What Does a Construction Management Career Entail?
Though construction projects are a team effort, construction managers lead projects from start to finish, overseeing budgeting, blueprints, staffing, business management, and working under time constraints. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 9% increase in construction manager employment from 2023 to 2033.
Job prospects in construction management depend on your training. A Bachelor of Science in Construction Management equips students with skills in commercial and residential construction, engineering, critical thinking, and the construction process. Graduates often find full-time work in the industry, and additional certifications or a master’s in construction management can further enhance career opportunities, even for those with limited experience.
What Do These Managers Do?
Construction managers oversee projects like residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads, infrastructure, schools, and bridges. Their main responsibility is to supervise contractors, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. While they typically work behind the scenes, having a strong understanding of all aspects of construction is essential.
Aspiring managers can work their way into the role but we’d advise earning a traditional degree if you’re on the younger side, as the business has shifted. Those with several years of experience in the field may be able to qualify for higher paying roles by sitting for certification exams, which also require either work experience or a degree.
These days construction managers have a more strategic role than ever. With advances in technology, global bidding processes, and hairpin margins a construction worker can do well with a background in business or a bachelor’s degree in construction management.
Typical Technical School Educational Requirements
It’s important to understand that there are a few different ways you can become a construction manager. You might do it by working your way up in a role or earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction management. If you plan on attending a trade school, however, you’ll need a GED or high school diploma to get in.
Trade school options for aspiring construction professionals cover several specialties. For example, you can learn how to become a carpenter, a roofer, operate heavy equipment, or become a mason/bricklayer. Construction management, specifically, is less concerned with fine-tuning your carpentry skills and covers the business side of the job.
Many junior or community colleges offer trade programs, too—which provides a happy medium between traditional college and trade school. There, you can choose to earn an online associate or a certification in construction management, while potentially diving deeper into the hands-on aspects of the vocation.
Typical Certifications Needed
While certifications aren’t required for construction managers, obtaining credentials like Certified Professional Constructor or Certified Construction Manager can boost credibility with clients and employers. These designations demonstrate knowledge of safety, management, regulations, and skills that go beyond basic tasks on the job site.
Some states require contractors to have certifications for tasks like hazardous material removal, while others may seek LEED certification for green building expertise. Most credentials are awarded through professional organizations, offering a range of designations. If you're interested in certifications, it's a good idea to explore associations relevant to your area within the construction field.
Academic Standards for a Degree/Certificate
Construction management programs at the vocational or associate level typically admit any student with a GED or high school diploma. Those seeking a bachelor’s degree may need to submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation.
Exam or Experience Needed
To earn certifications like OSHA or Certified Construction Manager (CCM), you'll need field experience or a bachelor’s degree, study for an exam, and pay the associated fees. CCMs must meet work experience requirements and pass an exam. An Associate Construction Certification requires either a bachelor’s degree or specific work experience.
Most certifications ask for college degrees or a certain amount of time in the field. One reason for this is, millennials and Gen Z construction managers/students are expected to earn a degree in a competitive field—traditional college presents a combination of management and business classes, as well as coursework centered around the technology used in the space.
Older workers, or those who go straight into construction after high school, often don’t have a degree in construction management, but these certifications allow experienced workers to advance and demonstrate their skill set.
Potential Occupations for Graduates
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Construction Project Manager
A construction project manager oversees building projects. However, much of their work is administrative. Typical duties include things like estimating, quality controls, scheduling, and creating employee schedules and deadlines. Project managers are usually given a budget and will use those funds to find the best materials for a project, as well as hiring subcontractors, and more. The ideal candidate knows the ins and outs of construction, particularly where pricing, procurement, and vendors are concerned. But, they’re also great with people; tasked with communicating with clients, vendors, and employees.What’s more, exploring this career path means you won’t be locked into this role until retirement. Instead, project managers can translate their skills into other industries, managing projects in a corporate setting, as well.
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Construction Superintendent
A construction superintendent supervises all aspects of a building project. Typical tasks include planning, scheduling, and coordinating construction projects, keeping projects moving on a reasonable time frame, and supervising construction workers on the job.This role is similar to that of a project manager, as the superintendent deals with budgets, management, and scheduling. The primary difference, however, is, construction superintendents supervise field work, while project managers typically stay in the office.
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Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee buildings, roads, and other structural construction projects. Their role is to select the contractors needed to complete the project, manage the supplies, budget, and materials associated with a project, and supervise direct personnel on the job site. Construction managers are also responsible for enforcing safety measures on site, as well as communicating with clients and employees. -
Construction Foreman
A foreman supervises a construction crew on the job. They may make the schedule for their staff, and often have the responsibility of making proposals and seeking out new opportunities. While most supervisors work on a full-time basis, there may be breaks in the schedule between projects.In this role, the foreperson works to hire, fire, and manage staff, and reports to key stakeholders and management about project processes and employee performance.
Additionally, the foreperson works directly with architects, designers, and other involved professionals. They’ll interpret blueprints and relay the plan of attack to their team. Additionally, they will manage supplies, equipment, and materials and plan around a budget.
Important Questions to Ask
How long does it take to earn a degree or certificate?
It depends on the type of school. Trade school for carpentry usually takes about one year, while online programs like an associate degree take around two years. A bachelor’s degree in construction management typically requires a four-year commitment.
A trade school program focuses on hands-on work rather than construction management. It prepares you for careers in carpentry, roofing, etc., but you’ll need work experience and possibly certification to advance. While trade school gets you into a job quicker, consider the time required for an associate or bachelor’s degree, versus the certifications and experience needed to progress.
How much does this degree cost?
This also depends. A certificate in this field can cost up to around $9,000. Compared to an in-state two year or four-year college, the costs are relatively low. However, it’s hard to measure the value of a credible, construction management education, as there are so many different ways to land in this role. Community college may be the most affordable option, but there are a specific set of requirements and some students may feel that they don’t have time to take the general education courses and learn the ins and outs of construction.
How many students graduate “on time,” in 12 months or 24 months?
Many trade schools are for-profit institutions, so it’s important to choose wisely. For-profit schools often have lower graduation rates compared to accredited colleges. Check retention rates through resources like the National Center for Education Statistics to find credible programs that can truly help advance your career.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Overall, accreditation in the construction field is less about finding the most reputable four-year program and more about learning the tricks of the trade. As a construction manager, the experience is the first step toward becoming a manager. If you plan to attend a trade program, look for a program that your local professional organizations have deemed credible. Often, vocational schools are more expensive than traditional schools, so you’ll need to do some extra research to ensure that you’re getting the best education for your money.
Professional CM Organizations
ACCE
American Council for Construction Education
ACCE is a global advocate of quality construction education and aims to promote, support, and accredit construction education programs. The organization provides many resources to construction education programs and individuals alike. The site features job opportunities, scholarships, forums, and discussions.
AIC
American Institute of Constructors
The AIC has been around since the 1970s and is dedicated to the professional development of construction managers. The organization offers a certification, designed to help qualified construction professionals move up in their career. They also provide networking and job opportunities, and access to industry events and publications.
ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors
ABC is a national industry trade association that focuses on career development across the construction profession. ABC offers safety training, events, and career development.