Masters in civil engineering or certificate in construction management.

[CivilTom]

Im in my first six month at my new job. I work at a large company and there are always leadership roles available. I'm wondering what would help me secure a supervisory engineering role. Ive competed one course so far for a masters degree in civil engineering. However the course material doesn't seem relevant and I feel I may be wasting my time. I work for a gas distribution company and believe courses in construction management would be more beneficial. I have found progrAms offering certificates in construction management and if enough credits are obtained I may compete a master in construction management. Any thought on making a transition toward this certificate? Is it a wise move?

 

[jpankask]

That is probably a question best asked of your manager and/or supervisor. (1) It lets them know you're interested. (2) They know best what your company is looking for. At my old company (manufacturing), most of the supervisors (including the engineering supervisor) only had a BS degree in english, or teaching or whatever. At my current company, advanced degrees are not required, but can be helpful. Most engineering supervisors do not have an advanced degree. Depending on the work your company does and the specific job you would be doing as a supervisor, a masters degree in civil engineering could be very beneficial. The construction management certificate will likely give you more skills that are valuable as a supervisor.

 

[coloeng]

About 10 years of experience and a PE license.

 

[hokie66]

If you are going to work in a design office, go for the engineering degree. If you are into construction, with all the travelling and moving around that involves, go for the CM course.

 

[oldestguy]

I find it difficult for anyone to be thinking about a leadership role when in such a role you have to know plenty more than those you are leading. Coloeng said it best in a few words.

Also, are you one of those that usually "took over" the group when something was to be done, or did you let others do the leading. Having a natural talent to be the "boss" in any endeavor helps a lot. As a child and teen ager, what position did you assume?

If you have this talent, then it will come naturally as you move along. If not, you may not be content in that role. I have found that in an management role I had, dealing with people is not simple. You can't boil it down to just taking a class.

Look at those in those leadership roles and assess which one developed what to be there. Is their experience what helped, or was the ability to get people to do what is required in a smooth manner.

I once knew a chemical engineer who was a great conversational, but was lacking in knowing the "mechanics" of his job. Result some nasty chemical mistakes. He could not bs his way out of trouble. You must know the details of what you are supervising.

Have you considered a course in public speaking? That helps when leading. Communication when leading is very important, but as the Chem E found out, that ain't all.