Whether you are currently in a construction management degree program or recently graduated, you may have questions about your professional outlook as a construction manager.

If you’ve been asking yourself and other people, “What can I do with a construction management degree?” we have the answers you’re looking for.

Get Ready for an Exciting Career in Construction

Discover the following professional opportunities for construction management graduates upon completing your degree program.

1. Manage Commercial Construction

Commercial construction is one of the most important aspects of a thriving economy. When new businesses open their doors, the local and national economies reap the benefits.

However, long before there are business hours, budgets, and profit and loss statements, a construction site needs a leader.

Commercial construction projects come with a unique set of challenges, so having someone who knows how to solve problems is essential to a successful building project. Completing a construction management degree program will provide you with the skills needed to maximize your potential in the world of commercial construction.

2. Oversee Residential Construction

There are various types of construction projects to manage. What are you passionate about? Where are there job opportunities in your area? Depending on the construction market in your region, there may be a higher demand for residential construction managers than for commercial construction managers.

Residential construction projects require a great deal of oversight, which puts a lot of demand on residential project managers. If building homes, apartments, and other residential complexes is a good fit for you, consider opportunities to apply for residential construction management jobs.

Suppose you pursue a career as a residential construction project manager. In that case, you will work closely with homeowners, architects, local inspectors, and other professionals who are a vital part of the home-building process. Having a construction management degree goes a long way to help prepare you for a residential manager job.

3. Licensed Inspector

Before homeowners can receive their keys or business owners can open their doors, the buildings they’re going to inhabit must undergo a professional inspection process. This reality is valid whether the building is constructed from the ground up or the home/business is purchased.

Depending on the type of loan being used to finance the project at hand, inspections may be required to take place during the construction process. While each U.S. state has its own requirements for licensure for inspectors, a degree in construction management can give you an inside track in pursuing a career as a licensed building inspector.

Inspectors ensure that the buildings are built according to local zoning and coding requirements to protect the safety of those who will occupy the space. When a building is constructed correctly, it can be safely used.

4. Sustainability Consultants

Improving sustainability efforts is a critical area of focus in the construction industry.

Due to the type of work that goes into any construction project, some damage is done to the earth. It’s unavoidable that ground must be excavated before a foundation can be poured. In most building projects, trees must be cut, and other parts of the environment are impacted. Moreover, machines rely on fossil fuels, which leads to emissions. More and more companies are looking for ways to maintain their productivity levels while doing what they can to lessen their environmental impact.

A professional with a graduate degree in construction management can help companies elevate their commitment to sustainability. Serving as a sustainability consultant could be a great way to use your construction management degree to establish instant credibility with clients. Being a sustainability consultant means that you can help construction companies lessen their carbon footprint while still getting the project done.

5. Become a Field Operations Engineer

Field operations engineers are some of the most influential people involved in a construction project of any size.

In addition to working in residential and commercial construction, these engineers can oversee large projects that involve infrastructure, such as bridge construction, highway expansion, and more. They also specialize in rehabilitating existing buildings in a way that restores functionality while ensuring that local and national laws are followed.

It’s also important to note that a field engineer oversees projects in a way that ensures that they are meeting environmental standards. No matter what type of project is being taken on, it’s vital that state and federal environmental regulations are followed. Not only does this ensure that the company in charge of the project isn’t fined, but it also helps protect the environment for future generations.

Bonus Tip: Become Certified Through AIC

Want to increase your marketability in the construction industry? We recommend becoming certified through our organization, the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). Since 1971, we have promoted individual professionalism and excellence throughout the field of construction.

We offer two levels of certifications for construction managers to validate their expertise in the construction industry.

– CAC (Certified Associate Constructor) Level I certification: we offer this certification to individuals preparing to graduate from a construction management degree program. We partner with many accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. to provide the CAC exam as a graduation requirement.

Alternatively, suppose you recently obtained your construction management degree or have a qualifying amount of industry experience. In that case, you can take the CAC exam to become certified as a manager of complex construction works.

– CPC (Certified Professional Constructor) Level II certification: we offer the CPC certification to highly experienced professionals in the construction industry. If you are preparing to graduate from a construction management degree program or recently graduated, you will need more time to be ready to sit for the CPC exam.

However, you can include the exam as a future milestone on your career path as a construction manager. Once you have amassed significant experience and knowledge, you can return to AIC to sit for the exam.

Join AIC: Prepare for Future Success Using a Construction Management Degree

One of the best ways to get the most out of your degree is by becoming involved with AIC. We provide construction managers with the resources they need to advance in their careers, network with other construction managers, and find opportunities for continuing education.

You’ll also be able to ask other industry professionals your question of, “What can I do with a construction management degree?” to learn from those who have gone before you managing construction projects.

We invite you to become an AIC member to prepare for success in the construction industry. Learn why now is the time to join AIC!