What can I do with this degree?
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
AREAS
CONSTRUCTION
Construction Manager
Project Manager
Project Engineer
Estimator
Scheduler
Real Estate Developer
Field Engineer
Design Coordinator
Building Inspector
EMPLOYERS
Builders
Specialty Trade Contractors
Electrical Contractors
General Building Contractors
Engineering, Architectural, and Construction Management Services
Firms
Real Estate Developers
STRATEGIES
Develop skills such as flexibility and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. You should be decisive and work well under pressure, particularly when there are unexpected occurrences or delays. Learn the ability to coordinate several major activities at once. Be able to understand engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings. Develop exceptional written and oral communication skills. Volunteer, seek part-time, summer or internships. Learn Spanish to be more marketable.
AREAS
GOVERNMENT
Construction Control Rep
Field Construction Manager
Construction Analyst
Construction Financing Officer
Construction Inspector
Construction Superintendent
Contract Specialist
Fire & Line Safety Officer
Purchasing Agent
Project Manager
Supervisor
Peace Corps Volunteer
EMPLOYERS
Federal Departments and Agencies
State and Local government
Peace Corps
STRATEGIES
Gain work experience via government internships, part-time jobs, or summer work. Learn the federal job application process. Develop solid computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office: MS Project, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
AREAS
SELF EMPLOYMENT
Small Business Owner
Consultant
EMPLOYERS
Builders
Specialty Trade Contractors
Electrical Contractors
General Building Contractors
Engineering, Architectural, and Construction Management Services
Firms
Real Estate Developers
STRATEGIES
Training in computers and software programs for job costing, scheduling, and estimating also is important in order to keep up with industry innovations and standards. Good oral and written communication skills are important, as are leadership skills. As a manager, you must be able to establish a good working relationship with many different people, including clients, other managers, designers, supervisors, and tradesmen.
AREAS
MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYERS
Business and industry including: Banks and financial institutions, Retail
stores, Restaurants, Hotels, Service providers, Healthcare
organizations
Local, state and federal government
Nonprofit organizations
Self-employed
STRATEGIES
Be prepared to start in entry-level management trainee positions. Gain experience through internships or jobs. Work at a retail store or restaurant, and advance into an assistant manager position. Get involved in student organizations and assume leadership roles. Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, integrity, and a sense of independence. Take courses in a secondary specialty such as marketing or information systems to increase job opportunities. Learn to work well on a team.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Gaining experience through part-time and summer jobs or internships is critical.
Many desirable skills can be developed through participation in and leadership of student organizations.
Develop and utilize a personal network of contacts. Once in a position, find a mentor.
Consider earning an MBA after gaining work experience to reach the highest levels of business management.
Learn to work well in a team and effectively with a wide variety of people.
Strong communication skills, including public speaking, are important to achieving success in this field.