Looking for a new job, a career change or trying to figure out what to study after school? If you’re considering a career in construction management, then there’s a lot of research you’ll need to do first.

Having a clear understanding of the roles and requirements of various careers is crucial before you commit yourself to any major decisions. You need to be sure about what your day-to-day tasks will look like, whether the salary matches your needs and what the requirements are to enter the industry.

This article will discuss all these factors in relation to a career in construction management to help you make a decision.

What is a Construction Manager?

First, you need to understand exactly who a construction manager is. Construction management refers to the professional and effective management of a project’s schedule, budget, quality, and safety, amongst other factors.

The role entails a lot of planning, organising, goal setting and working with people to ensure that all your aims are met. A good construction manager typically has good communication and leadership skills but also needs to be business savvy and analytical too. Various roles within the industry will have different responsibilities and requirements, but these are general suggestions.

What Are the Requirements?

Becoming a construction manager requires formal education and you’ll need to work your way up into the role through experience over time.

Some schools offer a specific Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in construction management. However, if your school doesn’t offer a course like this, then a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) in civil engineering is also a good option to make it into construction.

In an industry like construction, qualifications are only one factor. Experience will play a major role in securing a job and you’ll typically need to enter the industry as an assistant.

What Are the Benefits?

There are plenty of reasons why people choose to go into construction management, aside from being passionate about the industry and work. These roles typically offer great job security and room for growth, which allows for an ever-increasing income and peace of mind about your finances.

There are other benefits too, such as having a diverse and interesting work week as well as flexibility. Once you have gained experience, you’ll also have the option to start your own construction company and progress in the industry in that way.

Are There Drawbacks?

However, as with any career path, construction management comes with its share of disadvantages. Many of these issues are aligned with the fact that the work is intense and often stressful.

Construction managers take on serious projects and need to be in control of countless factors relating to each project they’re working on. The work can take months or even years and is both physically and mentally demanding on anyone. Plus, entering the industry can take some time and you’ll need to go through lengthy training. However, if you have a passion and the skill, it’s worth these disadvantages!