Career Information

Construction managers plan, direct and manage projects in both residential and commercial construction, from home building and remodeling to constructing office buildings, roads, bridges, airports, dams and more.

Skills of a successful construction manager include:

• Strong science, math and computer skills
• Creativity and the ability to problem-solve
  
• Flexibility to work both indoors and outdoors
• Dedicated initiative and a strong work ethic
• The ability to work with a number of diverse people in many skill areas
  
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written

Students earning an associate degree in Construction Management may find work as:

• estimators
• project managers
• field engineers
• project planners and schedulers
• project finance managers
• insurance representatives
• engineered materials representatives

Whatever the project, construction managers keep the process on track and within budget. Working closely with architects, engineers, owners and contractors, the construction manager’s duties are varied, challenging and rewarding, both emotionally and financially. Other career options include estimating, field engineering, project scheduling and other management positions, both at the general contractor level and for specialty contractors such as mechanical, plumbing and electrical contractors.