Construction managers may go to work for a number of different organizations. On the private side, general contractors, construction management firms, architectural or engineering firms, developers, financial institutions, and large corporations may all hire construction managers. On the public side, various state and federal agencies, public schools and universities, departments of transportation, federal prison systems, and others may seek their skills as well.
As in any profession, advancement opportunities for construction managers vary depending on an individual's performance, ability, and the size of the company they work for. The customary progression for a new construction management recruit is to start as a field engineer and then move to an assistant superintendent position, superintendent, estimator, assistant project manager, and then project manager. Within larger firms, highly qualified construction managers may eventually become top-level managers and executives, often moving to the vice president level or higher. Many construction managers will opt to branch out and start their own businesses.
Educational Offerings
The ideal construction management candidate is typically an individual who has a bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, construction engineering, or construction science, as well as practical experience working in construction. The work experience and hands-on knowledge of construction are as valuable as the degree. For this reason, many construction management students combine their formal university educations with paid internships while attending school. It is also not uncommon to find experienced field personnel pursuing their degrees in construction management as nontraditional older students.
Opportunities for education and training in construction management are numerous. As previously mentioned, the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) lists about 160+ colleges and universities offering four-year accredited degree programs in construction management or construction science, in the United States and abroad. There are also a number of two-year colleges that offer construction management or construction technology courses. For graduate studies, there are dozens of universities that offer a master's degree, and at least a half-dozen universities that offer a PhD in Construction Management. In addition, several of the construction, engineering, and architecture trade and professional associations regularly host educational seminars on various construction management topics.
Typical course offerings in construction management include construction methods and materials, site surveying and layout, contract administration, construction documents, value analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, cost controls, accounting, business and financial management, building codes and standards, inspection procedures, engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer applications, and information technology. Several of these topics will be discussed throughout this book.
Professional Affiliation and Certification
One of the easiest ways to get acquainted with the construction management profession is to become familiar with the various professional organizations affiliated with the industry. At least 250 organizations are associated with construction and its practitioners. Two of these organizations offer voluntary certification programs for construction managers. Requirements combine a written examination with verification of professional experience.
The American Institute of Constructors
The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) helps individual contractors who meet the requirements to achieve professional status through an examination and certification program. AIC is the certifying body for the designation of Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) and Associate Constructor (AC). The organization was formed in 1971 and serves the industry in a professional capacity similar to the professional organizations for architecture and engineering. You can learn more about the AIC at www.aicnet.org.
The Construction Management Association of America
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is dedicated to promoting the professional practice of construction management. The organization welcomes members from all construction and design disciplines as well as owners and various service providers to the industry. The CMAA offers professional designations through its Certified Construction Manager (CCM) program for individuals who complete its self-study course, pass the certification exam, and meet other requirements set forth by the organization. To learn more about the CMAA, go to its website at http://cmaanet.org.
Other Associations
Several other recognized professional associations warrant mentioning. Each of them offers training courses and seminars on various construction and construction management topics on a regular basis.
Associated General Contractors of America Formed in 1918, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the oldest major organization serving the interests of general contractors. Its membership includes general contractors and specialty contractors as well as suppliers and service vendors such as insurance agencies, bonding companies, and technology merchants. You can learn more about the AGC at www.agc.org.
Associated Builders and Contractors Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association comprising contractor and subcontractor members who support a merit job philosophy. As such, members adhere to the belief that construction contracts should be awarded on the sole basis of merit regardless of labor or union affiliation. Their membership also includes material suppliers, vendors, and industry service providers. If you want to learn more about ABC and the merit shop philosophy, visit its website at http://abc.org.
National Association of Women in Construction The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was formed in 1955 in the state of Texas. It now has members in 49 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. NAWIC is dedicated to advancing career opportunities for women who are engaged in the construction industry. Its membership includes women working on the management and administrative side of the business as well as women who are working in the trades, such as electricians, carpenters, and welders. To learn more about NAWIC, check out its website at http://nawic.org.
National Association of Minority Contractors The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) is a nonprofit trade association that was established in 1969. In addition to providing training and networking opportunities, the organization's primary mission is to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. Although membership is open to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, the group focuses on construction industry concerns common to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. To learn more, go to www.namcnational.org.
National Association of Home Builders The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is the largest of the construction associations with 211,000 members nationwide. Among its ranks are individuals from home building and remodeling companies of every size. A large percentage of the organization's members come from related business venues such as building supplies, manufacturing, mortgage banking, real estate, and insurance. You can learn more about NAHB by going to its website at www.nahb.org.
Design-Build Institute of America The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is one of the newest professional organizations serving the design and construction industries. Founded in 1993, DBIA is dedicated to the practice of integrated project delivery, representing members of the entire project team: contractors, architects, engineers, and owners. In 2001, DBIA initiated a professional designation program recognizing design-builders as unique service providers in the industry. Individual practitioners, who complete a required educational program, successfully complete the designation exam, and meet the experience requirements