First off, what is construction management? Construction management is an umbrella term for services that are provided by construction companies such as planning, designing, pre/post construction phases, construction cost, quality, and time consumed when working on construction projects. Construction management is a highly complex job that requires knowledge of the construction business at all levels to ensure the job is done properly, on schedule, cost effectively, and according to the original design plans. Construction management deals not only with its own projects but with other construction companies and construction professionals as well.
There are two types of construction management, the first being the agency. The agency is a service where the construction management is the project manager and responsible for all the aspects such as planning, designing, avoiding delays/disputes, and trying to enhance the over-all construction quality.
The second type of construction management is at-risk, which is a method where the construction management team has a commitment to deliver the project within the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price). During the construction project, this type of construction management acts as a consultant to the owner but also as the general construction contractor. When the construction management is obligated to the GMP, this helps in protecting the interest of themselves as well as the owners.
How can you obtain a construction management job? Those looking for construction management jobs will need to obtain a construction management certification which requires 48 months’ experience as a construction management in areas which are determined by the Qualifying Matrix, as well as one of the following: a four-year undergraduate/graduate degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or construction science; a two-year undergraduate degree or certificate in construction management, architecture, engineering, or science and four years’ experience general design/construction; or no degree/certificate but eight years’ experience in general design/construction. If one of these requirements is met you are on your way to landing that construction management job.
Employers prefer those who have the most training and experience, so the more amount of time invested in your construction management training, the better chance you will have of receiving the job. While it is a fast-paced work environment, the more training you have you, the better attributed you will be to handle those daily work pressures. If you have on-the-job work experience in plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry it is a huge plus when it comes to advancing in your construction management career. Also many more complex jobs will have more than one construction contractor; such jobs as large office buildings and skyscrapers. Working well with others is a very critical part of construction management.
When you have reached and obtained your construction management what type of salary are you looking at? It can range depending on location, economic climate, and experience, obviously; salaries can range from $70,000–$125,000 including bonuses. The hours can range from early morning to mid evening, for example 8 am to 5 pm and overtime as needed, and sometimes on a 24-hour, 365-day basis. A career in construction management is not for the lazy or unmotivated, so be sure it is the career choice for you. You will deal with many people, bad weather, and job accidents, with anything going wrong that can go wrong, so be prepared
This all sounds like a lot of work and it requires dedication and commitment, but if you would like a job in construction management, be sure you are willing to put the work in and it will pay off. You should be willing to relocate to other cities where job growth is on the rise. If a city is on the verge of growing, this is where to start looking for work. Cities’ growth rises and falls year to year; be aware of this. Find a city where you know you would be comfortable living and could see yourself working in that environment. Construction management and construction companies in general fluctuate, and there will be periods of slowing down. Buildings come and go and the construction profession needs qualified people. Times are tough and we all need that big break to come our way so we can get on the right track again.
The job search can be a long, painful road to travel, but the jobs are out there if you are willing to sacrifice and compromise to acquire the job you want. You want to be more qualified than the next individual when applying for the job. ConstructionCrossing isn’t your last step, but it is the right step.
