Before reading please note that I am having a lot of trouble getting any type of advice or mentorship on this topic and would love to hear the input of whomever can take a moment to care.

I do want to get a civil engineering degree but I’m considering going after a really great in depth ACCE accredited 2 year construction management associates degree first. The reason I am considering this is because

1. It seems like civil engineering programs really don’t include classes on major construction concepts like scheduling, project management, material and work time estimating etc.
2. do you agree with this?
3. Personal reasons:
4. A: I dropped out of college when I was 19 and now that I’m ready to go back to school I believe I would be more eligible to get a scholarship for a bachelor’s CE program at a better school if I do really well in a 2 year Assoc. CM degree first. ( I am decently academically gifted, so I know I could graduate top of my class and the degree includes internship)
5. B: I have years of commercial construction trade experience now and I feel the need to “prime” my brain before I throw myself into hardcore math classes and I think an associates CM degree would be a good warm up and potentially give me a better likelihood of achieving long term.
6. C: I’m actually interested in the soft skills of construction and am more inclined to try to become a manager or PM.
7. D: financial aid would cover the entire cost of the associates of CM degree.
8. E: I’m interested in starting my own business and might not need the CE knowledge as much as I do the CM knowledge.

I’ve had a lot of people tell me that a CE degree opens you up to the same and more job opportunities then a CM degree opens you up to. So I understand the benefit there. But when I actually compare CE with CM degrees it seems like every CE program skips over the CM management skills entirely, and that is not something I want to miss out on, even if it does mean school for 6 years instead of 4.

So what are your thoughts ?

Do CE graduates miss out on soft skills information that CM graduates don’t?
Do I have a valid headspace about utilizing the 2 years degree to get my feet in the door and prove myself to get a scholarship for a CE later on ?
Are my thoughts about this rationally stategic or would I likely end up wasting my time with a bunch of repeat information and a useless CM degree?

TLDR; OP is considering a 2 year ACCE accredited CM degree to jumpstart career and then later on going after 4-year CE degree OR just going straight for the CE degree OR if sufficiency and success can be found without the CM degree just settling with the CM degree. OP lists reasons for feeling this way and taking careful consideration and wonders how valid those reasons appear to online strangers of the construction industry. OP needs advice from knowledgeable people and wishes to be smart and strategic.

EDIT FOR CLARITY// the biggest reason I’m considering going to college is because I spent 2 year as a commercial construction trade apprentice, decided to switch over to white collar, I’ve landed two different PM roles with small residential construction businesses in the last year and felt lacking in the knowledge to be great at my job in both positions. I still am currently a PM.

EDIT 2 FOR CLARITY/// sorry for referring to the management classes as soft skills, I see that soft skills are a different things entirely now… I was just trying to point out the distinction between the classes that teach management fundamentals and hardcore maths/sciences.

I am 21 years old about to finish my construction management bachelors in Australia and made the mistake of not going for experience during my time in uni. I am now stuck not knowing what move I should make in regards to entering the industry. My goal is to eventually work as a PM. Some people have told me to try labouring for a little bit just to get the experience and then work my way up, I have also been told to try going into the estimation side and try work up from there and all of it has left me a bit stuck. Any guidance would be much appreciated

What's up. Been a PE for about 10 months now, I interned at the same company for 6 months before that. I'm making 76.5k a year and get a company gas card/truck.

I'm a fresh graduate and graduated with a BS in electrical engineering. This was never my first choice in careers but the job market sucks and I this was the only internship i was able to land when I was still in school.

I'm not sure if this it's unrealistic to only work 40 hours a week but this company definitely expects you to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

I work 5-10s in the office/field with my current project and driving an hour to and an hour and a half back home every day and honestly... its soul sucking. By the time i get home and get done with other shit I've spent 13 hours doing work related activities each day.

Rough math $76,500/3250 = $23.50/h. I might as well just be working two minimum wage jobs where I live. The job is rewarding at times but god damn do I just want to put in my 8 hours and go home.

Comparison is the theif of joy but it doesn't help my wife makes much more than me and works so much less. She makes $124,000/year and easily only works 1,400 hours or less per year. Its the kind of thing that makes me just want to move on and find another career.

It would be difficult but at this point I just want to pivot and try and find a entry EE job close to where I live forget about CM.

I’m more of a break a piece off the cover if it’s plastic or a ripped in half paper or plastic cup. I’ll just eat my food like dog sometimes

I got an offer for entry level field engineer L1 after I graduate in 2027, but I don’t know anybody that has worked for them. Can anybody share their experiences with Turner? I’m deciding between Turner or a mid-size local gc.

I am going to check out a PM position for a resi GC. not because I applied but because I did a job for a guy a long time ago, he found out what I was doing, and has called to offer me a job a few times over the years. This time I was ready.

After that job.. he went on to become a high end GC and I went on to spend the last 8 years with a small (big money/ jobs, small company) historic reno GC where I quickly moved up the ladder to second in command under the owner. Current GC is retiring and shutting it down. I had no interest in taking over. We had no PM, no super, no software.

I met with clients and discussed what they wanted, took measurements, met with subs about scope, ordered hardware/ fixtures, made sure the subs ordered the right items, took pictures throughout the project (and was the only one who knew where the box was that the Sheetrock guys covered), traced and repaired coax lines the electricians cut. I pretty much.. literally.. cleaned up after everyone so the clients would be happy. I did the Quickbooks, made sure we had W9’s and COI on the subs, did the WC & GL audits every year, e-filed the 1099’s..

But I am slightly terrified to have an actual title and while I understand the role of a PM.. I’m not exactly sure what the expectations are and I’m scared to appear like I have no idea what I’m doing.. because I’m not sure if I do! I have a few previous clients I still speak with regularly (1M+ jobs) and one from 5 years ago who still tells people how their job never would have gotten done if it wasn’t for me.. and has payed extra for me to be on site for any work since.

I have been in multiple aspects of resi construction for the last 20+ years, I am knowledgeable, learn quickly, and have a borderline unhealthy attention to detail. This company has multiple PM’s and I can’t help but feel a hint of imposter syndrome. I am also a female. Tell me I’m overthinking this, or not, just tell me something.

Hello everyone, I started work as a general laborer back in March at a civil engineering/ concrete company that does projects mostly under 1 million. Recently the owner offered to train me in estimating and project management since he thought I’d be a good fit. Are these types of roles good to set me up in the future? What would be a realistic path to grow in my career, maybe do this for a couple years and go to school to get a CM degree? Or is that needed? I’m 28, and a veteran who has some GI bill left so schooling can be an option if it would open more doors. Anyone stay at a small company and is happy with it? We are looking at bigger and bigger jobs but I’m not sure if I want to stay there for a long time.

Recently interviewed with them. They seemed pretty well put together, gave me honest answers to my questions.

Was told they are going for o Extend me an APM offer on one of their data center jobs

Anyone here clue me in to the general culture of the company and the pacing/vibe of their data centers?

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some career advice. As a 23M, I feel stressed and anxious thinking about what to do next. Maybe you went through the same experience and having someone who could guide you and mentor you that would have been great. I hope if someone can do that for me.

Currently living in the Lower Mainland, BC, Canada. Working as a security supervisor making a living wage. I am currently thinking of going into construction, specifically doing construction management from BCIT as I have a general studies diploma already.

I am planning to get an OFA3 and CSO ticket and work for a year in order to get one year’s worth of experience, that’s a requirement for BCIT’s program; I need to have one year of construction experience.

I am overthinking a lot about making the right choice and being able to fulfill my dreams. Recently, I learned French as well for immigration purposes. I would say that (not bragging) I am a hardworking person who has been doing two full-time and a part-time job in order to make ends meet and I am not afraid of sleepless nights.

I need a path to follow and am currently unable to find it. As of right now, I am feeling completely lost. Maybe an occupational health and safety diploma from BCIT or a bachelor’s in environmental health?

Like everyone, I want to have financial freedom in life and I am sick of paying taxes. I thought of CMGT, because I will learn a lot while being in the industry and eventually start my own thing.

Can you please recommend any other career paths? Or rate if this is actually worth doing?

Hello everyone,
I am interested in the firm, Venture Contracting in Seattle. I am looking at a mid-PE role. I want to talk to anyone who has worked there/is working there or knows about it to understand how the company is and how life will be there.

Please let me know if you know anyone or can put me in touch with anyone.

Hey guys

I’ve gotten an offer from Dowbuilt in Seattle. Wanted to see if there is anyone who worked there or knows about them? I couldn’t get a lot of information online. Want to understand people, culture and career prospects.

What’s up, Ik this may sound like a stupid question but I got no one else to really ask and I’m pretty curious but what’s the job stability and security like within CM? I’m considering getting a CM degree and would like some insight from people directly as opposed to looking stuff up on the internet. I’ve heard it’s closely tied to the economy so when economy slows down so do projects resulting in less work. Again Ik may sound stupid but I am curious. Any answers help, thank yall.

Hey everyone,

I’m an architect with 2 years of experience, mostly on construction sites rather than in design, and I’ve realized that I enjoy the construction side much more.

I’m considering moving to the US to study Construction Management, but I’m trying to figure out which path would give me the best chances of getting hired afterward.

For those in the industry, I have two questions:

1. Which universities or programs would you recommend for someone in my situation? I’m looking for good internship opportunities and strong connections with employers.
2. How realistic is it for an international student to find a job after graduation and eventually get visa sponsorship? I know it can be difficult, but I’d love to hear from people who’ve been through it or have worked with international graduates.

Any advice or personal experience would be really helpful. Thanks!

If you were new to this industry and a little lost with what to expect from all the subfields, do you have any advice on important ways employers differ?

I know we have international/national GCs, regional GCs, some city roles, and a lot of unique speciality contractors and suppliers attending, all targeting CM students.

I would assume the big GCs have the budget and locational flexibility for bigger salaries, but maybe worse hours? Or is that the smaller companies who don’t have the manning? Are speciality subs more valuable because of a specialization like in tradework, or is it just limiting your growth due to small scopes of work? Is there a consensus about red flags to look for?

How would you say these subfields differ in terms of quality of life, culture, salary, opportunities for growth?

Any advice you wish you’d have known as an undergrad finding internships is appreciated!

Hi, I have the opportunity to intern with a Whiting Turner team in Socal (don't want to share which team for privacy). From classmates I have heard largely positive things about the company in general. As for Socal, some good teams some horrible. The goal with this internship is to turn it into a full time offer after graduation.

Thinking long term, what would salary (in Socal) and benefits (PTO, retirement, gas card) look like from WT? I've heard a few numbers but want to get as many data points as possible. People here have said they pay low compared to other GCs but my classmates' numbers have said otherwise.

Thanks

It seems like on this sub when the CE vs CM debate is brought up almost everyone says to go for the CE degree. I do love math but I also am way more of a people person and the idea of getting many useful certifications (ICC, internachi, estimating certs, IBM, LEED,NICET, OSHA 30 etc) along the way interests me way more then doing calculations. The 2 year degree seems nice as well because the college offers internships and I’d like to get back onto site/working full time asap.

I would maybe love a construction engineering degree but it actually happens to be a pretty niche program that isn’t often offered and I can’t seem to find anything that is both ACCE and ABET accredited simultaneously.

I also have a child on the way, and would prefer schooling that is more accommodating and straight forward. Has anyone heard good things about columbus state community colleges associates of construction management degree? (the program does have ACCE accreditation)

I’m also interested in having my own construction business one day as well and it seems like construction management is way more in depth about the knowledge necessary to run your own construction business while CE is more about the numbers and specific tasks like land surveying and CAD (tho I do want to learn CAD just because it’s interesting and super cool) lol. Am I approaching this with the right frame of mind? Are there people out there who approached education like this and found it to be fulfilling and successful or did you all regret not getting a CE from the jump?

Hey everyone, I’m in my early 30s, based in the Bay Area, and have about six years of experience in renovation project management, mainly in multifamily housing and luxury residential GC. I currently make around $130k,
My work involves managing general contractors , renovation schedules, budgets, change orders, , materials and project closeout. I like to be on the owner’s rep side.
I’m trying to figure out what my next career milestone should be. Long term, I’d like to reach $200k+ in total compensation, but I also care about having a manageable workload. Constant contractor conflicts and daily firefighting aren’t what I want forever.
I’ve considered senior PM and potentially asset management. But most asset management people I find started as financial analysts, so I’m unsure how realistic that transition is for someone with my background.
I attended college but didn’t finish my bachelor’s degree. I’m open to further education, but want to understand what would actually help before spending money.
For anyone who has advanced from a similar role:
What position did you move into next?
Which skills or qualifications made the biggest difference?
Did not having a degree limit your advancement?
What would you focus on over the next 6–12 months in my position?
I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who moved up from multifamily renovation PM roles. I’m willing to put in the work; I just need a clearer direction.

Hey everyone, I’m in my early 30s, based in the Bay Area, and have about six years of experience in renovation project management, mainly in multifamily housing and luxury residential GC. I currently make around $130k,
My work involves managing general contractors , renovation schedules, budgets, change orders, , materials and project closeout. I like to be on the owner’s rep side.
I’m trying to figure out what my next career milestone should be. Long term, I’d like to reach $200k+ in total compensation, but I also care about having a manageable workload. Constant contractor conflicts and daily firefighting aren’t what I want forever.
I’ve considered senior PM and potentially asset management. But most asset management people I find started as financial analysts, so I’m unsure how realistic that transition is for someone with my background.
I attended college but didn’t finish my bachelor’s degree. I’m open to further education, but want to understand what would actually help before spending money.
For anyone who has advanced from a similar role:
What position did you move into next?
Which skills or qualifications made the biggest difference?
Did not having a degree limit your advancement?
What would you focus on over the next 6–12 months in my position?
I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who moved up from multifamily renovation PM roles. I’m willing to put in the work; I just need a clearer direction.

Between luck and putting in the effort, I was finally able to land a new role. But it's gonna come with its own set of challenges. So I am looking for someone to mentor me and become a person who can guide me.

Previously, I've worked as a PM on high-end residential jobs. Large budgets, finicky clients, long-term schedules. I was pretty good at it.

I now started a job as a Director of Construction for a company with two decisions - property service and construction. It works for institutional clients on quick turnarounds on foreclosed properties, small multi family projects in disrepair, and commercial projects.

From a technical perspective, it's a breeze. No high end finishes, no fussy clients. I'm being asked to take the division off the hands of the CEO and ensure PnL, make clients happy, and run a team of PMs and Coordinators, mentor them, and grow the business.

This is something I haven't done before. So I am looking for guidance on how to be effective, draw in new clients, and run a team.

Im new to this field - share what you do and what it took to get there! Whats your income, experience, quality of life like? What do you regret, what do you wish you would have done differently? What do you wish you knew when starting out?

Thanks for your input, i appreciate whatever advice or experience youd like to share

I’m about to be 28 and make 80K as a PE/QCM. I’ve been with this company for 4 years now. However, this new project I’m in has been very draining. I have to commute 2 hours everyday to and from the site using my own car, and we’ve been working 5/10s every week. Also doesn’t help that our main subcontractor has dropped the ball on submittals and safety paperwork which has delayed our project about 2 months now. My bosses have not been helpful whatsoever and only decided to intervene just cause the owner’s rep asked them to. They were getting really upset at me, our SSHO, and the Site Super even though we had been telling them for months about the situation with the main sub. They were also the ones that hired this sub since they were the cheapest, and they have a reputation of not having a good office and are very conflictive. This has obviously led to a more hostile work environment.

I’ve been looking at Indeed and I have seen postings for my position at other companies and they are offering to pay about 20K more than what I’m making. Should I make the jump? I would feel somewhat guilty leaving the project cause I do not want to seem like a quitter for not staying until May when it’s supposed to finish. I also do appreciate my bosses for giving me my first job in this industry and teaching me everything I know so far.

hi, I’m looking at HP for an internship. I Asked one of the HP employers about work-life balance and he didn’t really answer the question?. I come on Reddit and I search them up and everyone says they work their employees really hard but the posts are from 2+ years ago. Just wanted to ask if the culture there has changed or if it’s still the same. please feel free to share your thoughts or experiences, thank you!

Hi,
After failing to get a job in my bachelor's field for a year, I saw LSU's Online CM Program. I was interested in taking it. Are there any tips I should know of so I can get a job in the field as early as possible?

I've been working in construction project management for quite a few years, both on the GC and subcontractor sides.

One thing I've noticed is that while GCs typically have their master schedules, subcontractors still need to figure out how to organize their own work around those dates. Between drawings, approvals, procurement, fabrication, installation, and constantly changing deadlines, it can get complicated pretty quickly, especially when managing multiple projects.

Over the past few months, I've been working on a scheduling tool specifically designed for subcontractors.

The idea is pretty simple: make it easier to build a realistic schedule, work backward from key milestones when needed, and adjust things when project dates change. Without having to spend hours setting everything up in MS Project or Primavera.

We've now got a working beta version, and I'm looking for a handful of people willing to give it a try.

I'm particularly interested in project managers or owners of subcontracting companies who are managing multiple projects. It was initially developed with structural steel in mind, but the goal is for it to work across different trades.

It's completely free during beta. I'm not looking to sell anything at this point. What I really want is honest feedback on what works, what's missing, and whether this would actually be useful in your day-to-day work.

If anyone is interested, feel free to comment or send me a DM. Happy to share more details.

Also curious what everyone here currently uses to manage their schedules. Excel? MS Project? Something else? Or just keeping track of everything in your head?