Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you have the ability to visualize a project and then plan accordingly to make it come to fruition? Do you not mind working hard to create something from nothing? If you said yes to each of these questions then maybe it’s time for you to consider pursuing a career in construction. Keep in mind, in this industry you will likely be working to meet deadlines, which may require you to work longer hours or even weekends. It will be important that you can work under pressure, pay attention to detail, and that you know how to work with state or federal regulations. Although there are no specific requirements that you must meet in order to be qualified to work in the construction industry, by obtaining licensure or completing some level of formal training your job opportunities are likely to be more plentiful. Get your contractor license from a state approved school.
It is common for individuals who are interested in working in the construction area to pursue a degree program in construction management. Most traditional colleges and universities offer these programs at a bachelor’s degree level and a master’s degree level. A bachelor’s degree program will be designed to teach you about construction processes, construction materials, and how to effectively operate a construction business on a day to day basis. Your degree program may also teach you about the practices of contracting, how to estimate a project, how to accurately plan and organize a project, how to interpret blueprints, and about OSHA standards that will apply to your construction project.
Generally speaking, you can expect to complete classes like: design, construction materials, drafting, surveying, and management. Should you decide to pursue a master’s level degree you will be training to enter a supervisory position in the construction industry. You can expect to complete classes like: construction safety, construction engineering, construction materials, labor relations, and contract law. Take a few minutes and check out the schools listed on our site. Feel free to request a complimentary information packet that will detail what the schools have to offer you in your educational pursuits. As a bachelor’s degree holder it would also be possible for you to seek employment as a building inspector, as a code enforcement officer, as a purchasing agent, as an estimator, or as a project manager. With a master’s degree you will be able to work in a senior level position for any type of construction project. Start by taking your contractor courses from an accredited college. Get the most out of your educational experience.