Persons interested in becoming a construction manager need a
solid background in building science, business, and management, as well
as related work experience within the construction industry. They need
to understand contracts, plans, and specifications, and to be
knowledgeable about construction methods, materials, and regulations.
Familiarity with computers and software programs for job costing,
online collaboration, scheduling, and estimating also is important.
Traditionally, persons advance to construction management positions
after having substantial experience as construction craftworkers—,
carpenters, masons, plumbers, or electricians, for example—or after
having worked as construction supervisors or as owners of independent
specialty contracting firms overseeing workers in one or more
construction trades. However, employers—particularly large construction
firms—increasingly prefer individuals who combine industry work
experience with a bachelor’s degree in construction science,
construction management, or civil engineering. Practical industry
experience also is very important, whether it is acquired through
internships, cooperative education programs, or work experience in the
industry.
Construction managers should be flexible and work
effectively in a fast-paced environment. They should be decisive and
work well under pressure, particularly when faced with unexpected
occurrences or delays. The ability to coordinate several major
activities at once, while analyzing and resolving specific problems, is
essential, as is an understanding of engineering, architectural, and
other construction drawings. Good oral and written communication skills
also are important, as are leadership skills. Managers must be able to
establish a good working relationship with many different people,
including owners, other managers, designers, supervisors, and
craftworkers.
Advancement opportunities for construction
managers vary depending upon an individual’s performance and the size
and type of company for which they work. Within large firms, managers
may eventually become top-level managers or executives. Highly
experienced individuals may become independent consultants; some serve
as expert witnesses in court or as arbitrators in disputes. Those with
the required capital may establish their own construction management
services, specialty contracting, or general contracting firm.
Many
colleges and universities offer 4-year degree programs in construction
management, construction science, and construction engineering. These
programs include courses in project control and development, site
planning, design, construction methods, construction materials, value
analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, contract administration,
accounting, business and financial management, safety, building codes
and standards, inspection procedures, engineering and architectural
sciences, mathematics, statistics, and information technology.
Graduates from 4-year degree programs usually are hired as assistants
to project managers, field engineers, schedulers, or cost estimators.
An increasing number of graduates in related fields—engineering or
architecture, for example—also enter construction management, often
after acquiring substantial experience on construction projects or
after completing graduate studies in construction management or
building science.
Several colleges and universities offer a
master’s degree program in construction management or construction
science. Master’s degree recipients, especially those with work
experience in construction, typically become construction managers in
very large construction or construction management companies. Often,
individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field seek a
master’s degree in order to work in the construction industry. Some
construction managers obtain a master’s degree in business
administration or finance to further their career prospects. Doctoral
degree recipients usually become college professors or conduct research.
Many individuals also attend training and educational programs
sponsored by industry associations, often in collaboration with
postsecondary institutions. A number of 2-year colleges throughout the
country offer construction management or construction technology
programs.
There is a growing movement towards certification of
construction managers to ensure that a construction manager has a
certain body of knowledge, abilities, and experience. Both the American
Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Construction Management
Association of America (CMAA) have established voluntary certification
programs for construction managers. Requirements combine written
examinations with verification of education and professional
experience. AIC awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified
Professional Constructor (CPC) designations to candidates who meet its
requirements and pass appropriate construction examinations. CMAA
awards the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation to
practitioners who meet its requirements through work performed in a
construction management firm and by passing a technical examination.
Applicants for the CMAA certification also must complete a self-study
course that covers a broad range of topics central to construction
management, including the professional role of a construction manager,
legal issues, and allocation of risk. Although certification is not
required to work in the construction industry, voluntary certification
can be valuable because it provides evidence of competence and
experience.
