The construction industry is responsible for building the structures that define our daily existence, including the residences, workplaces and public spaces where we gather and interact. It takes many moving parts to bring these structures from concept to completion, including architects, engineers and tradespeople, all of whom have important roles to play. Coordination and planning are just as valuable, and this is where construction managers shine.
Offering inspiration and serving as a central point of contact, construction managers keep projects running smoothly, emphasizing cost-efficiency, scheduling, safety and quality.[1] They translate concepts and intents into actionable steps that keep work progressing even amid considerable, difficult-to-predict challenges. This role can be deeply satisfying — there’s nothing quite like seeing a project take shape and knowing that your leadership made it all happen.
If you’re intrigued by this possibility, you may be driven to pursue a career in construction management. As you prepare to step into this promising field, consider which construction manager skills you need — and how you can also gain experience and networking opportunities. An Associate’s Degree in Construction Management can tie all these essentials together, lending you the support and confidence to launch a successful career in construction management. Keep reading to learn how SJVC can help you take the next step.
Why Choose Construction Management?
Construction management links technical knowledge with leadership skills and strategic problem-solving, using these diverse competencies to get structures built in an efficient and cost-effective manner.[2] It’s a deeply compelling field — one that offers the powerful satisfaction of seeing new builds take shape and knowing that you played a central role in making it all happen.
This industry is also satisfying because new challenges promise ongoing interest and scaling, calling for creative solutions along with planning, coordination and collaboration. Add rapid industry escalation and passion-driven opportunities for specialization or advancement, and you have the makings of a rewarding career that has a lasting impact on entire communities.
An Overview of the Skills You’ll Build in SJVC’s Construction Management Degree
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in construction management but aren’t sure where or how to start, begin by focusing on in-demand construction management skills. These skills represent the intersection of technical expertise (including materials, equipment and software) and leadership qualities, which can help you inspire teams and coordinate complex details. SJVC offers in-depth training to help you feel prepared to lead with confidence.
Technical Construction Knowledge
Construction managers cannot effectively guide projects unless they fully understand the technical details that shape each build. From materials to equipment and, of course, blueprints and building codes, many details must be addressed to ensure that proposed designs are feasible and that they adhere to strict standards.
Understanding Construction Materials
Many materials can shape residential, commercial or industrial construction projects. These materials may behave differently under various conditions, so it’s important to understand their various properties and limitations. SJVC delves into many materials used in contemporary projects, exploring, for example, concrete, masonry, metals and woods.
Interpreting Construction Blueprints
Blueprints form the basis for every build, providing a roadmap that takes construction managers and teams from concept to handover. To the outsider, however, these documents can feel like a blur of jargon.[3]
Breaking down the language of blueprints, SJVC’s Construction Management courses highlight the many details and specs that guide the planning process, revealing how various symbols and even elevations shape everything from sequencing to safety measures.
Learning Building Codes, Permits and Inspection Requirements
Building codes impose strict standards for how various structures can be designed, built or altered. Construction managers must understand these codes so they can adhere to them through every phase of the construction process. SJVC makes this easier by breaking down codes at the local and national levels. Construction Management coursework also details the permitting process, revealing which steps must be taken to obtain necessary approvals.
Project Planning & Organizational Skills
Planning is crucial to construction success. This determines how materials are acquired, how tasks are sequenced, and who is involved in this process. Planning also encompasses resource allocation, scheduling and risk management. SJVC delves into these and other concerns, providing insight into the tools and techniques that support optimal strategizing and coordination.
Organizing and Sequencing Construction Projects
It takes a precise series of tasks to get a construction project from predevelopment through close-out — and construction managers ensure that all these activities take place in the proper order. SJVC’s Construction Management courses reveal the intricate timing of the construction site, detailing each project phase along with options for tracking progress every step of the way.
Project Scheduling and Control
Many scheduling tools, methods and technologies help construction managers plan schedules that take labor, equipment and other resources into account.[4] From Gantt charts to the critical path method, there are many ways to keep projects running efficiently. These opportunities are explored in detail through scheduling-focused coursework.
Managing Construction Documents
Construction managers rely on precise documentation to verify compliance and track progress. SJVC courses can help you understand the necessity of documentation by breaking down the many specifications, contracts, submittals and reports involved in the construction process so they feel less overwhelming.
Estimating, Bidding & Budgeting Skills
Construction managers have a huge influence on the budgetary side of the building process. They help save costs by promoting efficiency and accuracy, but estimating and bidding are just as important — and they’re also critical topics within SJVC’s Construction Management curriculum.
Understanding Construction Math
The unique math of the construction site includes many complex calculations that relate to budgeting, material quantities and design dimensions.[5] SJVC contextualizes fundamental construction concepts within applied mathematics courses. These courses illustrate how core calculations are integrated into daily workflows, thereby supporting overall construction efficiency and effective budget management.
Preparing Estimates for Residential and Commercial Projects
Construction estimates deliver detailed cost projections, which support the strategic allocation of both funds and resources.[6] SJVC shows students how to prepare estimates for different types of projects, revealing how to interpret blueprints and specifications. Relevant coursework also discusses (and actively applies) industry-recognized techniques for quantity takeoffs and even the use of estimating software.
Developing Competitive Bids
Formal offers known as bids propose timelines, costs and scopes of work. Successful bids draw on construction expertise, informed by estimates, specifications and industry best practices.[7] It’s not easy to strike the ideal balance between competitive and realistic, but SJVC helps by showing students how to evaluate risks and use these insights to create well-supported proposals.
Leadership, Communication & Supervision Skills
Construction managers are capable leaders, bringing vision and authority to their everyday tasks while inspiring employees and stakeholders alike. This is where soft skills prove most vital, and, at SJVC, these are emphasized right alongside technical competencies.
Building Strong Communication Skills
Construction managers oversee sizable teams that include schedules, estimators, surveyors or even sustainability specialists. They must be capable of communicating effectively with these and other professionals. SJVC provides opportunities to practice tailoring communication based on various scenarios or audience needs.
Managing Stakeholder Expectations
Stakeholders set the stage for construction success, but they may hold distinct priorities or even communication styles that prompt misunderstandings. These issues can be avoided by accurately conveying project constraints and other issues that stakeholders may otherwise struggle to understand.[8]
Construction managers also provide updates to keep stakeholders in the loop about changes to the budget or schedule. SJVC helps future construction managers communicate with confidence, highlighting relevant negotiation tactics and other strategies that keep stakeholders aligned and feeling confident.
Legal, Ethical & Safety Awareness
The legal and ethical sides of construction serve essential functions. They ensure that structures are as safe, durable and sustainable as possible, all while promoting safety among those involved in the actual process of building these structures.
Understanding Construction and Labor Laws
Construction managers ensure that projects abide by the strict requirements from the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), along with environmental standards and building codes.[9] Adherence begins with understanding, which is why SJVC uses in-depth explanations and realistic scenarios to demonstrate what compliance looks like and why it’s so important.
Applying Ethical and Professional Standards
Construction managers should infuse ethical judgment into every decision. SJVC builds ethics into critical thinking by encouraging reflection on the ethical implications of various project decisions or on-site practices. Real-world dilemmas are built into activities and discussions, with future leaders learning how to integrate empathy and integrity while still striving for maximum project efficiency and strong budget management.
Digital & Technological Skills for Construction
Construction management is an increasingly tech-driven field, relying on advanced software to enhance planning, scheduling and communication. SJVC builds these technologies into construction management coursework, revealing how they’re used and how they can boost project efficiency and support strong communication.
Overall digital literacy is also encouraged, with the recognition that tomorrow’s construction managers will need to navigate a wealth of tools and data to continue meeting the profession’s evolving popularity.
Using Digital Tools and Software
SJVC introduces a variety of digital solutions designed to enhance visualization and improve scheduling strategies. Continued exposure to industry-relevant software improves technological confidence and adaptability, setting the stage for graduates to continue leveraging technologies to ensure that projects are completed on time and while meeting high quality standards.
Applying Project Management Tools
Today’s construction-focused project management tools support strategic scheduling while also aiding everything from communication to progress tracking.[10] SJVC introduces future construction managers to industry-current solutions, demonstrating how these can aid tracking and support informed decision-making. Specifically, tech-focused learning experiences show how construction managers can use advanced solutions to allocate resources, monitor timelines and manage budgets.
Start Your Construction Management Degree at SJVC
Ready to discover the thrill of seeing your hard work lead to completed buildings? Pursue your Associate’s Degree in Construction Management and gain the technical and leadership skills to make an impact in this growing field. SJVC offers support every step of the way. Learn more about our Construction Management degree and discover how you can reach your full potential in the construction industry.
Sources:
[1] De Francesco, E. “Construction Management: The CM’s Role on a Construction Project.” Procore. https://www.procore.com/en-au/library/construction-management
[2] Construction Management Association of America. “What is Construction Management?” https://www.cmaanet.org/about-us/what-construction-management
[3] Advanced Building Corporation. “Mastering Construction Blueprint Reading.” https://www.advancedbuildingcorporation.com/blog/construction-blueprint-reading-guide/
[4] Gray, T. et al. “The Ultimate Guide to Construction Scheduling.” Procore. https://www.procore.com/library/construction-scheduling
[5] ProfitDig. “The Seven Essential Mathematical Concepts Every Construction Contractor Should Know.” https://profitdig.com/blog/seven-essential-mathematical-concepts/
[6] Mase, D. et al. “Key Types of Estimates in Construction.” Procore. https://www.procore.com/library/construction-estimate-types
[7] Benarroche, A. et al. “The Construction Bidding Process Explained.” Procore. https://www.procore.com/library/construction-bidding-process
[8] Langston, J. et al. “Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics as a Construction Project Executive.” Procore. https://www.procore.com/library/project-executive-stakeholder-dynamics
[9] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Construction Management Industry.” https://www.osha.gov/cmaa
[10] Smith, J. “Construction Management: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Projects.” Contractor Plus. https://contractorplus.app/blog/best-construction-management-app
