A construction project manager position can be a highly rewarding and challenging career path. If you already work in the construction industry, you may be thinking about taking on project management, so it’s important to know what skills you need and what steps you should take to get there.
Fortunately, if you’re wondering how to start a career in construction management, Austin Nichols Technical Search is here to help!
What Does a Construction Project Manager Do?
A construction project manager is responsible for overseeing the entire construction process from start to finish. They may work on construction projects in multiple industries, such as residential, commercial, industrial, civil, agricultural, and even environmental.
Construction project managers coordinate with different teams and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Because projects in construction can have many moving parts, project managers must be able to delegate tasks to workers and understand multiple fields, including finance, business, contract law, and many others.
They also must uphold quality and safety standards so that completed projects are up to par and injuries don’t occur in the work environment. In addition, if any issues arise, such as worsening weather conditions or worker disputes, the project manager should be able to step in to moderate and work out these problems.
What Education and Skills Do Construction Project Managers Need?
Because construction project managers can have many roles in their industry, they must be able to exhibit a range of different skills and experience levels. These may include:
- Communication: Construction project managers must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in a construction project, including clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and workers. You may also need to negotiate and resolve problems that may arise during project completion.
- Organization and Attention to Detail: Managing construction projects requires high attention to detail. You’ll need to be able to keep track of multiple deadlines, tasks, and people, as well as develop, monitor, and coordinate all construction plans. Being organized and efficient will help you stay on top of everything and get the job done right.
- Understanding and Passionate About Construction: Without a clear understanding of construction technology, it can be challenging to identify appropriate construction methods and materials for each project. Having extended knowledge will help you oversee all construction methods, and being passionate about the job will help you stay motivated and committed to working, even through challenging situations.
- Patience and Flexibility: Construction project managers must be able to stay calm under high-pressure situations. Since things may not always go as planned, you must be able to think on your feet and have a strong work ethic. It helps to be both patient and flexible in dealing with any sudden changes or setbacks that may occur.
- Leadership: Finally, construction project managers need strong leadership skills. You must be able to motivate and inspire different workers on a construction site to work together towards the common goal of completing the project on time and to a high-quality standard.
6 Tips for Becoming a Construction Project Manager
Construction project management is a demanding field, requiring both practical and theoretical knowledge. If you’re interested in becoming a construction project manager, here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Get a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree
To get started in the construction project manager career path, it’s best to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field. It is possible to work your way up in the construction field without a degree; however, if you’re hoping to move into management positions at larger companies someday, your best bet is to do so with a degree.
Formal education can give you the tools and knowledge you need to be a successful construction project manager. You will learn about construction materials and projects, as well as managing workers, maintaining building codes, and other necessary skills.
Although a master’s degree is not required, it can be a helpful credential if you want to move into bigger, high-paying projects. A master’s degree will help deepen your knowledge and understanding of construction management techniques.
When looking for education programs, it’s best to find one accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) to ensure you are learning the latest expertise and standards of the industry.
2. Start with an Entry-Level Construction Job
Some employers may also require you to have previous experience working in the construction industry. There’s no substitute for on-the-job experience when it comes to managing construction projects; therefore, starting with an entry-level construction job can be very beneficial before moving into a construction project manager position.
If possible, try to get a variety of experience working in different aspects of the construction industry, from carpentry to project management. This will give you a well-rounded understanding of the construction process and help you be a more effective manager in the future.
3. Get Certifications
Although it isn’t necessary to become a construction manager with multiple certifications, it can help boost your resume. There are many existing certifications you may consider, but one of the most common, catch-all certifications is the Construction Management Association of America’s Certified Construction Manager Program.
You can also become certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP). The PMP certification is internationally recognized and will demonstrate your commitment to the profession. To become certified, you’ll need to meet certain education and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam.
No matter what certifications you decide to pursue, each one added to your resume can assure a potential employer that you have the well-rounded skills and experience to succeed in a construction project manager position.
4. Work as an Apprentice for a CM
Seeking out a construction apprenticeship with another construction manager (CM) is another great way to gain experience and boost your resume. Apprenticeships offer both classroom coursework and extensive on-the-job training, with topics including construction safety, material handling, and applied mathematics. Depending on the apprenticeship, you may receive months or even years of reliable knowledge and experience.
5. Specialize in a Niche
You don’t necessarily have to work as a general construction project manager. Instead, you can choose from many different niches, especially if there’s a certain specialty that interests you. Construction projects can be done in various industries, so there are plenty of options to choose from. You may even get involved with other construction-related careers, such as civil engineering, designing, contract managing, senior claims analyzing, and more.
If you choose a career field you are passionate about, you are more likely to enjoy the day-to-day of the job and succeed in the position.
6. Stay Up to Date on Industry News
As a construction project manager, it’s important to be aware of the latest industry news and trends. This will help you make informed decisions about projects and stay ahead of the competition. You can do this by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals.
If you’re thinking about becoming a construction project manager, Austin Nichols Technical Search can help place you in a position you are passionate about. We also place candidates in other industries, including engineering and manufacturing. Contact us at 816-471-5575 to get started!
