How to become a project manager for construction

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You become a project manager for construction by having a combination of education and experience. It is possible to get into the profession right out of college, but it is not very common. To better your chances, a degree in areas such as the following would be best:

Construction science
Construction management
Architecture
Engineering
Business management

Construction science
Construction management
Architecture
Engineering
Business management

In most cases, project managers come from different roles within the construction industry like a construction manager, craftsperson, or office manager. Regardless of the route you take, formal training in construction project management through certification or a master's program is often necessary.

Construction project managers need training in the field under the guidance of an experienced project manager. In most cases, candidates would start as project engineers or field engineers and conduct tasks such as processing paperwork, taking photographs, and learning what it is like to be at a construction site.

For a project manager in construction, it is important to understand what it is like on the construction site and "in the trenches". You have to understand the foundation of the work before you will be able to manage it and create things like timelines and projections for work.

If you are attempting to manage a project for something that you have never done before, you are much more likely to fail. It will likely take several years to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience that is needed to handle the complexities and responsibilities of managing an entire construction project.