Is Construction Management Right For You? Building Your Future in the Uni Verse

Introduction

Ever imagined being in charge of a building site, where you’re the mastermind behind everything from blueprints to bricks? Welcome to the exhilarating world of Construction Management! It’s more than just a hard hat and high-vis vest (translation: those bright safety vests). It’s about planning, coordinating, and making amazing structures come to life. This career could open doors quicker than a construction crane lifts beams, but is it the right uni path for you? Let’s break down what construction management is all about and how it could shape your future.

What is Construction Management?

Think of it as being the conductor of a construction orchestra. Construction management involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction projects. You’ll work with architects, engineers, and tradespeople to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

- Project management techniques
- Building laws and regulations
- Cost estimation and control
- Site safety and risk management

It’s a career that beautifully mingles hands-on work with strategic planning.

How does Construction Management work?

So, how does it all come together? Construction managers have a variety of responsibilities:

1. Pre-Construction Phase:
You’ll be involved in planning and estimating costs. This includes budgeting and timeline projections to ensure the project stays on track.

2. Execution:
Oversee the day-to-day operations, manage teams and resources to keep everything running smoothly.

3. Completion:
Analyse performance, prepare reports, and ensure the project meets all quality and safety standards.

Each day could bring new challenges, keeping the role exciting and dynamic!

The Key Benefits of a Career in Construction Management

1.High Demand:
Australia’s construction industry is booming, with jobs for construction managers expected to grow significantly. The Australian Government's Job Outlook service projects strong future growth in this field.

2.Diverse Roles:
Whether you’re drawn to skyscrapers or sustainable housing, there’s a niche out there for you. It's a career that has space for creative people, as well as those who prefer structured work, like planning and numbers.

3.Career Progression:
Start as a project assistant and work your way up to a project director.

4.Salary Potential:
Competitive salaries with great opportunities for growth. Who doesn’t love a job that pays well, right?

Steps to Becoming a Construction Manager

Here’s your roadmap to becoming the next big thing in construction:

1.Choose the Right Uni Course:
Look for degrees in Construction Management or similar fields. Many universities offer Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs). CSPs are government-subsidised uni spots that make studying more affordable.

2. Get Some Hands-On Experience:
Intern with companies or pursue part-time jobs within the construction industry. Look into commercial building firms, residential developers, or infrastructure companies. Employers love seeing candidates who can get their hands dirty!

3. Learn, Adapt, Overcome:
Stay updated with the latest industry trends through workshops, seminars, or further studies. In this field, knowledge is power: construction techniques are constantly evolving, as are the development needs of society. 

Common Myths About Construction Management

Myth: Construction Management is only for people who love physics, engineering or building.

Reality: While a good grasp of these things can be helpful, this field is more about management, planning, and problem-solving.

Myth: There’s no room for creativity.

Reality: Construction Management requires loads of creativity in terms of problem-solving and design. Think sustainable building and innovative construction techniques!

Where to Get Help / Next Steps

Ready to lay the foundation for your future? Start by exploring universities that offer Construction Management degrees. Use Choosing Your Uni’s UniMatch tool to find courses tailored to your interests and location preferences. Don’t forget to chat with your school’s career adviser—they’re a treasure trove of information and support.

Where to Study Construction Management

Here is a list of most of the universities currently teaching dedicated construction management degrees at undergraduate level.

CQUniversity
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Campus: Online and Rockhampton

University of Southern Queensland
Course: Bachelor of Construction (Honours)
Campus: Toowoomba

Griffith University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management
Campus: Gold Coast

Bond University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
Campus: Gold Coast

University of New South Wales
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management & Property
Campus: Kensington

Southern Cross University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Campus: Lismore

Charles Sturt University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management
Campus: Bathurst

University of Newcastle
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management
Campus: Callaghan

University of Technology Sydney
Course: Bachelor of Construction Project Management
Campus: Broadway

Victoria University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Campus: Footscray Park

RMIT University
Course: Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)
Campus: Melbourne City

La Trobe University
Course: Bachelor of Business (Construction Management)
Campus: Melbourne

Deakin University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management
Campus: Geelong

Federation University Australia
Course: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Construction Management)
Campus: Ballarat

Swinburne University of Technology
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management
Campus: Hawthorn

Adelaide University
Course: Bachelor of Construction Management
Campus: City East

Murdoch University
Course: Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)
Campus: Murdoch

Curtin University
Course: Bachelor of Science (Construction Management)
Campus: Bentley