While many industries require a formal degree, construction management offers a unique pathway for those who didn’t go to college.
Believe it or not, learning how to become a construction manager without a degree might be easier than you might think!
To help you with your research, here’s some information on the eligibility requirements for construction management and how to get the necessary experience to work toward your first position.
Or if you’re ready to jump into learning about the ins and outs of the job, enroll in our construction management course.
Do You Need a Degree for Construction Management?
It depends. Some employers, especially larger construction firms, require a bachelor’s degree at minimum. One reason for this is that these firms usually work on larger projects. However, there are construction companies that don’t require a degree. In fact, most simply look for anywhere between 3-5 years of experience in construction. However, companies specializing in civil construction projects may expect upwards of 10 years of experience.
So do you need a degree for construction? Not necessarily, but it depends on what your goals are. If you want to do construction management for a small-to-medium-sized company, you may not need one. However, if you want to work in a specialized field, you may need a bachelor’s degree or even certifications.
Tips for How to Become a Construction Manager
Figuring out how to become a construction manager without a degree is doable. In most cases, it comes down to experience and an earnest interest in the career. Here are some tips on how to get into a construction management position from scratch.
1. Ask for Guidance from Someone in the Job
Sometimes, it’s about who you know. The best person who can tell you how to do what you’re looking to do is someone who has been in your position.
Try to find a construction manager who doesn’t have a degree and ask them what they suggest. They likely have a good idea of what to expect, what hurdles you may have to overcome, and what specific experience companies need. There is nothing wrong with reaching out to people at local companies and telling them you want to learn more about the job.
2. Cultivate the Skills Necessary for a Construction Manager
There is more to working a construction site than knowing how to use power tools. In fact, construction managers organize many different parts of a project, so they need to have a variety of skills.
These include:
- Math,
- Budgeting,
- Communication,
- Attention to detail,
- Risk management,
- Problem solving,
- Flexibility, and
- Leadership.
Learning how to get into construction management is going to work best for people who have an easy time communicating with and motivating others. So if you like teamwork and managing a lot of moving parts, this may be an ideal career for you.
3. Get Experience in an Entry-Level Construction Position
The best way to learn how to become a construction manager without a degree is through experience. Due to the hands-on nature of construction work, you need to get into the field as soon as possible. When you do, you’ll be surrounded by mentors who have experience doing the work. This is a great opportunity to tell them your goals in case they have the resources to help you.
4. Look for a Construction Management Apprenticeship
Construction management is a career field that utilizes apprenticeships. In fact, the US Department of Labor is actively placing applicants in construction apprenticeship programs regularly.
According to their most recent figure, there are more than 197,000 registered apprentices in the construction industry, a 72% increase over the last eight years. This means that demand is high for this industry, and those looking to work toward being a construction manager have an opportunity to find their niche.
5. Work Toward Certifications If Needed
If you want specialty work, you may have more opportunities if you have a certification. While there are several types of certifications out there, one of the most popular is for being a certified construction manager or CCM.
The Construction Management Association of America offers this certification for non-degree applicants, but the requirements vary depending on your work history. Keep in mind that this route isn’t necessary to get your first construction manager position. However, it can open the door to more opportunities.
Stratford Career Institute Can Teach You the Basics of Being a Construction Manager
Interested in becoming a construction manager but have little to no experience? If so, Stratford Career Institute’s construction management course is the perfect choice to begin your education! In our curriculum, we cover all the basics of the position, from job site management and estimations to pricing and project delivery. To get started, request more information or enroll today!
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