Construction managers play a crucial role in the overall building process. Whether they work for companies or as independent consultants, construction managers plan, direct, and coordinate a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, schools, and hospitals. 

Construction jobs today are more complex than ever, and it takes solid professional management to bring even a relatively modest job to successful completion. Construction managers are involved with all stages of the planning, design, and construction in order to control the time and cost it takes to complete the project, while maintaining the quality of the construction.

Advanced positions in construction management involve such activities as defining the responsibilities and structure of the project management team, organizing and leading by implementing project controls, defining roles and responsibilities and developing communication protocols, and identifying the elements of project design and construction likely to give rise to disputes and claims.

Employment of construction managers is projected to increase faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. More construction managers will be needed as the level of construction activity continues to evolve due to population and business growth. The increasing complexity of construction projects will also boost demand for specialized management-level personnel within the construction industry.

Advances in building materials and construction methods, the need to replace portions of the nation’s infrastructure, and the growing number of multipurpose buildings and energy efficient structures will further add to the demand for more construction managers.

“As a student in the construction management program at Lawrence Tech, I have gained a superior educational background. This background, coupled with six years of construction experience, enabled me to put theory into practice and has given me exceptional insight into the construction industry.” David Yostos, senior