All construction projects, whether they be commercial or residential, require proper oversight and management. People who manage and supervise the entire construction process are called construction managers.
How to Become a Construction Manager 
Should I Become a Construction Manager?
Construction Managers are held responsible for everything that happens at a construction site. Their common duties include,
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Planning, directing, and coordinating activities on construction sites
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Overseeing project design
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Supervising and hiring workers
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Choosing contractors
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Monitoring supplies and so on
They are required to overhead the construction projects from beginning to end. They are also supposed to estimate cost of a project, make schedules, report progress on tasks and make sure that no safety code is missed.
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Education Required
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Bachelor's degree
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Major Requirement
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Architecture, construction management, engineering or another related field
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License/Certification
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Voluntary certifications available
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Experience/Training
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Employers normally look for 5 years experience, at least
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Key Skills
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Business, leadership, technical, communication, decision-making, customer service, analytical and time-management skills; ability to take initiatives and decipher contracts and technical drawings.
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Annual Mean Salary
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$103,110
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Job Outlook
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10% (Faster than average)
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018)
According to the BLS database of 2018, the construction managers earned an annual mean salary of $103,110 which roughly equates to $49.57 mean wage per hour. In addition to that, the BLS predicted a 10% employment growth for this career between 2008 and 2028. Moreover, the Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities was listed as the highest paying industry for this profession by the BLS with an annual mean salary of $146,760 in 2018.
Career Requirements
Since this profession entails a lot of planning and execution, construction managers are required to have the ability to delegate tasks and give directions that are easy for others to follow. They must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to bring everyone on the same page and avoid any mishaps in work. Apart from that, they must exhibit the following capabilities.
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Analytical and decision-making skills.
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Leadership and business skills.
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Customer-service skills.
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Technical and time-management skills.
Steps to Becoming a Construction Manager
If you are really keen on becoming a construction manager, then you must follow the steps given below and get started.
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Education
To enter this field, you must at least have a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, in Building Science or Civil Engineering or a related field. Students who want to work in this profession should choose subjects that would prepare them in how to use materials, design and resources to effectively manage a project.
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Field Experience
Completing an internship during your studies would make it easier for you to land a job later on because employers prefer people who have field experience. Completing an internship also provides insight into different facets of the construction industry. Working at an entry-level position such as a management assistant after graduation allows you to acquire hands-on knowledge of how construction site functions.
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Certification
Even though it is not mandatory in all states, construction managers may become a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) via the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). To get this certification, they must either have a:
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Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of field experience as a Construction Manager.
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High school diploma or a GED with construction experience of 12 years, 4 of which must be as a Construction Manager.