3 answers
Andrew
Student
Modesto, California
1
Question
Asked
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How long does it take to become a construction manager?
What are some benefits of being a construction manager? Why is being a construction manager such an important role?
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3 answers
Tiffany Stephenson-Super
Senior Recruiter
25
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Hello, Andrew! Another student asked a similar question about being a Construction Manager. Below, is my amended answer for you.
Typically, being a CM takes many years of experience and/or a college degree. If you have a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management and have worked a couple of summers on a construction site, you have a good chance of being hired right away by a larger construction firm and stepping more quickly into the role of CM.
If your highest level of education is an Associate's degree or High School Diploma, you will have to work longer to get to a CM role and it would be useful to get certified as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM certificate).
If you work for a smaller, privately owned company, you are more likely to get an entry level job as a CM by working your way up in the organization, but the pay is generally less. The larger national and international General Construction firms typically hire their starting CM's right out of college from a contruction management program and provide a training schedule for them and pay them more to start.
Now, if you started with a small, private firm and have done a number of successful projects (projects are determined to successful if they are 1) completed on time or early, 2) on or under budget, 3) there were no accidents causing injuries to workers, 4) the subcontractors and employes working under you feel that you are a good leader and 5) the client you are building for was happy with how you communicated with them and the end result/structure itself.), you can definitely make the jump to a larger firm after 2 more years with a smaller firm.
Good luck to you in your career exploration!
Typically, being a CM takes many years of experience and/or a college degree. If you have a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management and have worked a couple of summers on a construction site, you have a good chance of being hired right away by a larger construction firm and stepping more quickly into the role of CM.
If your highest level of education is an Associate's degree or High School Diploma, you will have to work longer to get to a CM role and it would be useful to get certified as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM certificate).
If you work for a smaller, privately owned company, you are more likely to get an entry level job as a CM by working your way up in the organization, but the pay is generally less. The larger national and international General Construction firms typically hire their starting CM's right out of college from a contruction management program and provide a training schedule for them and pay them more to start.
Now, if you started with a small, private firm and have done a number of successful projects (projects are determined to successful if they are 1) completed on time or early, 2) on or under budget, 3) there were no accidents causing injuries to workers, 4) the subcontractors and employes working under you feel that you are a good leader and 5) the client you are building for was happy with how you communicated with them and the end result/structure itself.), you can definitely make the jump to a larger firm after 2 more years with a smaller firm.
Good luck to you in your career exploration!
Martin Graham
Construction Engineer
3
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Hi Andrew!
Some benefits of being a Construction Manager include time in the field, overseeing projects. You get to see a variety of different jobsites and interact with many different people.
Being an effective Construction Manager has many impacts. By planning ahead, projects can come in under budget and ahead of time. Leading and motivating the people working on projects can lead to more efficient production.
I'd advise spending some time getting your hands dirty. Learn from the ground up. The best Construction Managers I know started by doing and building.
Some benefits of being a Construction Manager include time in the field, overseeing projects. You get to see a variety of different jobsites and interact with many different people.
Being an effective Construction Manager has many impacts. By planning ahead, projects can come in under budget and ahead of time. Leading and motivating the people working on projects can lead to more efficient production.
I'd advise spending some time getting your hands dirty. Learn from the ground up. The best Construction Managers I know started by doing and building.
Luke Garrett
M&A Consulting
46
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Luke’s Answer
The benefits of being a construction manager would be having ownership over a project. If you aren't a person interested in the grind of designing the construction plans from an engineering perspective, then maybe the construction profession is more for you. Construction managers are paid well but tend to work a lot of hours per week.
A construction manager is important because this is the person that drives the daily progress of a project.
A construction manager is important because this is the person that drives the daily progress of a project.