Construction Management Career Information

A construction manager is known by various other profile names - constructor, construction superintendent, general superintendent, production manager, project manager, general construction manager, executive construction manager, general contractor, contractor and subcontractor are some of them. The job profile of a construction manager may require him to be available 24x7, to deal with the 'n' number of factors that can create problems at a construction site. A construction manager may be self-employed, or working on a payroll for some construction company.

Qualification: A solid background in building sciences, combined with some relative experience in the field, is the ideal qualification needed for this job profile. Relevant knowledge of business administration would work further to your advantage. A degree in construction engineering or civil engineering, is the utmost necessity for entering into this field. There are a number of good institutes that carry out courses in construction engineering. This branch is also known by other names, like construction science and construction technology. The course duration is generally four years. Candidates with a master's degree in construction management, get hired very easily by the large construction companies. Many candidates, who are hired as construction managers, are thoroughly assessed on their understanding of construction plans, construction drawings, cost estimation and management skills. Generally, people rise to the post of construction managers after gaining sufficient experience in crafts work, construction supervision, etc. An additional certification from organizations like American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), though not compulsory, would definitely act as a positive factor in the candidate's resume.

Career Opportunities: The construction industry is one of the fastest growing sectors all over the world. It has been studied and it is estimated by various labor science bureaus, that the non-residential construction industry will have an even more rapid growth, by the end of this decade. As the construction industry keeps rising, the need for construction managers will also keep on increasing.

Job Profile: A major part of a construction manager's job, is carried out outside his office, at the construction site. He has to be available at the site, almost throughout the working day and analyze and troubleshoot, any problem that may arise. Small projects, like renovating a residence, are carried out by a self-employed construction manager, who directly deals with the workers and executes the entire project. In larger projects, like the construction of bridges or large commercial centers, the work is divided amongst a number of construction managers. A construction manager is responsible for a wide variety of jobs, related to the different sorts of constructions that may vary from commercial and residential buildings, to bridges and roads. The entire construction work is planned by him. The construction manager divides the work into small parts and estimates the time and cost needed to execute each part. His planning has to be precise and he needs to take into account the various calamities or unavoidable circumstances, that may arise during the execution of each of his plans. Multitasking specialties and working under pressure are very important attributes, that a construction manager needs to possess.

Financial Benefits: The earnings of a construction engineer generally depend on the type of construction project he is handling. The geographic location of the construction site is also taken into account, when deciding the salary. Construction managers generally have to work far away from their office and in many cases, they are sent to work outside their country. In such cases, their career is generally very lucrative. Construction managers are also entitled to different types of bonuses and allowances.

It is a general view, that the construction industry has also been hit by recession, just like any other industry, but the career prospects in this industry are not going to dim. Rising market conditions are always accompanied by a number of constructions. As the economy starts growing more and more, construction managers will be required to keep the infrastructural growth, in pace with the recovering economy.