During the last several years, we’ve been witnessing an impressive growth in the construction industry. As stated by Louisiana State University, the expected growth from 2012 to 2022 is estimated at around 16 percent. Under this influence, construction management has become one of the most sought-after careers according to the US & World Report News Rankings.
Having in mind the listed numbers, it’s evident that a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, and related disciplines, will be a highly valued asset in the years to come. In this article, we are showing you what makes construction project management so lucrative and why you should choose this career.
Top Advantages of Working as a Construction Project Manager
#1 Dynamic and Challenging Work Routine
The work hours of a construction manager are a mixture of different activities. To become a successful project manager, one should be able to:
- Communicate the projects’ progress between the owners and the professionals working on the projects regularly
- Technically present the project and track its flow by organizing activities, delegating tasks, determining deadlines, budgets, and other relevant information using adequate project management software
- Take responsibility for the construction site and spend time with the employees to ensure that the team is reliable and respecting deadlines while providing consistent quality
In other words, a construction project manager at the workplace combines communication, technical work, and negotiation challenges regularly. All these aspects build up the daily routine which is ideal for people looking to maximally using their resources and abilities to provide the best outcome.
#2 Constant Skill Development
As a construction project manager, you should be ready to constantly adopt new knowledge and improve your professional identity, each day. The vitally important skills you will have to develop to advance can be observed from two perspectives:
On the one hand, you will be developing planning, technical, and financial skills. These skills, among others, include time, resource and budget management, and they will help you organize the project so that you can finish it within the given deadline, in the adequate material conditions.
On the other hand, you will be developing social and communication skills as well, by organizing meetings, balancing among numerous stakeholders and working things out among the employees if a problem appears. In addition to this, a project manager is the one to delegate tasks appropriately and motivate people to give their best.
#3 A Rewarding Career
The expertise and the skills that you get working as a construction project manager can open the doors towards even better positions. You can get to numerous professional possibilities that will take you to a higher level.
For instance, with the knowledge and experience you’ve got, you may get to work as a foreman, supervisor, or superintendent. You may even get to explore project management in other industries or start your own construction company.
#4 Opportunity to Move
The fact that you will have to take care of diverse tasks makes it impossible for you to sit in the office and do the same routine tasks every day. On the contrary, as a construction project manager, you will be spending time not only in your office but also at the construction sites.
One day you may be visiting the site in the mountains, the other at the seaside. Chances for exploring different places while working are practically endless.
#5 Decent Pay and Perks
Every beginning is difficult, and it is unrealistic for you to expect an amazing salary from the very beginning, but once you start combining your skills with the years of experience, you may be surprised to know how much clients are willing to pay you.
The truth is, construction owners who want the job done in the best possible way won’t hesitate to pay beyond your expectations if you offer them hard work, responsible approach, and guarantee satisfactory results.
#6 Personal Satisfaction
Yes, a construction project manager can earn a lot of money, but there is something more. Once you realize you are building houses, hospitals, schools, and other buildings that will improve other people’s lives, you will also get personal satisfaction.
The challenges and issues of all kinds that you will have to solve regularly will become worth it once you realize you’ve put a smile on someone’s face, and that’s the sensation that no money can buy.
#7 Freedom
It’s not surprising that there is a large number of self-employed construction managers in the market. If you are willing to take the risk of working independently and collaborating with clients that you choose based on your preferences, you will be able to work and earn as much as you want.
If you are one of those people who are not interested in a long-term commitment to a single client, this option may be your perfect solution.
Are You Willing to Go for the Construction Project Management Career?
To persuade this career, you don’t obligatorily need a construction degree, however, having the educational background in this discipline could be a great advantage. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management can be an incredible help when entering the market and positioning yourself as a construction professional.
In addition to adequate education, if you want to succeed in CPM, at the beginning of your career, you should master basic construction and project management tools that represent the technical basis of this industry. The more you know, the easier it will be to start your career successfully.
