The preconstruction manager career can lead to working in the position of construction project coordinator, construction quality control manager, and construction project manager.
This post provides detailed information on the preconstruction manager career, including how to become one, the various opportunities available, and the benefits of being a preconstruction manager.
How to Become a Preconstruction Manager
Here are steps to becoming a preconstruction manager:
Continue your Education
A Bachelor’s degree is usually required as the least qualification for becoming a construction manager, CM.
These collegiate programs typically last four years and cover topics such as design, structural science, engineering, materials management, economics, and more.
It is also beneficial to take extensive mathematics and statistics courses. Although some colleges offer construction management degrees, many aspiring construction managers have degrees in building science, engineering, or architecture.
Some employers may hire you as a construction manager if you have a two-year Associate’s degree and relevant work experience.
Although most employers require some kind of college degree, you may find success as an independent contractor with only a high school diploma.
2. Obtain Certification
Although employers in the construction management field may not require specific licenses, earning credentials beyond your degree can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out in the applicant pool.
Here are some common construction manager licenses and certifications to consider:
Construction Associate
Individuals in the construction industry can obtain this certification from the American Institute of Contractors (AIC).
This certification may be advantageous for beginning contractors or those transitioning from other industries.
The 300-question exam covers topics such as engineering concepts, materials management, budgeting, and many others.
A four-year construction management degree from an accredited institution, or a combination of education and experience, is required to sit for the exam.
You are eligible for the AIC’s Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) credential after several years of construction management experience, which will demonstrate your advanced understanding of project management.
Program for Outreach Training
This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification course demonstrates your knowledge of workplace safety and health measures.
OSHA has two programs available: a 10-hour course and a 30-hour course.
The first is for entry-level construction workers, while the second is for those with prior safety responsibility who want to advance their knowledge.
Construction Manager Certification
You can pursue this certification from the Construction Management Association of America after demonstrating a history of excellence in construction management, including planning, design, and construction.
Having this certification will demonstrate to employers and clients that you are an expert in all of the tasks that construction managers are typically required to complete.
This can include topics such as cost management, workplace safety, and other contracting-related issues.
3. Think about Getting a Graduate Degree
A Master’s degree in Construction Management or a related field, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree, can help you advance in the industry.
These degrees typically take two years to complete and are offered by a number of universities across the country.
Many programs combine in-classroom and online learning, allowing you to find the program that best fits your lifestyle and timeline.
4. Look for and Apply for Jobs
Search for construction management jobs after obtaining the necessary education and credentials.
Consider where you want to work, your salary requirements, and your area of expertise.
Before you send out your resume, you should create a strong resume that highlights your contracting training and knowledge.
Many employers may request a cover letter, which you can tailor to each organization in order to explain the specific benefits you can provide in the CM role.
Once you’ve been invited to an interview, consider practicing interview questions in order to impress the hiring manager and stand out from the crowd.
What a Preconstruction Manager Do
The preconstruction manager job description involves inspecting a site and planning the construction process. It also entails preparing contracts and supervising work on site. See detailed preconstruction manager job description.
Preconstruction Manager Career Opportunities
Here are major career opportunities available to preconstruction managers:
A construction quality control manager is in charge of protecting the quality of the project as it goes through its various stages.
They are mainly focused on preventing defects before they occur, rather than fixing problems after they happen.
3. Construction Project Manager
A construction project manager must be able to manage multiple projects at once, make sure the deadlines are met, and that all tasks are being done properly by subordinates.
They are thus expected to have a high level of responsibility and decision-making skills.
4. Construction Operation Manager
As the name suggests, construction operation managers are in charge of all the laborers; they are sticklers for budget and they keep an eye on how the project is progressing, making sure that all technicalities are being followed correctly.
5. Construction Project Director
A construction project director supervises the project manager of their specific projects and makes sure they work closely with them, doing their jobs properly.
6. General Contractor
A general contractor is in charge of all the sub-contractors. They have the ability to hire, fire, and negotiate with other contractors and subcontractors.
They are expected to be knowledgeable in math, science, and research techniques.
They are also responsible for developing ways to make a project more efficient, as well as promoting new technologies.
8. Construction Superintendent
A construction superintendent is in charge of the design and construction of a large building project, for example a large shopping mall, a small apartment complex or a factory.
They are expected to be able to work closely with technical teams, clients, and subcontractors.
9. Construction General Manager
A construction general manager is an employee that has both a general management and technical skills.
They are responsible for leading people, delegating tasks, and making sure that all deadlines are met.
Challenges faced by Preconstruction Managers on the Job
Some of the challenges faced by preconstruction managers include:
Budgeting and Estimating Costs
Budgeting and estimating can be extremely important for a preconstruction manager, yet it comes with some challenges.
If the project is high in scope the budget can end up being very large.
The preconstruction manager is expected to get all estimates from the sub consultants and project engineers if they are not able to do it themselves.
Preconstruction managers also have to make sure that there are no inconsistencies with how different parts estimate and budget for the cost.
2. Time Management
In order to meet the deadline on budget schedule every task in the project must be done as it was planned.
The preconstruction manager is expected to make sure that the right person gets assigned to do the right job and that it is done on time.
In addition, they must make sure everything is being done in line with the protocols.
3. Meeting Deadlines
In order for a project or any part of it to be finished before its deadline there needs to be a lot of organization and planning.
It is expected that the preconstruction manager will come up with a great plan to complete the project on time. They will also be in charge of all the orders and deliveries required.
Major Benefits of Preconstruction Manager Career
Some of the benefits you can get working as a preconstruction manager are:
Gain Experience
As a preconstruction manager, you will gain experience in your chosen field working on numerous projects.
By building experience, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to organize such projects. You will also have a much greater knowledge of the industry.
2. Meet New People
Because of the amount of travel required for construction projects, you will meet new people from different places.
You may be working with people from all over the world, which leads to networking opportunities and an exchange of ideas concerning new construction trends.
3. Develop Your Skillset
As a preconstruction manager, you will have to learn how to make decisions on your own without consulting other engineers or architects.
You will have to learn how to make plans, read blueprints and deal with setbacks.
You will be given the responsibility of managing projects, which includes meeting with clients and seeing a project through completion.
This is a good way to develop skills that you can use in the industry such as communication, organization, and commitment.
4. Good Salary
As a preconstruction manager, you will receive many benefits including higher pay and bonuses depending on your experience. You may also get opportunities for raises and additional work hours.
5. Flexible Schedule
As a preconstruction manager you’ll have the flexibility to work a schedule that best suits you.
You may want to work late nights on a project, while others do not and this may be possible depending on your employer.
6. It’s a Good Way to Start out in the Construction Industry
You can learn more about the industry while still getting experience in the field as well.
By doing construction projects, you can gain practical experience that can be used later down the road when you are looking for an opportunity in consulting or contracting.
7. Employee Benefits
As a preconstruction manager, you may get the opportunity to get a variety of benefits from your employer. One benefit is health care and dental coverage that may cover two dependents at a time.
You can also get paid vacation after 12 months of employment, which will be paid no matter how long you are employed as a preconstruction manager.
Conclusion
Becoming a preconstruction manager will help you to learn how to handle projects from beginning to end.
You will gain experience that you can use later in the industry in areas such as contracting or consulting.
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