- The number one misconception about people who work in the construction field is that they are under-educated. These days, commercial construction is a highly professional, high-dollar field. The majority of project managers have 5 year engineering degrees from top technical schools.
- Project management comes with many responsibilities. It includes ensuring the building is constructed according to the architect's design, answering questions and solving problems for subcontractors, and coordinating all the various players involved in the construction of a building. Beyond this, the role includes making sure all contractors are paid, estimates are correct and reflect fair market value, and any changes made to the project are priced properly.
- The benefits of working in the construction management field are enormous. It is very rewarding to watch a project be built in front of your eyes, under your direction. The building will stand for many years as a testament to your hard work. This is a great opportunity for people who are tired of just pushing paper, and would rather see results from their work. In addition, the finanical benefits are nothing to sneeze at. Managers just out of college can expect starting salaries in the $40 to 50 thousand dollar range. With 5 to 10 years experience, salaries over $100,000, plus car allowances and generous expense accounts are not uncommon.
- Most larger construction projects operate around the clock, six to seven days a week. While managing these projects, you will be required to devote much more than the standard 40 hours a week. You will find yourself working nights and weekends, and will be awoken many mornings by urgent phone calls that just can't wait. Once the project is complete, you will experience light work loads until the next project starts, so be sure you can handle the ebb and flow of responsibility.
- When determining whether you would like to work in construction, there are several important questions to ask yourself. First, are you comfortable working out in the field, around heavy equipment, with lots of noise, dirt, and debris? Second, can you handle working with people from all walks of life, from the highly professional clients and design teams, all the way to the laborers and tradesman? Finally, are you prepared to be responsible for the pressures involved in the job? Many construction projects come with heavy financial penalties for late completion, so schedule is extremely critical. One small mistake can cost millions of dollars and cause chaos on the site.
