2. Introduction to Career
The Career I chose was construction manager. I chose
this job because it was the only one out of my top five
that really interested me, and I would like to have a job
someday that is related to this one. Even though I’m not
a hundred percent sure that I want to go into this field I
think that I would enjoy it if I had to have this as a job. This
job is mostly about over seeing the project and making
sure that things get done.
3. Job Description
• Helps to build all kinds of structures
• Involved in Renovating and building additions
• Orchestrate the entire construction process
• Responsible for aspects of a project
• Working with clients, architects, and engineers
• Decide what order and when each part of the project is
completed
Keeping everyone organized and on schedule
• Buy the materials
• Arrange the rental equipment
• Hire subcontractors
•Do a lot of paperwork
4. Working Conditions
• Spend a lot of time outdoors
• In all weather conditions
• Building sites
• A lot of scheduling
• Phone calls
• Paperwork
• Planning builds
• Job can be stressful
• A lot of traveling between office and jobsites
• 8 to 9 hour work days; more can be necessary
• Spend time in office environments
5. Training, Qualifications, &
Education Required
• Background in engineering or
construction
• 4-year bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering or a related field
• A skilled trade
• Have the ability to solve problems
quickly and efficiently
• Need to be thorough, detail-
oriented, highly organized, and able to
work well with other people.
• Good oral and written
communication skills
• Have business training
6. Job Outlook/ Employment
• Expected to grow 17% from 2010 to 2020
• The same average for all occupations
• Only needed as the level and variety of construction projects
expands
• Making building energy efficient should create more jobs
• Opportunities for qualified jobseekers are expected to be good
• A substantial number of construction managers are expected to
retire; this will open up more jobs
7. Earnings
• Paid on an annual salary
• Depends on seniority and experience
• Salary is usually between $50,000 and $150,000 a year
• Median is about $ 84,000 a year
• Some construction managers working for large companies
can receive benefits (health insurance, paid sick leave, and
vacation time) in addition to their salaries
8. Use of Technology
• Accounting software (SRC Cash Flow Forecasting)
1. Used to predict how much money will be spent on a project
2. To determine how much they have already spent
3. How much more they can spend
• Presentation software program (Microsoft Power Point)
1. Show the process of construction
2. See the final outcome of the project
3. Breaks down everything; can understand it better
• Scheduling software program (AEC Software FastTrack
Schedule and Scheduling Software)
1. Keep track of deadlines
2. Everyone on track
9. Summary
This is the kind of field of work
that I am planning on going
into but not this job exactly. I’d
like to be in something that has
more activity involved and not
as much paperwork or
computers. Something more
along the line of architecture or
just plan construction are more
of what I’m looking at. But it
wouldn’t be a bad job to
have, and I could live with it if it
was the only one open in this
field of work.
