Combining a formal education and work experience as well as keeping up with changes in the industry will lead to a successful career in Construction Management.
Formal Education
A post secondary degree is not mandatory to hold all Construction Manager titles, but it is becoming increasingly necessary with the advancements in technology and current job demands. A Construction Management career is for people who can handle multiple projects at once while successfully managing the stressful situations of the job site. Having the proper education will allow the CM to do just that. Employees with years of experience in the field can work their way up to the CM positions, but a formal education with an emphasis on business and construction-related topics would increase the success rate in this complex business.
Students who enroll for classes leading to a degree in CM will take courses that will teach them how to effectively handle all stages of the project process. The curriculum will focus on site planning, scheduling, construction materials, structural design and contract administration. The student will also learn about real estate, building codes, industry standards, inspection procedures, business law and work place safety.
All the courses will not have a strict construction focus; the curriculum will also include many courses that will give students a general business background. They will study accounting, finance, statistics and information technology. The students will also learn about cost and value analysis.
Over 100 colleges and universities in the United States offer a bachelor’s degree program with an emphasis in construction and building sciences and engineering. Two-year colleges offer associate degrees in the field, and online courses are becoming more and more attractive to those already working in construction.
Construction Managers can have educational backgrounds in other related degrees such as Civil Engineering and Architecture. However, these individuals often have substantial experience on the job sites of many different construction projects.
Professionals who want to work for large corporations on more complex projects often seek a master’s degree in CM to further their careers. A bachelor’s degree in CM is not necessary to pursue a master’s in CM. Often, professionals with a bachelor’s in business or other related field get a master’s in CM to break into the industry. Also, those with a bachelor’s degree in CM may seek a master’s degree in Business Administration or Finance to specialize in a certain area.
Accreditation
When selecting a college or university to pursue a degree in CM, a student may want to consider whether the American Council of Construction Education (ACCE) accredits the school. “The ACCE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the accrediting agency for Baccalaureate and Associate Degree programs in construction, construction science, construction management and construction technology located in North America and Australia.” Schools that request an evaluation and meet the high standards set by the ACCE will receive accreditation. The purpose of the ACCE is to provide specific standards and promote continuous improvement in education programs. The ACCE only accredits about 50 percent of all four-year Construction Management programs.
Experience
Along with a degree, experience is a necessary component when entering the occupation. Students will often find internships to gain practical construction experience before graduation to get a head start in the field.
Certification
Often, construction managers further their education and knowledge long after earning their degrees. Self-certification with the American Institute of Constructors or the Construction Management Association of America expresses dedication to the field. Both require written examinations that are given to those who can verify their formal education and work experience. The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) offers online webinars that cover technical and business management topics. It also holds national events including Owners Forums, conferences and trade shows to explain changes in codes, technology and industry standards. It encourages professionals to network with other dedicated construction managers.
Students of construction management can enroll with the CMAA to network through student chapters and enroll in the Construction Manager in Training (CMIT) program. The CMIT works with a mentor to learn the Construction Managers Standards of Practice to eventually complete all four levels of the CM Practitioner Assessment Tool before applying for the CMM.
Some skills needed to be a successful construction manager are not taught in a college or university. Construction managers need to be able to prioritize tasks while juggling multiple projects and solving unanticipated problems. Superior written and oral communication skills are a must to conduct daily interaction with the project crew along with city planners, civil engineers and designers.
Contributor: Tamara Koczara
Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos005.htm#training
http://spdc.msu.edu/ConstructionManagement.aspx