Construction engineering and management
About Construction Engineering and Management
What is Construction Engineering and Management?
Construction is the most diversified industry in the United States and it involves over ten percent of the gross national product. Construction management professionals can be involved in the planning, design, and construction of many types of facilities such as buildings, highways, airports, dams, homes, utilities, oil and gas facilities, waste disposal facilities, tunnels, factories, refineries, etc. Just about everything you live in, work in, drive on, and enjoy are built by construction professionals. Job tasks can range from estimating, planning construction operations, and managing construction to inspection, quality control, safety management, and financial control.
Who is a Construction Manager?
As described in the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction Managers plan and coordinate construction projects. They may have job titles such as constructor, construction superintendent, general superintendent, project engineer, project manager, general construction manager, or executive construction manager. Construction managers may be owners or salaried employees of a construction management or contracting firm, or may work under contract or as a salaried employee of the owner, developer, contractor, or management firm overseeing the construction project. They may plan and direct a whole project or just a part of a project. The Handbook uses the term "construction manager" to describe salaried or self-employed managers who oversee construction supervisors and workers. In contrast to the Handbook definition, "construction manager" is defined more narrowly within the construction industry to denote a management firm, or an individual employed by such a firm, involved in overseeing a construction project. Construction managers usually represent the owner or the developer. Usually, they focus on cost control, scheduling, coordinating and the quality and safety of the projects.
Job opportunities for Construction Managers
The U.S. Department of Labor and professional organizations in civil engineering predict the national demand for CEMs will grow in the next 10-12 years. The industry is made up of graduates from various specialty areas such as civil engineering, architecture, mechanical engineering, business management and accounting but the broadest background comes from obtaining education in construction management. Graduates from Construction Management are highly sought by the construction industry and can expect excellent starting salaries and almost 100% placement. Responsibility comes quickly in this field and advancement is rapid. Today, construction management graduates nationally make between $35,000 and $60,000 starting out, depending on what part of the country their job is located. After five to ten years of experience, they can make $70,000 to $100,000 or more. The construction industry employs over 7 million individuals annually. The need for construction managers has been growing at a rate of 16% annually according to government sources. Construction management jobs usually involve a lot of variety and never seem to be boring, and at the same time are very challenging.