I know for a fact that when people are looking at hiring project managers, estimators, or superintendents they see a construction management degree as a huge plus. Job Prospects for Construction Managers. So my main questions are: Do you think construction management is a good field as far as demand, stability, and pay? Carpentry, concrete, steel, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, equipment operators, etc. I love it, that's why I'm still in construction management. From putting up new shopping malls to fixing the nation’s aging infrastructure, an abundance of construction projects means a need for competent construction project managers. Complete a qualification such as the Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC60212). Alright, let’s dive into the pros and cons of working in construction. Note - it's a long road to becoming either. If you or someone you know is considering a career in the construction industry, be sure you know what you're getting into! If you're in a city with a good economy or are willing to move you shouldn't have trouble finding a job, but then again the construction industry fluctuates a lot. I could be ignorant though. If you're looking for a PM job, the degree will likely expedite the process. It just depends on your capabilities and the contractors that you want to work for. Or even superintendents at 100k? The U.S. Department of Labor: The DOL maintains career resources that can help you start a career in many fields, including construction. Construction Management is a Job that Changes Daily. The industry puts an emphasis on experience so you might not hit a lower ceiling than you want to, but then again it could happen since you don't have a 4 year degree, depends on the company. Yes it is, because the demand for construction managers is growing with increase in overall construction activities. The program is part time and around 15000 over 4 years, so I'm just wondering if its worth the effort. I also looked through the classes in the program, and half of them in my opinion are useless (environmental, English, ethics, leadership, etc), so clearly if I study, I'll study for the paper. I guess the level of complexity and involvement totally depends on the type of project. A lot of employers want the experience because that's what really matters and the degree because it looks good on paper and shows you're willing to pay your dues. Construction requires travel and long hours. If you already have an associate's in CE I would just get a bachelor's in it. Construction Managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of a construction company, or a construction department within a company, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager. If travel is required and they pay for COL and/or you're in a high COL area I could see those numbers, otherwise those numbers seem pretty high to me. The good news for those considering a construction job is that the industry is hitting its stride. With the rise in construction starts and investment means an increased need for labor. If someone is wondering, I'm talking about BCIT, Vancouver, one of the best technical schools in Canada. But hopefully this list will help you understand some of the advantages, and potential disadvantages, to working in the skilled trades. That is, if you can be mobile. If you never want to go higher than Construction Manager (ie. If you’re wondering whether construction management training is a good pathway to a rewarding career; the answer is a simple YES. The most flexible major would be civil engineering. You can still become a CM or construction project manager with an engineering degree, and it'll give you the added flexibility of a design path, if construction doesn't pan out. Just about every potential employer lists a bachelor’s degree in their job requirements, including those looking to hire construction managers.But, do you really need a construction management degree to get ahead in this industry?. Press J to jump to the feed. The work and academic experience of construction engineers lead them into construction jobs. Construction management is ideal for someone who has a general interest in building and design. Construction management, or CM, is a complicated and constantly evolving field. Construction managers, also called general contractors, are responsible for planning, budgeting and supervising construction projects. With the degree you can relocate and with all of your experience can easily land an assistant project manager job paying @90K right away, Or even a superintendent job at well over 100K, You already have credits so they should help you get some of the classes waived. Construction managers oversee the overall construction project. It's all about coordination - at the end of the day your job is to make sure that everything and everyone shows up in the right place at the right time, so it's a bit like conducting a large orchestra. The pay is decent - it's better than most nontechnical fields, but nowhere near as high as jobs in tech or finance. Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of building my own house and knowing the ins and outs of construction. During project management career, each project will be a learning experience for you to grow your career. I do linear projects (underground transmission lines), and I have to be knowledgeable in geotech/foundations, survey, CIP & precast concrete, general civil/earthwork, seismic, steel structures, trenchless, some transportation and electrical. Reddit communities reflect how varied, sprawling and ever-changing we are as a society, and as people. To me its a very good field and those who excels at it make very good incomes. I did take classes on construction law, business law, scheduling, estimating, construction systems, OSHA, that taught me things I use every day. So it can be done! Pay will always be good. He did very well financially at both companies, but the hours were very long. Unfortunately I've recently hurt my back and do not wish to pursue a physically intensive job, and I don't want to sit in an office all day either. What's the salary like for a PC with 5yrs experience? A facilities manager has a number of responsibilities in the management of services that support the foundation of an organization. I am a project manager of a mid-level GC and I never received a construction-related degree. Do you like to wake up early as shit to deal with a bunch of fucking morons and assholes fucking up stupid shit all day? Specifically, jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering, coupled with construction experience, will have the best job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that between 2018 and 2028, construction management jobs will increase by 46,200 jobs, which is … This list isn’t comprehensive, because it’s going to be different for each person. You have to wake up early and the hours can be long (50-60 hours / week), but not overly so. If you're chasing money, go heavy industrial. They act as an interface between the owners or architects and the construction workers. Combined that with being involved in events such as the Associated Schools of Construction competition and internships as a project engineer then that should put you in a good spot by the time you graduate. Would you say that having a degree was still beneficial? Check out the bls website for construction management for more data. My university hosts one per semester, and you're pretty much guaranteed an internship assuming you can hold a conversation. Median annual salary: $93,370. 11. Anybody working in this field is welcome! I love that you can indulge your interests in weird cat memes … Many in the workforce agree that email occupies a significant amount of time spent during the workday. Cookies help us deliver our Services. By the time you graduate there might not be many jobs. The Vancouver market is red hot and all the construction companies are screaming for good people so this is the best time in history to be getting your foot in the door. Everyone from residential contractors to commercial construction companies are looking for young people that are will… Spend some time on an experience based resume, and be honest with the employers. To be the best possible construction manager and remain competitive, you will have to have a firm understanding of everything from construction fundamentals to leadership and project management, as well as a thorough grasp on local laws and building codes. I feel like if you really want to move up field experience and a degree are important. Much appreciated. According to the BLS, employment of construction managers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026 , faster than the average for all occupations. How do you guys get hired? Construction management has experienced strong growth over the past decade and the Australian Jobs Outlook predicts it will continue to grow moderately over the next few years. There are two paths- one is through engineering (or perhaps quantity surveying/ contract administration,) the other is on the tools. These are very rough estimates that will be impacted by your company and location. A construction engineer can work as a construction project manager, a construction manager, or a construction engineer manager. Just from my experience, if you're chasing the money then I would recommend staying out of the residential sector. For example, one day a project may close successfully without any issues. The median annual pay for the job was $83,860 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. He did receive bonuses for jobs completed early or on which they made a good … I've gone to two, and walked away with my first pick company two summers in a row now (both $15/hr). Construction managers must identify and eliminate possible hazards for the safety of everyone on the job site. Is that true about Vancouver? In your shoes, I would do some research on local colleges with CM programs, and go to their career fairs. Demand will vary but overall construction management is a pretty stable profession. Lots of people get hired with a CM degree. See all construction jobs. Carpentry, concrete, steel, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, equipment operators, etc. If you were some kid who wanted to be a project engineer, absolutely you'd need a CM degree. There is a big boom in construction right now that is being fueled by the low oil prices. Tal… New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the Construction community. I really like the idea of tangible result and being able to see your work for years and years. After the economic recession, careers in construction management have taken a significant hit, as companies have implemented budget cuts that eliminate staff and contract work. Tell them what you want, and they'll tell you what they're looking for. Of course with every bachelor degree the first couple year's you have to take gen ed courses like environment, English, etc, but that's just college, not everything is useful. Office people are laid off much less often than tradespeople when things slow down, because you still need office staff to close out old jobs and pursue new work. Think twice... 15000 for 4 years is a great price. Do you think construction management is a good field as far as demand, stability, and pay? Your opinion is correct and if you shopped around for a Project Coordinator job you could get it easily enough. As a current CM student graduating in December, I would say the most valuable part of my program has been the career fairs. It’s certainly not a decision to make lightly; a four-year construction management degree can cost anywhere from $28,000 to $116,000. For this, a career in project management is demanding nowadays. CM definitely narrows your options, at least starting out. But since you have good experience and some sort of a degree from somewhere then you should be fine. Lots of them move on to make bank. It also depends on what you want to end up doing. Specifically, jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering, coupled with construction experience, will have the best job prospects. Construction management is a promising career with growing job opportunities. This is addressed to anyone who has had any experience with a GC or a design-build company: does anyone in this industry even cares about things called "construction management degrees"? Stick with commercial. There’s good job security. A good construction manager is constantly on top of costs and makes the necessary adjustments when unexpected complications or issues arise. I have a two year diploma in civil engineering and a carpentry ticket, worked on sites my whole working life (6 years), and in my opinion that theoretically should be enough to walk into an entry level management job, however now I'm honestly confused if one even has to have any field experience to be a manager, since the job mostly entails being a bookkeeper. Do you think construction management is a good field as far as demand, stability, and pay? I grossed $82k my first year out of school just by being willing to move wherever the project was. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Construction or Project Manager – 11% Growth through 2026. High pay is a positive when contemplating a career as a construction manager. CM definitely narrows your options, at least starting out. Construction Management JumpStart: The Best First Step Toward a Career in Construction Management by Barbara J. Jackson. I'm 30 now, and have been working in the construction field since I was 24. If someone is willing to hire you and you can do the job without a degree then win/win. What major would do me best as far as flexibility in the job market? The career paths of construction management vs. civil engineering are also different. As far as the job itself, you will like it if you like construction. Thank you all for your responses! It sounds like you have plenty of experience to at least get a project engineer gig with a GC today. Five Career Paths for Construction Management 1. If you want to be based in the field, I probably wouldn't go for the degree. Careers in Building and Construction are a great place to develop your technical, negotiation and time management skills, work on a variety of exciting projects and even build your own business. Job opportunities for construction managers are expected to be good. Additionally, construction managers earn significant incomes and assume a large leadership role in building projects. I think there's a lot more versatility if you learn the craft of how a 16 story high rise is built, rather than how highway's are paved. A place for professionals to discuss the construction industry. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the Construction community. The median response was 3 hours flat. Small town here- completely worthless id rather have hands on experience than a degree. Construction of water treatment, power, chemical, and similar facilities pays extremely well and offers great opportunities to travel and build cool stuff. If you're impatient and want to advance quickly in your profession, CM may not be for you - you likely won't have any influence at the corporate level until your 40s. Safety management. At a large (national) CM firm in a major metro area, you can expect to make $60-65k at the entry level, $110 - $150k at the project manager level (which you can reach by your late 20s or early 30s, salary will rise with experience), and over $200k if you reach the executive level. Construction managers and professionals are highly employable because any delays in either public or private building projects can cost far more than leaving them unfinished. This bestseller is considered a standard within the industry, providing the ultimate 101 on construction management. By the time you graduate there might not be many jobs. Of course having hands on experience is always a plus.....several routes to get into CM work....engineering and architecture to actual CM degrees....The best CMs I have worked with over the years have been civil engineers, architects, and construction people who went got a degree in CM. Find Training Programs and Jobs Google: For jobs that require training or an apprenticeship, you can often find programs in your area using Google.Search for jobs using the terms "apprentice" or "trainee" and the location where you want to work. This course is designed to give you an advanced knowledge of building projects to allow you to provide advisory, administrative and management services for the construction of large, high-rise and complex buildings. It's more versatile and a lot of jobs call for either a CM or CE degree. Construction management is one of the fastest growing careers in America. As new project manager over about 7 mil worth of projects right now with goals to run my own company I feel it was very relevant to what I do. Even if the degree isn't 100% related. Despite the changes in the job market, careers in construction management are growing more and more competitive, but the manager position remains an essential job in the construction field. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing your replies! Here’s a look at what’s involved in some of the most popular project management career paths – Construction. If you're considering CM vs engineering, personally, I'd go for the engineering degree. Dear Anthony; i am a civil engineer, who graduated a year a go , am pretty confused between MBA and Construction managment . Do you want to give “birth” to the idea or do you want to be the one who manages bringing said idea to life. Conglomerates like AECOM practically do shit all over the world, while companies like Swinerton still pull in bank but operate primarily on the West Coast. A lot of the large general contractors tend to build up a huge backlog so they will always need workers regardless of how bad the economy is. Anybody working in this field is welcome! Is Construction Management a Good Career in 2020? When you are working in a construction management job, you will usually have somewhat of an idea of what is coming, but it can change very quickly. Pretty much everyone I know in the program has had the same experience. If you don't think you need it and don't want it, don't get it and try to get a job. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. In case you haven’t heard, there’s a major shortage of skilled workers in the trades. There are some 4 year CM degrees that are available 100% online as well that you can work full time and do (but the workload would probably be miserable unless you only took 2-3 classes at a time). You can always go back to school after a few years but a CM degree isn't needed if ur gonna start as a PC and you already have a civil engineering diploma. Also, I would try and get experience (I cannot fucking say this enough, GET INTERNSHIPS) with vertical rather than horizontal construction firms (heavy civil). Armed with the above, here is our take on the fastest growing careers in the construction industry. There is a huge demand for certified project management professionals. This article from Huffington Post found that workers spend 3.2 hours on average on work emails per day.The construction project managers we interviewed fell in line with this finding.Of the 17 project managers who responded to the question “How many hours per day do you spend on emails to and from your team?”, the average response was 3.02 hours. Having a tangible body of work is the most frequently cited reason for enjoying construction. Even during an economic recession, qualified construction managers are in demand. Out of curiosity, where are you seeing job listings for apms starting at 90k? Outs of construction management a PC with 5yrs experience overall construction management is a good career choice being. This, a career in construction right now that is being fueled by the oil. 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