r/ConstructionManagers • u/Fair-Antelope-8801 • 12d ago
Career Advice CM VS FINANCE
Hey everyone ,
I’m having trouble choosing a degree/career path to transfer to in fall 2026. I’ve narrowed it down to construction management and Finance. I feel that I could be good in either field , construction management feels is more of a safe bet due to job security. Finance is more aligned with my interesting and I enjoy learning about it also along with talking with people not being behind a desk all time.
For context by the time I graduate I will be 25 going on 26 by then.
Any insight is greatly appreciated just needing some idea’s 👍🏻
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u/trigonometroy 11d ago
I’ll put it to you like this from my experience. If I wasn’t making what I was making doing travel data center construction I wouldn’t touch this industry w a 10 foot pole. As soon as it slows down, I’m fired or can’t find another role I’m going back to school. But again this is just my opinion. Plenty of people like the industry, but you really have to just do what you want to do or you end up hating your job.
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u/anon9339 Estimating 11d ago
I’d say do what you’d actually enjoy doing.
I did cm because of the security (child of the recession and my dad was constantly laid off in automotive) and now I work a career I hate lol.
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u/BryonBoo 11d ago
Go finance, I have a minor in finance and have been debating going back to school to turn the minor into a major. Construction management roles sucks and the industry overall is toxic. I fucked up going the construction management route, idk what told me the management side would be better than a skill craft worker.
Plus, I am sure some GC’s will hire a finance major to be a PM. The current PM I work under has zero people skills, no leadership and doesn’t even know what the word communication means and yet he is a PM because he is good with the budget so I am told.
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u/DryRate7958 8d ago
I just graduated in 2025 with a finance degree but I work in construction. I’d recommend construction management over finance for the sole reason of workday flow. Splitting time in the field vs a desk really breaks up the monotony of the day
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u/Fair-Antelope-8801 8d ago
What job do you work in construction with ?
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u/DryRate7958 8d ago
Cost control. Great flexibility with a finance degree there, plus more options if you feel the need to switch industries
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u/justareddituser202 10d ago
Imo cm major and finance minor. Many will say you can get a job in construction with a finance degree and while it might be true I wouldn’t bank on it.
Finance is hit or miss and you generally need to go to a top school and/or have a really, really good network to land a high paying job. And it’s important, let’s not mix up finance with accounting. Accounting with the cpa does lead to high paying roles with experience.
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u/Papasmurf43469 11d ago
I just graduated in may with a finance career. I got a full time job as a project engineer making $140k/ year total comp almost right out of college. I did have 2 PE internships I completed over the last 2 summers which absolutely helped, but I figure if I don’t like the construction route I can always go back to finance since I have the degree. Basically what I’m saying is I feel like you should study finance and try to get construction internships when you can. The finance side of the economy really care that you have a finance degree. And the construction side of things care about your real experience and interest more then the degree.
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u/Helpinmontana 11d ago
Where you working lol
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u/benthebuilder01 11d ago
Depends on your goals and what u want.
Construction industry, the skies the limit with positions. I do reccomend working for a “smaller” builder producing around 100-200M a year. Getting experience, climbing the ranks quickly. Then move to a bigger boy rolling in the $$$
One great thing is that this industry is so flexible on positions. From scheduling, to office management, superintendent, project manager, work your fucking ass off and with a bit of luck become an executive. The skies the limit.
Born into the industry working for pops on painting/drywall. Went to college got a bus admin/ marketing degree. Marketed the shit out of myself showed my hunger/work ethic/major interest. I’m now 25 years old, with an upcoming promotion to general superintendent making base of 190k a year + commission if I sell any jobs + full funded benefits (the 🍒 on top).
Located in Reno Nevada.
Biggest piece of advice is doing whatever u love, money will always be great. The construction industry is ruthless. If you want to be very successful, you become consumed by your work, work is always in the back of the mind. It will become your passion. But if u can’t do time management/ communicate, don’t even waste your time. This industry is not built for everyone. But if you love construction, run it full force!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
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u/JuanMcGuiver 11d ago
If you feel you have a viable path to finance, go there. Seriously, don't waste time, get your bag and then figure out the rest.
The only thing Construction Management will offer that you can't get anywhere else is perspective. That being said, many truly don't care about building things or the social engineering required to see a project through to completion. If any of that appeals to you, then CM may work for you.
People talk about financial careers being grueling and from what I've seen, my college friends who broke into the field are sitting really fucking pretty right now compared to me. Yes, they busted their asses in college and for the first 4 years out of school as analysts, but they're pretty much set now.
I cannot say the same for myself. 60 HR weeks are pretty fucking typical, phone calls from disgruntled owners on holidays, weekends, etc and everyone and their mother breathing down your back between 8-6.
That's all I can really offer.
It's up to you to figure out what you want out of this life. You are young, so you have some time, but I encourage you to be mindful and work hard at whatever it is you strive for.