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What educational background is required to become a construction manager?
I am currently a student a Job Corp and I am interested in the construction field.
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Kara’s Answer
Hey Litzy! Walt brought up a great point about differences in educational backgrounds in the construction industry based on different types of construction projects.
When I began my career in residential construction, a high school diploma was all that my first employer required. However, as I became more interested in moving into commercial construction, I noticed that many companies preferred employees with at least an associate's degree.
As I moved up in my career, getting a Bachelor's degree turned out to be essential for senior-level positions, like leading entire projects. Company requirements can vary, and sometimes, project owners have specific expectations such as a bachelor's degree, certain years of experience, or specific certifications like PMP or CCM (Certified Construction Manager).
For some industrial projects (like building power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing facilities) having an engineering background or becoming a licensed engineer might be necessary.
The good news is, in many cases, you can start in an entry-level construction management position while you're still studying! This way, you can see how your lessons apply to real-life projects. Plus, many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs, which can help you cover the cost of your education.
Best of luck with your construction journey!
When I began my career in residential construction, a high school diploma was all that my first employer required. However, as I became more interested in moving into commercial construction, I noticed that many companies preferred employees with at least an associate's degree.
As I moved up in my career, getting a Bachelor's degree turned out to be essential for senior-level positions, like leading entire projects. Company requirements can vary, and sometimes, project owners have specific expectations such as a bachelor's degree, certain years of experience, or specific certifications like PMP or CCM (Certified Construction Manager).
For some industrial projects (like building power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing facilities) having an engineering background or becoming a licensed engineer might be necessary.
The good news is, in many cases, you can start in an entry-level construction management position while you're still studying! This way, you can see how your lessons apply to real-life projects. Plus, many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs, which can help you cover the cost of your education.
Best of luck with your construction journey!
Walt Wright
Senior Telecommunications Outside Plant & Transport Engineer / Spec. Eng/Ops
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Walt’s Answer
Hi Litzy! First it's fantastic you're interested in Construction! The industry is in dire need! I personally would determine what type of construction you're interested in. There's sooooo many!...Such as building houses, large buildings, putting utilities (fiber optics, electric lines, water lines in the ground, etc etc etc...
I would strongly suggest to get out into the field and get your hands dirty with a construction company that interests you for 2 or 3 years....This will help you when you become a PM to really understand what it takes to complete a job from the people who actually do the construction work.
While you're in the field, I would also suggest to study for a Business Management Degree at a College as well as studying for a PMP (Project Management Professional) Certificate.
Having those 3 items in your back pocket would certainly help get you off to a great start to becoming a Construction Manager! Large Construction Projects do not get done without a PM! They are a must have!
Hope this helps Litzy! Get out there & crush it! It's a fantastic industry! & pays really well too!!
All the best..
I would strongly suggest to get out into the field and get your hands dirty with a construction company that interests you for 2 or 3 years....This will help you when you become a PM to really understand what it takes to complete a job from the people who actually do the construction work.
While you're in the field, I would also suggest to study for a Business Management Degree at a College as well as studying for a PMP (Project Management Professional) Certificate.
Having those 3 items in your back pocket would certainly help get you off to a great start to becoming a Construction Manager! Large Construction Projects do not get done without a PM! They are a must have!
Hope this helps Litzy! Get out there & crush it! It's a fantastic industry! & pays really well too!!
All the best..
Thank you for the advice, Walt. I will look deeper into which field of construction I would want to focus on. Very informative and I appreciate you for taking time out of your day to respond to my question! :)
Litzy
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Litzy!
If you're dreaming of becoming a construction manager, you're on the right path! Usually, you'll need a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or something similar. But don't worry if you don't have that - some employers are open to candidates who have a mix of work experience and education in a related field.
What's really important in this line of work is your experience in construction, and your leadership and communication skills. Many construction managers kick-start their careers as entry-level workers in construction, then climb up the ladder to management positions, thanks to their years of experience and on-the-job training.
Bachelor's programs in construction management usually cover a wide range of topics, like construction methods and materials, project scheduling and budgeting, building codes and regulations, contract administration, and safety standards. Some even offer internships or cooperative education experiences to give students a real taste of the field.
Want to stand out from the crowd? Consider getting certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or the Associate Constructor (AC) from professional organizations like the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) or the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). These certifications show your dedication to your career and can boost your job prospects in the construction management industry.
In a nutshell, a mix of formal education in construction management or a related field, relevant work experience, and professional certifications can pave the way for a successful career as a construction manager.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications you might find useful:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov
Construction Management Association of America - www.cmaanet.org
American Institute of Constructors - www.aicnet.org
And remember, it's always okay to ask the Lord God for help in your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
If you're dreaming of becoming a construction manager, you're on the right path! Usually, you'll need a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or something similar. But don't worry if you don't have that - some employers are open to candidates who have a mix of work experience and education in a related field.
What's really important in this line of work is your experience in construction, and your leadership and communication skills. Many construction managers kick-start their careers as entry-level workers in construction, then climb up the ladder to management positions, thanks to their years of experience and on-the-job training.
Bachelor's programs in construction management usually cover a wide range of topics, like construction methods and materials, project scheduling and budgeting, building codes and regulations, contract administration, and safety standards. Some even offer internships or cooperative education experiences to give students a real taste of the field.
Want to stand out from the crowd? Consider getting certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or the Associate Constructor (AC) from professional organizations like the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) or the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). These certifications show your dedication to your career and can boost your job prospects in the construction management industry.
In a nutshell, a mix of formal education in construction management or a related field, relevant work experience, and professional certifications can pave the way for a successful career as a construction manager.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications you might find useful:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov
Construction Management Association of America - www.cmaanet.org
American Institute of Constructors - www.aicnet.org
And remember, it's always okay to ask the Lord God for help in your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
Wow, thank you so much for your feedback and taking your time to be informative. I greatly appreciate you.
Litzy