Stable Career in Construction Management?

[Moonstone]

I would like to know what are some stable career options in the field of construction management. I have done an MS in construction management and have been working for 2.5 years now. I have been on 4 different projects (on field) in 4 different locations already. The current project that I am working on is coming to and end and there are no other projects close by, so the only option I probably will have is to move to another project which is a 2 hour one way commute. I really need some input on what other options I can have within my field. Are there any stable options for me at all? Would further study help? Would taking up any business management or Project management certifications or such courses help me get ahead and have a stable carreer within my field. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[GregLocock]

I've had to move house for every single new job I have ever had.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[BJC]

Moonstone
Been there done that. Got friends all over the world. Got furniture that has traveled more than most people. Got some boxes not opened from two moves back.

My advise - hook up a big company ( preferably international) and move when you have to. That way you will have a chance of working on big projects that will let you stay in one place longer.
The other option is locating in an area where you can work projects without moving. The people I've known who do this wind up managing buildings etc. in a metropolatinan area. They don't move but don't seem happy building strip malls and k-marts.
I would spend time picking a company how they treat people and what kind of projects they do instead of where the job is. Remember there's only two good jobs. The last one and the next one.

 

[Ron]

Moonstone...you've picked one of those transient careers that goes where the work is. No way out of that, unless you are in a large city where your company is the "King" of CM for the area. Otherwise count on moving.

 

[FalsePrecision]

Cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Phoenix have such a booming construction activity, offer the option of finding new employment without changing location.

 

[born2drill]

Like Ron said, in construction you've gotta go where the work is. It's the nature of the beast. I have supers that live out of hotels and guys that drive 2+ hours each way EVERY DAY to go to work.

As you move up the ranks, you might be able to get yourself into a position where you could work out of a home office on a daily basis. I'm not sure that anything except more experience will help you with that. You've gotta do your "time in the barrel," as they say. If you want to stay doing construction management, the only suggestion I could make is to try to find a smaller, more regional CM to work for so your travel is limited.

Have you considered not working for a CM? There can more stability location-wise in other areas of the buisness, like working for a contractor as an estimator.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Moonstone - There is a way to accomplish what you want, IF you are willing to have a "flexible" definition of "construction management". Find an Owner that has a large infrastructure in a relatively small geographic area, then look for employment with that Owner. Entities such as coastal port authorities, regional banks, midsize to large cities, state government & electric utilities come to mind as candidates. Over the past 30 years or so I have investigated (engineering) employment with each of these examples. You would be surprised what you find - there always seems to be school construction to be overseen (state govenment) and "somebody" (at the banks home office) who is planning for, and "taking care" of branch bank construction. I put together a personally satisfying technical career with one electic utility company.

Other possibities could be the Owners of large airports or hospital complexes. Use your imagination to find others.

You may have other goals, but construction management (by yourself) of a $60 thousand dollar modification can be every bit as challenging as being a key team member on a $600 million dollar new facility - I have done both.

Best Wishes

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net