Construction Project Manager Career

A construction project manager is a qualifiedconstruction management. Employers generally
individual with a degree in constructionprefer a degree in construction science, with
management, civil engineering or constructionspecial focus on the management aspect. It is a
science. Being in charge of construction projects,four-year degree course offered by over 120
he has to ensure that the entire project iscolleges in the country.
completed on time, without exceeding budgetaryCoursework for a degree in construction science
limits. It is a high pressure job. The manager hasis very comprehensive. Some of the subjects
complete control and is responsible for everythingcovered would be engineering and architectural
related to the construction project.sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer
The label Construction Project Manager is looselyscience, project control and development, site
used to define any supervisory level managersplanning, building design, construction methods,
who direct supervisors in construction projects. Heconstruction materials, value analysis, cost
may also be called by other titles such asestimating, contract administration, building codes
construction superintendent, general constructionand standards and inspection procedures.
manager, executive construction manager,The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and
constructor or even contractor or sub-contractor.the Construction Management Association of
He could be a salaried employee of a constructionAmerica (CMAA) also give certification after
company or engaged to manage a particularwritten examinations and verification of education.
construction project.The AIC awards the Associate Constructor (AC)
The construction project manager has to beand Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
involved in the project from the beginning throughdesignations and the CMAA awards the Certified
to its completion. By employing his knowledge andConstruction Manager (CMM) designation.
expertise in terms of the efficient use of requiredThere are better job prospects for candidates
resources, he has to ensure the achievement ofwith work experience. The preference in the job
predetermined objectives of cost, time, andmarket is for academically qualified people who
quality. To make sure of these objectives, he hashave undergone internships and worked in the
to decide which construction methods areconstruction industry. They should be well versed
appropriate for cost effective scheduling. He hasin building technology.
to discuss architectural and engineering drawingsThe National Association of Colleges and
with design engineers to effectively plan andEmployers conducted a salary survey in July 2005
harmonize every facet of the project. This mayand found that candidates with a degree in
include preparation and use of complicated flowconstruction management got an average annual
charts and bar charts, and various graphs forsalary figure of $42,923.
data representation. Nowadays, project managersThere are bright career prospects for a
use computers to analyze, conceptualize andprofessionally qualified construction project
implement plans and designs.manager. Practical work experience is of vital
The construction project manager has to plan aimportance before a position of independent
logical, phase wise implementation of the project,functioning will be offered. A few years
assigning predetermined timeframes for theexperience at a junior-grade position on
completion of each phase. He has to take allconstruction projects is a prerequisite required by
measures to see that the time frame is adheredmost employers. The position would fetch a
to.handsome salary package and commands a
These days, there is a great demand for peoplerespectable position in society.
with a good academic foundation in the field of