In a general sense, construction engineering management is the job of overseeing a construction project from start to finish.
The management team is responsible for applying their technical and scientific knowledge and skills to every element of a project. It’s ultimately their job to make sure each task is progressing smoothly. These workers are experts in their chosen fields and possess a wide range of knowledge that allows them to quickly solve problems and execute projects.
How Can I Prepare Myself for the Construction Industry?
To become involved in construction engineering management, you’ll first need to obtain either an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Associate degree programs in construction engineering usually take about two years to complete. They can be completed in person or online and are often more flexible than bachelor’s programs. With an associate degree, you’ll gain a general understanding of construction engineering, which will prepare you for entry-level jobs in this field.
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree, you’re looking at about a total of four years of schooling. These programs will give you a broad range of knowledge and a developed skill set. Most of these programs will also provide you with real-life experience through an internship and will encourage you to choose a specialization.
A career in construction management is possible with both kinds of degrees; however, your best bet is a bachelor’s degree. Managers in the construction engineering field are considered to be top-tier, so acquiring this job requires plenty of experience, an impressive list of skills, and specialized knowledge. In order to become a construction engineering manager, you may want to consider working towards a master’s degree as well.
What Careers Can I Have in Construction Engineering Management?
It may require years of work to reach the top of the construction management totem pole; however, many exciting career opportunities await. With this title, you can work in historical restoration, the oil and gas industry, or with renewable energies. You can also work as a contractor and facilitate the completion of important buildings like sports stadiums, airports, hospitals, and museums. Or you can aim even higher and direct the execution of bridges, tunnels, and roads. Whatever area or structure you decide to work on, you’ll play a key role in every part of the decision-making process.
Building your education in this field is a smart move. Within this area of study are several industries that will always be in need of more qualified workers.
What Does a Construction Manager Do?
As mentioned previously, construction managers make sure that every part of the construction process runs smoothly. In order to do so, the job entails constant planning and quality control.
The initial role of a construction manager is to plan out the project their team is embarking on. This includes creating blueprints, mapping out a timeline, drafting contracts, understanding how many people they’ll need to hire, and getting a sense of what materials will be needed in order to complete the final product.
Next comes the financial piece of this puzzle. When planning a project, estimated costs will be a top priority. However, these numbers are subject to change dramatically as the building continues. In order to work the role of the construction manager successfully, you need to roll with the punches. Construction managers are absolutely required to pay attention to changing costs and adapt accordingly.
Because the construction manager is the boss of every project, they are ultimately responsible for the safety of their crew. Safety management is another constant part of this position. Managers will need to make sure that hazards are eliminated and the proper safeguards are provided at all times.
Construction managers also keep up on quality. Overseeing the evolution of a project is just as much about monitoring the staff as it is about sticking to a timeline. In the case of most construction projects, many people play a part in the cause. It’s up to the construction manager to make sure that the utmost level of quality and attention is consistently delivered in each step of the process. If the manager lapses in quality control, their negligence could result in a final product that is subpar.
Is it Worth it to Pursue a Career in the Construction Industry?
It’s no question that construction engineering management is a demanding job. These workers hold a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and are expected to constantly keep tabs on time, quality, safety, and their staff.
With that being said, it is absolutely worth it to pursue a career in construction engineering. A salary of around $100,000 a year can be expected, and more experience can often double that number. In addition, these workers get to be leaders in their community, make important decisions, and watch the magic happen from the best seat in the house.
