Becoming a Construction Manager
April 28, 2018
Construction is a complicated industry. Every construction project, big and small, requires hundreds of details to come together correctly to result in the successful completion of the project. From permits to worker safety, each construction project needs careful planning and execution. That’s where a construction manager comes in. A construction manager ensures that every detail of a project is taken care of at the right time. A construction manager oversees everything from contractor hiring, to client relations, emergency response and more. The job of a construction manager is challenging but rewarding. Here is some more info to help you decide if the career path of a construction manager is the one for you.
Education
The first step in most career paths is learning education requirements. It is vital to know what level of education is required for a particular career, so you fulfill the requirements before applying. In the Construction Management career path, you may not need to complete any levels of education beyond your high school diploma to be considered. However, the job market is evolving, and Construction Management careers are changing as a result. Though employers would previously accept candidates without Bachelor’s Degrees, it is becoming more and more common that employers require candidates to have them. As more and more universities offer degrees in construction management, it is becoming more common for candidates to have degrees. If you do not have a degree in construction management, you may be passed over for a candidate that does.
Experience
Though Education requirements may vary from employer to employer, experience in the field of construction will almost always be a requirement. Construction offers more upward mobility than virtually any other career. If you begin working at a construction company at a lower position, it is likely that you could be promoted relatively quickly. The majority of construction managers come from lower-ranking positions in a construction company. If you don’t have a degree in construction management, it is essential that you have the experience to prove that you are capable of succeeding in the job.
Important Skills
The job of a construction manager is a difficult and rewarding one. Experience and education should be the highlight of your resume when applying for a position, but there are some soft skills that will help you succeed. The most important thing for a construction manager to have is project management skills. You will be managing employees with multiple functions and help them complete complicated projects together. Project management skills are essential. Another essential skill is communication. The construction manager is often the liaison between the client and the people working on their project. You’ll need exceptional communication skills to keep everything running smoothly. A necessary skill you may not expect is document management. A construction manager needs to keep all the permits, safety information, employee records and more. You’ll need to be able to handle vital documents and keep everything organized.