Not surprisingly college degrees are increasingly required for construction management positions. A growing trend is requiring construction managers to have experience and skills in business. Many construction positions now require knowledge of accounting, project management, finance and related areas.

This means that persons who are seeking a career in construction management will need to have college degrees. The most sought after college degrees include project management, engineering and architecture.

Popular Construction Management Degrees

• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Everglades University. Everglades is a for profit school. The degree concentrates on practical knowledge such as Construction Contracts, Building Codes, Quality Control, Construction Law, Construction Scheduling, and Construction Project Management.

http://www.evergladesuniversity.edu/degree-programs_prospective_students.asp#2

• Drexel University, a large for profit school in the US with nine campuses offers both bachelors (four year) and masters’ (six year) degrees in construction management. A concentration in real estate is interested for those who want to enter real estate development. A part time study option is available. As is a five year degree program.

http://www.drexel.edu/catalog/ug/goodwin/cmgt-index.htm

• The School of Architecture and Building Engineering at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom offers post graduate construction management degrees. An interesting aspect of this program is that it offers construction management degrees specifically designed for those working in developing nations. It also offers a construction management degree for developed countries.

http://www.liv.ac.uk/lsa/courses/postgraduate/index.htm

• The University of Houston in Texas offers both undergraduate (bachelors) and graduate (masters) degrees in Construction Management. The program concentrates on training construction managers and foremen. It is certified by the American Council for Construction Education. http://www.tech.uh.edu/Programs/Construction_Management/

• Ferris State University in Michigan offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. This degree emphasizes construction technology and construction related computer software is integrated into all of the coursework.

http://www.ferris.edu/construction-management-degree.htm

• Lamar University part of the Texas State University systems offers some of its construction management courses online. It also offers traditional classroom instruction in construction management as well. The degrees are directed towards nontraditional students.

http://ceserver.lamar.edu/construction/

• The Distance Learning Program at the University of Florida offers an online Master of International Construction Management degree. This degree prepares individuals to work on construction projects all over the world.

http://www.distancelearning.ufl.edu/program.aspx?p=5

• The University of Southern Maine in New England offers an industrial technology degree with a concentration in construction management. This degree is aimed at those who are licensed in the building trades and construction workers that want to move up in the world. Non traditional students are welcome but must meet state standards.

http://usm.maine.edu/tech/Programs/const_magt.html

• The Purdue University Department of Building Construction Management offers graduate programs in construction management for those who already have a degree. Two different masters’ degrees in the subject are available as distance learning programs. http://www.tech.purdue.edu/bcm/academics/graduate/index.cfm

• The University of Washington in Seattle offers a master of science degree in construction management. This program focuses on planning and project management. Located in Seattle, Washington in the Pacific Northwest.

http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/academic/cm.html

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This means that many construction professionals will have to work in more than one country. Individuals from smaller countries will definitely have to work in different nations as will persons working in specialized fields.

Working in international construction can be fun and highly paid. It can also be stressful and frustrating. Those who don’t like working with persons of diverse cultures or being away from home should probably consider other career paths.

Persons that are willing to work all over the world will find many exciting jobs available. They will also be able to keep working and drawing a good salary even when the economy in their homeland is bad.

Basic Preparation for International Construction Positions

There are some basic things that you will probably need to get for an international construction position. These include:

• A passport
• An international driver’s license.
• Legal permission to work in the country that you are working in
• Required licenses in the country you are going. These can include licenses to operate machinery and other information.

Preparing for International Construction Work

The first thing you will need to do to work outside your country is to get legal permission to do so. Contact your government to see how to get a passport and an international driver’s license if you plan to drive outside the country.

Then contact the government of the country you are planning to work into see what legal requirements you will have to meet. Don’t just rely upon the employer contact that government directly and make sure you will be legally entitled to work in country.

Working in a country without proper legal permission is a crime in many countries. Persons caught doing it can be deported or even jailed so make sure you are legal.

Some countries also have special provisions for foreign workers such as a guest worker program. Germany and most European nations have such a program. You can learn about it by contacting the country’s government or embassy.

Taxes

Check to see what taxes you will have to pay when you are working out of the country. You might have to pay taxes to both your homeland and the nation you are working in. Some countries have income and wage taxes others don’t.

Insurance

Also check about health insurance, most countries have national health insurance programs but not all do. There is no national health insurance for most people in the United States for example. In other countries the national health insurance program may not cover foreigners working in the country. This means that you may have to purchase a health insurance policy which will pay for medical insurance in the country.

Other nations may require construction workers to have a liability and disability policy while they are working. In some nations there can be special requirements such as kidnap insurance as well.

Another requirement you may need to meet is car insurance. Your car insurance may not cover you in all countries. This means that you may have to purchase an additional policy if you plan to drive in a foreign country.

Finally, it is a good idea to check with the employer to see if they provide insurance while working abroad. If they don’t check to see what insurance you will need.

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Not surprisingly many of these people end up seeking online degrees in subjects related to construction. Fortunately there are many excellent online construction degrees available, some of which are quite affordable.

Getting an online construction can be easy and rewarding but it can be difficult because there are some fake or bad degrees out there. Many individuals in the construction industry often have a difficult time getting a degree because they have been out of school for many years and may have little or no experience with college.

Steps for Getting an Online Construction Degree

• The first step that you will need to take is to decide the kind of degree that you want. The three most popular kinds of degrees are bachelors, masters and associates degrees. Something to consider is that bachelors and masters degrees are usually better respected than associate degrees.

• Ascertain the level of education you have and the education you will need. Most management jobs today including many construction management jobs require at least a four year or bachelor’s degree. This means it is generally better to spend your money and time getting a bachelor’s. If you have a bachelor’s degree you should seek a master’s degree.

• Determine the subject you want to study. The most popular construction related degree is the Bachelor of Science in construction management. This degree is usually designed to give people with technical construction experience business skills. It is heavy on things like budgeting, accounting and planning.

• Once you’ve determined the level of education and your field of study you will need to locate a school. Many online colleges and universities offer these degrees. Online programs associated with traditional universities or colleges are often more likely to be accepted. An excellent way to find a good program is to ask working professionals in the field what college they recommend.

• Make sure that the university is accredited that means that its degree will be accepted. Also make sure that the degree can actually get you a job. A good way to do this is to ask people in the industry about the program.

• Determine if you meet the program’s educational and academic qualifications. Many master’s degree programs will require a bachelor’s degree. There are entrance examinations and specific course work requirements. Transcripts of prior college work and high school classes are often required.

• Make sure you can pay for the course. College tuition is increasing faster than inflation. Try to get accurate figures about tuition and student aid. Something to consider is that student loans must be paid off they can’t be eliminated through bankruptcy.

• Make sure that you have the time for the program. You will probably have to devote at least ten hours of week to a nontraditional college course. This means you will have to take time away from other activities including work, families and hobbies. Ask yourself if you really want to do that.

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Nothing could be further from the truth there are many excellent career opportunities in construction that do not involve physical labor. Many of these careers require a college degree and pay very well.

Persons who enjoy construction work but don’t want to spend their lives swinging a hammer now have many interesting career opportunities. Indeed there always seems to be a demand for intelligent, competent and well educated people who are willing to work in construction.

Some Popular Careers in Construction

• Construction Management. A construction manager has to have knowledge of both the technical and the business aspects of construction. He has to know how to read blueprints and supervise and how to plan and budget. Jobs in this field include construction manager, foreman, supervisor, construction estimator and more. Professionals in this field need knowledge of business, the law, construction, technology, engineering, architecture and other fields. It can be a very demanding and rewarding job.

• Engineers. Construction now involves more engineering than ever before. More and more technology is being added to new buildings, which creates the need for more engineering. Engineering degrees do require a lot of course and knowledge of science and mathematics. Some construction management positions may require an engineering degree. Generally, engineers will need to get a least a master’s degree.

• IT and telecommunications engineers. Installing the latest technology has become one of the most critical areas of construction. Those can design and install networks and integrate them with other building systems are in demand.

• HVAC engineers and designers. Heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems are getting increasingly complex. Many of them utilize green technology and the latest computer technology. This means that engineers who can design and install such systems will be in demand.

• International Construction Managers. One of the most exciting job opportunities is in international construction management. International construction managers travel to jobsites all over the world to supervise construction projects. Those who speak more than one language and are comfortable in foreign cultures will definitely be in demand. Persons with specialized skills will do particularly well in this field.

• Remodeling contractors. More and more people are retrofitting older buildings for new uses. This means that those who can specialize in converting existing structures for new uses can find lots of work. Exciting examples of this work include turning old warehouses into offices and loft apartments or converting old factories into indoor hydroponics farms. Particularly thought after will be contractors with experience installing new technology in old buildings.

• Construction professionals who can multitask. More and more construction professionals will need to perform several different tasks in order to keep working. For example carpenters who can also do electrical or plumbing work or plumbers who have knowledge of HVAC. These people will have an easier time getting jobs and doing independent work as contractors. Construction workers should definitely consider going to trade school or becoming an apprentice in a field such as HVAC.

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This means that a person who wants a career in construction should get take construction courses. There are many popular online construction courses available. These include courses on many specific subjects including construction law.

Popular Online Construction Courses

• Construction law & contracts. Almost anybody who works in construction becomes aware of the many legal entanglements involved. This means that a good knowledge of basic construction law is vital to success in the field. In particularly familiarity with building codes and contracts is vital. There are many courses designed to familiarize construction pros with the law.

• Construction management. These courses generally try to emphasize construction professionals with basic business skills and practices. They often emphasize project, management, planning, budgeting and human resources.

• Computer assisted design. These courses try to familiarize construction professionals with the CAD tools and software available. They may also help people use such tools in planning and administration.

• Project management. This course is designed to show a person how to plan, supervise and manage a project. It may also emphasize management and leadership skills.

• Building engineering. These courses emphasize the application of engineering skills to construction work. In the UK this course has largely replaced architecture. Some programs seek to combine building engineering and construction management.

• Graduate certificate courses. These courses are designed for persons who have bachelor’s degrees but need to get additional knowledge in a subject like project management. Generally they are very specific and require less work than a bachelor’s degree.

• Home inspection courses. Home inspection is a good way for construction professionals to make extra money when building work is scarce. Home inspection courses can familiarize construction professionals with remodeling and home building.

http://www.homeinspectioncourse.com/

• Contractors Courses. These are usually programs designed to help contractors prepare the license exam. In most American states most contractors have to be licensed. To get the license you will have to pass a test to prove you are familiar with the building code and other aspects of contracting.

http://www.contractorsexamprep.com/

• There are some online courses for homebuilders available. The Home Builders is a good source of information. It does offer courses in technical subjects like concrete and green technology for builders.

http://www.hbi.org/

• Construction technology courses seek to familiarize professionals with the technology used in construction. Many community colleges and online schools offer basic construction technology courses that provide a good introduction to the subject.

http://www.rrcc.edu/construction/courses.html

• Construction engineering courses train engineers specifically for engineering. This is an advanced college course that is heavy with math and science. This would be a good course for individuals interested in the technical aspects of construction.

http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/ab/construction.htm

• Civil Engineering courses. Civil engineers design and oversee the maintenance of infrastructure such as bridges and highways. There is a strong demand for professionals in this field. Particularly in countries like China and India where large amounts of new infrastructure is under construction.

http://cce.oregonstate.edu/

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These companies are engaged in massive projects including highways, tunnels, factories, skyscrapers, high speed rail lines and much more. Their budgets often dwarf those of small countries and their workforces exceed the manpower of many armies. Not surprisingly millions of people around the world want to work for these behemoths.

Top Ten Construction Companies in the World

1. The French firm Vinci is currently the top construction in France, Europe and the world. Its specialty is massive public works projects such as highways and high speed rail lines. Vinci is heir to a long French tradition of massive and technologically advanced public works projects that include the Channel Tunnel and the TGV rail lines.

http://www.vinci.com/10years/topic/homepage.htm

1. Bechtel based in the USA is one of the world’s famous construction companies. Its first project was the Hoover Dam, the most famous public works project in American history. Bechtel now works all over the world building highways, power plants, rail lines, factories, military bases, pipelines, oil fields, oil refineries, ports, airports, communications networks and much more. Bechtel’s first “client” is still its best and biggest client the US government. Some of its latest projects include the modernization of London’s Underground and Britain’s first high speed rail line.

http://www.bechtel.com

1. China Communications Construction Company Ltd. The largest construction company in the People’s Republic of China and the Middle East. This giant has built many massive projects in China including the Han Expressway, the Wunan-Heifei Railway, the Su-Tong Yangtze Bridge, and more. Growing fast it is now branching out to work in other countries such as India and the United States. Its specialties include dredging and the building of ports.

http://en.ccccltd.cn/

1. Hochtief the largest construction company in Germany brings German traditions of technology and engineering all over the world. Its subsidiary Flatiron is engaged in several massive projects in North America including the Lake Champlain Bridge. Another subsidiary E.E. Cruz is working on the modernization of the New York subway system.

http://www.hochtief.com

http://www.eecruz.com/

1. Grupo ACS the largest construction company in Spain is looking to combine with Hochtief. That would create the biggest construction company in Europe and perhaps the world. ACS concentrates on civil construction. Projects include tunnels and solar energy plants.

http://www.grupoacs.com

1. Kajima Corporation, the biggest construction outfit in Japan. Among the many projects built by this historic corporation include the world’s first high-speed rail line the Tokaido Shinkansen or bullet train. It has built dams, tunnels, skyscrapers and nuclear reactors over the years. Interestingly enough the 170 year old company started with a carpentry shop in Tokyo in 1840.

http://www.kajima.co.jp/english/prof/overview/index.html

1. Larsen & Toubro the largest construction company in India. This giant is working on such projects as the New Delhi Metro (subway) system, the Mumbai Monorail, the IGI Aiport in Delhi and numerous massive industrial installations. Now seventy years old this firm operates throughout India, China and the Middle East.

http://www.larsentoubro.com

1. Balfour Beatty the biggest construction company in the United Kingdom. It operates all over the world including the USA, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. It is currently working on the modernization of commuter rail lines in London, the construction of new schools in the UK and many other projects. Its also one of the most admired companies in the UK.

http://www.balfourbeatty.com

1. PCL the three letter name of the largest construction company in Canada can be seen all over North America. This employee owned firm concentrates on massive civil engineering and industrial projects. One of its specialties is the construction and renovation of government buildings.

http://www.pcl.com

1. Although its better known for cars and electronics, South Korea’s Hyundai is also a construction giant. Its specialties include massive industrial installations such as oil fields and ports. It recently branched out into the building of nuclear power plants.

http://en.hdec.kr/eng/main/main.asp

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Fortunately writing an effective resume is a fairly simple and straightforward process. Anybody that can write and use a computer should be able to create an effective resume in less than an hour.

There is no need to hire a professional resume writer or service. Anyone who can perform a job such as construction project manager should have problem creating an effective resume.

Writing a Construction Project Manager Resume

• The first step in creating the resume is to find a resume template. These are available online and in popular writing programs such as Microsoft Word. Several excellent templates can be found under new from template in Word. It is generally best to use Word because it is the most popular word processing program. Most people use it and can open Word documents sent to them via e-mail.

• The next step is to put in your information. Put your name and address at the top. Always make sure that your phone number and e-mail are included in the address section so potential employers can contact you quickly.

• A good resume format is to put your objective the job you are seeking at the top. It should go something like this: “Seeking a position as a construction project manager in the Detroit area.”

• Next list your relevant job experience. List all the construction positions you have held. Also list any business or management experience you have even if it is outside the construction industry. Try and list it in chronological order because placing things out of order can confuse hiring managers.

• Don’t list very short part time positions and positions completely unrelated to construction such as retail sales etc.

• Do list any accomplishments such as brining in a position under budget and ahead of schedule. Make sure you list all projects you have successfully managed.

• List all of your relevant skills including business skills, experience with construction. Also list experience with engineering, the law, building codes and other things that might come in useful.

• List all licenses, certifications and union memberships that could be useful in construction. For example: CDL, building inspector certification, plumbers’ union membership.

• List education with college education relevant to construction first. For example any associates, masters or bachelor’s degree that you have in construction management or business. Also list any college coursework you’ve done in subjects like law, business, architecture, computer science, construction technology, project management or engineering.

• If it is possible try to find out about the particular position you are applying for and tailor the resume to it. If you’ve have experience in power plant construction and the job is at a power plant list that experience first.

• Don’t list your high school education because that takes up too much space.

• Also only list your salary expectations if the perspective employer asks for them. Leave the salary negotiations until you get a job offer.

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Professional construction work is not for everybody. Many people who are drawn into the field by the high pay and independence often leave because of the uncertainty and hard labor. Others may dislike the physical danger and long hours.

Uncertainty

The main thing people entering the construction field should be aware of is the uncertainty of the industry. Most construction workers are hired for a particular project. This means that their job will disappear when the project is completed or ended.

It is very common for construction workers to have to wait, weeks, months or even longer to find another job. Many construction workers end up working at other jobs in order to pay the bills. In the United States is very common for construction workers to rely upon unemployment insurance to support themselves for long periods of time.

This means that construction workers will have to learn how to budget and save their money. This can be very difficult to do especially for younger people.

Construction work is also very vulnerable to economic downturns. Many construction workers find themselves unemployed when the economy is bad.

Long Hours

Another thing many people dislike about construction is the long hours. When they do work many construction workers may put in 10 hours a day or work six days a week. Quite a few people dislike this more than the uncertainty.

Nature of the Industry

The construction industry, especially in the United States, can be a very rough business. There is often no union representation for construction workers. There are also many unprofessional and unreliable contractors especially in the homebuilding and remodeling areas.

Salary

Salaries in the construction industry vary widely but those for laborers and entry level positions can be very low. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for a construction laborer in the US in 2008 was $13.71 an hour.

Survival Tips for Professional Construction Work

• Get a skill. Skilled workers such as carpenters, pipe fitters, iron workers, etc. make quite a bit more money. A person interested in a construction career should definitely join a skilled trade. This can be done by going to trade school or through an apprenticeship.

• Join a union. In many areas individuals have to be members of unions to get the better paid construction jobs. Many government agencies and large companies will only hire union members. In some areas skilled workers have to be members of a union.

• Learn how to operate heavy equipment. More and more work in construction is done by heavy equipment. Heavy equipment operators are often very well paid. Indeed some crane operators can make $100,000 or more a year. Knowing how to operate heavy equipment and having the proper licenses can help get a job. Knowing how to operate several different kinds of equipment can land you a lot of jobs.

• Get licensed. In particular try and get heavy equipment licenses and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Also try and get trade licenses like plumber and electrician. These can often help you get job.

• Work for large construction companies. The large construction companies often have plenty of work even when the economy is bad getting on with them can help you find work.

• Be willing to travel. Those who are willing to travel to other areas of the country or even other countries can often find construction work.

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Many people are attracted to construction work because of the high salaries. Skilled and experienced construction workers often make very good salaries. Individuals with skills and licenses in trades like carpentry and heavy equipment operators can make quite a bit of money.

Unfortunately entry level construction levels may not make that much money. The first thing a construction worker does in order to make a good living is to get experience and contacts in the industry.

Contacts in the Industry are Critical

The most critical aspect of finding work is to develop contacts in the industry. Most construction jobs are still filled through word of mouth referrals. This means the more contacts in the industry you get the better.

Developing a good reputation and making lots of contacts with people on all levels of the business can help you working. In particular try to cultivate relationships with persons with connections to large construction companies.

Sometimes joining unions can help you find work or make contacts. Developing contacts at architecture and engineering firms is another good way to find work.

Subcontracting

One of the most lucrative areas of construction is subcontracting. Subcontractors are small businessmen that work on a particular aspect of a job.

The usual procedure is that a client will hire a general contractor for a job. The general contractor will do part of the work with his or her crew and hire other firms to perform specialized tasks. For example a general contractor may hire a plumber, a painting firm and an electrician to handle those areas of the job.

Persons that want to make more money and gain experience can become subcontractors. Subcontracting is a business so it will require business skills. In many areas it may also require insurance so there can be quite a few expenses.

Travel

Something that many people don’t realize is that commercial construction work can involve quite a bit of travel. Construction workers especially those do specialized work or work on specialized projects may have to travel long distances and stay away from home for weeks or months at a time.

In some cases, construction workers may have to travel to other countries and live there for months or even years at a time. Such travel may sound glamorous but it can be very tough.

For persons that like to travel, commercial construction work can be a very fun and rewarding job. Those that don’t like to travel may need to consider another career.

Salary for Commercial Construction Workers

Commercial construction workers who are willing to get specialized skills and experience can make pretty good salaries. The average hourly wage for a brick mason in the US in 2008 was $21.94.

Workers that laid the cement for foundations earned an average of between $21.71 and $23.84.

The most skilled and experienced workers in such trades can earn quite a bit more. Those who are willing to work as foremen or supervisors can earn a very good wage.

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Something that persons entering the business should be aware of is that entry level construction workers often make a very low salary. This is higher than other labor salaries but it’s actually quite low for skilled worker.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys industries including construction. The figures compared by the USBLS are fairly accurate but they can be two or three years out of date. For information construction labor salaries in other countries individuals will have to refer to governments there.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs003.htm

Construction Laborer Salaries

The most basic level of construction work is unskilled manual laborer. This work simply requires physical strength and endurance. It is usually backbreaking and low paid.

The average salary for a construction laborer in the US in 2008 was $15.96 an hour or $33,190 a year for all construction laborers. The salary for unskilled construction laborers was around $14.01 an hour or $29,150 a year.

This work can be easy to get but it is often seasonal in nature and unsteady. In many cases such workers are hired on a day by day basis.

Those who worked in nonresidential construction often made a slightly higher wage than those in residential construction. Persons working for temporary employment or labor agencies made the lowest wage around $10.80 an hour.

Skilled Construction Workers

The best way for construction workers to make a better wage is get a specialized skill of some sort. Specialty construction workers can have a harder time finding work but when they do work they make more money.

Drywall and ceiling tile installers made an average of $41,080 a year in 2008 which came to $19.75 an hour. Plasterers and stucco masons made around $19.84 an hour or $41,260 a year.

Building finishing contractors a category which includes carpenters, painters and others many of whom work on a contract basis made an average of $42,430 a year in 2008. Similar workers in residential building construction made $40,740 a year or $19.59 an hour. Those in nonresidential which included commercial construction made a bit more usually around $42,690 a year or $20.52 an hour.

The average wage for carpenters in 2008 was $20.98 an hour or $43,640 a year. The highest paid and presumably the most skilled carpenters made around $34.01 an hour or $70,750 a year.

Other Expenses

There are other expenses that can quickly eat up a lot of a construction worker’s salary. Construction workers should consider these when they enter the industry.

Something to consider is that many people in the skilled professions will have to provide their own tools. This can cost several hundred or several thousand dollars a year.

Independent contractors may have to pay for bonding or insurance which can cost several hundred dollars a year. In most of the United States independent contractors and those who work for smaller firms will have to pay for their own health insurance which can cost several thousand dollars a year.

Workers will probably have to purchase and operate a vehicle which cost well over $10,000 a year. Many construction workers also have long commutes which can add to costs. Others may need to travel which can also cost a lot of money.

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