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Is being a construction manager a good career path.

I enjoy hands on work and enjoy designing and building stuff. I'm only in highschool and have been looking at some career options and a construction manager looked like something I might be into. I wanna know what I might need or be looking forward to if I was to go into this job.

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Eric’s Answer

Addison, a career in construction management can be rewarding. There are three main segments of the construction sector: design, construction management and construction labor. The design side includes architects, engineers, drafters and other designers. The construction management side relates to the role of a general contractor that manages the project's labor, schedule, budget and other related aspects. Some general contractors self-perform some of the labor, such as the concrete; but, usually the labor is sub-contracted to labor specialists in a specific field, such as masonry, steel erection, HVAC, plumbing or electrical. All three fields - design, management and labor - are rewarding in their own ways and your passions and talents will often determine which path to choose. Ultimately, all three work together - hopefully seamlessly and harmonically - to produce edifices that will be enjoyed by their occupants. If you aren't sure which path to choose you might consider learning a trade or learning how to draft and then work for either a construction firm or a design firm and see if you enjoy that or would rather transition into construction management, architecture or engineering, which require more education. I hope this helps.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Addison
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Kacey’s Answer

Hi Addison, there is a college degree for construction management so if that is the path you would like to take, that is the best place to start. Just to give you another possible idea, you might like the type of job I have. I am what's called an 'outside plant engineer' in the fiber optic industry which basically means I oversee the design and construction of cables/pipes in the ground (or on poles). Its a mix of civil engineering and construction management. I spend about 50% of my time in the office reviewing or creating designs and 50% of my time in the field looking at routes and working with construction crews. I always say I love my job because I can dream up a build and see it come to life. Just a thought!

Kacey
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V. Sean’s Answer

Addison,
Good Question!, Excellent demonstration of initiative and planning, both characteristics of a successful construction manager. Please allow me to share the link to the US Department of Labor's Occupational Handbook, specifically focused on Construction Manager. The US Depart of Labor's professionals research specific career roles, talking with the people in those careers, checking educational and/or training needed, validates salary, future needs of those professions. The Information is up to date, and provide contact information for the job's professional association.
www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm

With the passage of the recent law, the funding opportunities for grant money for you to attend the school for training you would need, have significantly increased!

You are off to a good start and I wish you much happiness and success in the career you chose!
Sincerely, Indeed.

V. Sean recommends the following next steps:

You may wonder why, as a Nurse I responded to your question, members of my family are Construction Professionals. :)
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Addison
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