How to Become a Construction Project Manager

All of the behind-the-scenes work at a construction site is coordinated by a construction project manager. Construction project managers need to have the skills to coordinate the design process and delivery of building materials and to settle contractor squabbles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Language skills
• Bachelor's degree
• Software knowledge

Become a Construction Project Manager

1. Go back to school. Employers are now looking for managers with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction science and management. While experience in the industry is important, new managers in the business will find it's hard to use experience as a substitute for a degree.

2. Study business, building science and management techniques before seeking project management work. Having experience on a job site and formal training will come in handy for everything from understanding plans to dealing with contractors.

3. Get certified. Certification has become more popular for construction project managers because it proves the manager has experience and is competent. Both the American Institute of Constructors and the Construction Management Association of America have well-respected certification programs.

4. Know your software. A construction project manager needs to learn scheduling and estimating programs like Bid4Build and WinEstimator. Become more familiar with them by taking a refresher course during a company in-service or taking an internship with a current project manager.

5. Learn to make decisions--and fast! Construction project managers need to be decisive and able to multitask and settle disputes between other project heads. Brush up your decision-making skills at the Management Help website (see Resources below).

6. Get some exercise. While it has become increasingly easier to manage the job site from afar, construction project managers can expect to make job site visits. Thinking on your toes and being in good physical shape will help you stay safe on the site.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can, learn some Spanish before stepping on the job site. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Spanish is the primary language of many people working in construction. Depending on where you live, you may want to pick up a few phrases in Polish or Russian, as well.
• Some people on the job site just won't get along, no matter what. Being able to work through those strained relationships is important, so project managers should be able to deal with pressure and nasty comments made over their shoulders. Whenever possible, a manager should try to relieve tension and mend relationships.
• Don't think your days off will be free of project talk. Construction managers are always on call for projects and must be available to handle bad weather, emergencies and other delays.

Resources

• Management help for decision-making resources