One specialization in high demand today is construction management. A proficient construction manager who has completed a successful education in this field can build, plan, supervise, and coordinate architecture and engineering projects, advancing their careers. While learning this discipline, students obtain a significant amount of knowledge and develop some essential soft and hard skills to benefit their construction management careers. Here are the most valued skills for students who are willing to achieve a brilliant career:
Construction/project management software skills
Depending on the particular field, construction management software types and the details of projecting can change. Next, we will talk about universal software that is widely used by prominent construction managers today:
- MS Excel. This software is a basic one used to keep records and summarize project information, as well as change and keep order and distribution logs. Advanced Excel skills are a must, as an ability to create cell references, formulas, filters, pivot tables, and Gant charts will save time. Excel can be a data storage service if your company does not use cloud storage.
- It is used for modifying blueprints, which is a widespread issue for construction managers. Some necessary skills on this software will be beneficial.
- Adobe Standard. It is commonly used for markup on digital documents. It also can be helpful in communication with contractors.
Budgeting and estimating skills
Creating and tracking the project cost is one of the core skills for a construction manager. You have to learn the basics of financing and project investment. Skills in creating effective and realistic budgets, evaluating costs, and the ability to forecast future spending are essential.
Sourcing and evaluating engineering materials
Exploring and evaluating the comparison of numerous data sheets is the only way to get the right material. One of the significant construction management skills is collecting, summarizing, and briefly presenting data. You have to learn to understand and assimilate a substantial amount of new information and critically analyze sources.
Good communication skills and teamwork
Any experienced construction manager will confirm that students who are willing to succeed in construction management need to obtain strong communication skills. They will have to talk to different people who work together towards one goal. Learning psychology types and motives of people’s behavior will be helpful. An excellent way to practice speaking is engaging in public speaking. Excellent logical thinking skills will also be a plus, as they help to communicate effectively.
Leadership and management skills
As a construction manager has to operate within a specific working group and be able to lead this group, he or she requires strong leadership skills. To succeed in your career, you should start developing a talent to work alone without supervision effectively. This will help you to grow self-confidence and self-management skills that are essential for any manager. Effective leadership always starts from an ability to control and aim yourself.
Technical skills in construction and the ability to use specifications
You have to be aware of the basics of the different construction fields, which include understanding such objects as various residential and commercial constructions, hotels and hospitals, brides, etc. Also, the ability to read and understand numerous varieties of specifications and construction manuals will be beneficial.
Ability to forestall critical issues
In construction management, a mistake can lead to awful results. That is why one of the vital skills for a manager is to be aware of any possible issues when planning construction projects. Awareness of construction safety policies is also necessary. One of the construction manager’s primary responsibilities is continuous monitoring and evaluating different sites on their adherence to particular safety policies.
