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What steps should i take for a Project Manager career in construction?
I am a civil engineer from Russia. I have very good experience in Russia. But I think that I need to start my career from entry-level at construction in the US. I want to see the way that I need to go.
Sincerely yours Michael. #career #construction #job
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6 answers
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Jake’s Answer
You have the proper starting point. Getting in at an entry level position to learn the ropes is a good start. While you have experience, there may be a few nuances that you are not accustomed to. It is good to learn those now.
As you get acclimated in your new role, slowly ask for more responsibility or to try different areas within the project.
You will be surprised how far you get by simply asking to help in different areas.
As you learn the different parts of the job sites, you are building skills necessary to see what is needed in an entire project.
Here is the scary part. You may need to work in a few different companies to gain the proper perspective. What I mean is that every company will do things different ways and it is important to learn the good and the bad from each. It will make you that much more rounded.
While doing all of this, it is good to get a project management certificate through various colleges. There are many available at different levels. These can assist you in gaining the knowledge you need.
Then, you need the experience. This is where you will have to work your way into the project management team at some capacity. This could be a helping hand or even shadowing them for a few months.
As you get acclimated in your new role, slowly ask for more responsibility or to try different areas within the project.
You will be surprised how far you get by simply asking to help in different areas.
As you learn the different parts of the job sites, you are building skills necessary to see what is needed in an entire project.
Here is the scary part. You may need to work in a few different companies to gain the proper perspective. What I mean is that every company will do things different ways and it is important to learn the good and the bad from each. It will make you that much more rounded.
While doing all of this, it is good to get a project management certificate through various colleges. There are many available at different levels. These can assist you in gaining the knowledge you need.
Then, you need the experience. This is where you will have to work your way into the project management team at some capacity. This could be a helping hand or even shadowing them for a few months.
Mr. Jake
Thank you very much for your answer. It was very helpful to me.
Sincerely yours Mikhail S.
Mikhail
Updated
Dee’s Answer
It's great that you have a background in Civil Engineering. You can apply that to possibly becoming a Project Engineer. Then working your way up to a Project Manager. If you are located in New York, to get a job as a Project Manager, the company will expect you to have experience as a PM and they will ask you for a Project List as to what jobs were you on that you held the position of Project Manager. You can start entry level as a Project Administrator, then move up to an Assistant Project Manager then finally to a Project Manager.
My advice as I have been in the NYC Construction industry for over 20 years, while you are working at a construction company, try to get your P.E. License in the US and work yourself up the ranks. A project manager with their P.E. license is a great thing. Whichever way you go make sure you expose yourself to all aspects of construction, don't just sit in a cubicle and push paper. You need to see how things are built. Remember, you don't just control the paperwork flow as PM, you also control the financial aspect too.
My advice as I have been in the NYC Construction industry for over 20 years, while you are working at a construction company, try to get your P.E. License in the US and work yourself up the ranks. A project manager with their P.E. license is a great thing. Whichever way you go make sure you expose yourself to all aspects of construction, don't just sit in a cubicle and push paper. You need to see how things are built. Remember, you don't just control the paperwork flow as PM, you also control the financial aspect too.
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Try to get hands on experience, co-op etc. this is key. Most of the schooling is valuable but not everything you learn from a book. Hands on experience is invaluable. Find a mentor in the industry to guide you.
Updated
Glen’s Answer
Everyone will first tell you to get a "hands on" position to start with to learn the business. Unfortunately that is a good answer for any position you want to ultimately work in construction. However, to be a project manager you need to think of a college oriented degree. At least a 2 year associates degree in construction manager, etc. or preferably a BA or BS. and preferably a Masters degree.
Many will tell you that a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is very important, but many have just found this level of education only makes the Project Management Institute wealthier as a for profit entity. They call themselves a non-for-profit institution but their examinations are so difficult that you have to be very luck to pass without paying 1,000's dollars in additional tutoring and schooling to prepare for the examination. Then to pass the exam you may have to take it 3 times at more than $500 each time. Then it is only a valid certification without 60 hours of additional studies and cost within a 3 year period of time.
Well, the bottom line to be a project manager you must be educated beyond the level of a craftsperson doing the physical work and have a skill set that will take you well into management positions.
Many will tell you that a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is very important, but many have just found this level of education only makes the Project Management Institute wealthier as a for profit entity. They call themselves a non-for-profit institution but their examinations are so difficult that you have to be very luck to pass without paying 1,000's dollars in additional tutoring and schooling to prepare for the examination. Then to pass the exam you may have to take it 3 times at more than $500 each time. Then it is only a valid certification without 60 hours of additional studies and cost within a 3 year period of time.
Well, the bottom line to be a project manager you must be educated beyond the level of a craftsperson doing the physical work and have a skill set that will take you well into management positions.
Updated
Surbhi’s Answer
It's always good to have a hands on experience while moving onto the Manager roles. It will be good to have some certifications to back you up as a starter. Post that start applying for Project Manager role in maybe even smaller companies to get any kind of experience in same. Its ok to start at Analyst level and move on from there.
Updated
Rohit’s Answer
Start a job in which you will get a hands-on experience. Start preparing for some certifications. Apply for Jobs related to Project Management. Don't see if the company is big or small. Just start. Continue education and learning.