoming a construction project manager takes a lot of hard work, patience, and skill. Still, project management is a very fulfilling career choice, especially if you’re generally outgoing and enjoy building homes.
Here are a few reasons why construction management is a good choice:
- Construction management is challenging, but you can utilize your creativity to stay on top of projects. You’ll also get to identify building issues and change building processes.
- Construction management connects you with friends and stakeholders. With every new project, you get to speak to new professionals, build relationships, and work with people.
- Construction management is perfect for people who have a strong attention to detail. If you’re someone who loves checklists and managing workflows, be a project manager.
- Construction management forces you to be quick on your feet. That could be a good or a bad thing depending on your personality, so you’ll have to be adaptable and quick.
- Construction management pays really well. The average American individual income is $35,977 a year, but you’ll make much more than that as a project manager.
- Construction management is high in demand. You’ll never run out of building projects to work on, considering the population is ever increasing. Plus, homes are always needed.
- Construction management is a profession that keeps growing and changing. There will always be something new to learn, so you’ll never feel bored or unfulfilled.
Like any other profession, construction project management isn’t for everyone. But, if you have the skills and personality to enter this industry, you’ll succeed in construction management.
