Construction management is a lucrative career. But, does the salary meet your requirements? Is it a career you can see yourself in for at least five years? You should ask yourself these questions before you take the plunge into this field, according to experts like Reddy Kancharla.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the construction management industry is expected to grow by 19 percent through 2023, with employment opportunities expected to increase by 9 percent. Construction managers with project management skills and knowledge of the latest technologies will be in high demand as they become more involved in building information modeling (BIM) and data analytics.
Getting Started in the Industry
Construction management is a career in which you will be working on assignments that can range from small to large scale and encompass residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Your responsibilities as a construction manager will include coordinating with architects, engineers, and other professionals, liaising with local authorities, managing subcontractors, following budgets, and maintaining safety standards. As the industry has transformed over the years to bigger buildings, there is more impact for construction managers than traditional work.
5-Step Plan for Getting Started in Construction Management
1: Gain experience through internships
The first step towards getting started in the development segment is gaining experience through internships. Most colleges don’t offer courses in construction management, so you will need to gain on-the-job training or enroll in a postgraduate course related to the field.
2: Choose the right degree program for your career
While some construction management degrees are available at universities across the country, most of these are only offered as an adjunct to other disciplines such as engineering or architecture. These are two areas closely associated with construction management and provide excellent backgrounds for beginners. If you want to be involved in real estate development, business administration degrees can give you useful insights into how things work on this industry side.
3: Start networking
To get started in construction management and become successful in this highly competitive industry, networking with people who have the necessary work experience and expertise is a must. Participate in local construction management association meetings to meet professionals working in your geographical area. Join online forums where you can discuss topics related to your career path with others.
4: Gain certifications that employers recognize
Obtaining certifications from reputable organizations is an excellent way of showing potential employers that you have the right skills for this job. The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) offers three levels of certification depending on your level of experience within the field. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by PMI has long been considered a standard qualification for project managers across industries. It will help you get ahead of your peers.
5: Make sure you are prepared to travel
If you want to start a construction management career, it is important to be prepared for long hours and frequent travel away from home. Managers often work on projects worldwide and may have to spend weeks or months in different countries. You might even get an opportunity to work on international projects depending on your location and the demand in the market.