Construction is a broad and lucrative field that involves everything from major home renovations and repairs to building infrastructure. However, some complain that the field is way too challenging. Since it requires on-site fieldwork and physical labor, complaints are understandable. But again, which career requires no effort and energy?
If you’re wondering if a career in construction is your forte, this article will help you figure it out. Here’s what you need to know:
Construction manager
The first step towards your dream career is to get a degree, of course! Good thing that the world has gone extensively digital, and now you can get a degree from the comfort of your home. An online construction management degree is all you need to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Construction management might be your thing if you are a team leader and an excellent coordinator. You will oversee construction on the field, plan the design, set budgets, and ensure everyone sticks to it. You will also ensure the work is completed on time and without unnecessary delays.
Surveyor
Surveyors are responsible for everything from providing professional advice to the construction companies to ensuring the new property is by legal regulations and specifications. Before beginning any construction project, especially houses, a surveyor measures the land, ensures the boundaries are correctly demarcated, and conducts detailed research on the land and its title. That includes checking if the legal title is registered and undisputed.
The job of a surveyor is indeed one of the most important ones, and the hefty annual salary of $50,000 to $75,000 makes up for all the hard work which goes into it.
Cost estimator
If you can do math at the back of your hand, it is your time to shine as a cost estimator. As the job title suggests, you would be responsible for calculating the construction cost, including any potential cost you may incur. By visiting the construction site and analyzing the work, you would gather information and calculate estimates accordingly.
Be sure to verify the information you have collected to make estimates. Because, to be honest, there is nothing more a client would hate than being told that the initial estimate was wrong. They would not welcome the surprise pleasantly.
Safety manager
Without a safety manager at the construction site, imagining what chaos will unfold is pretty easy. By ensuring that the safety rules and legal safety regulations are complied with, they work to minimize the risks of an accident. The responsibility is enormous because negligence in your work can mean somebody losing their arm or even their life. Not an ideal situation, to be honest!
As a safety manager, you will conduct on-site visits, conduct safety audits as often as every day, and oversee whether all safety equipment is provided for protection. You’ll be responsible for implementing OSHA guidelines and relevant safety plans on the construction site. The last thing you would want is somebody losing their leg on your watch, which could lead to legal trouble.
Architect
If you are creative and innovative, you might want to consider a career in architecture. From designing buildings, libraries, churches, and malls, the opportunities are endless. If you reach new heights of success, you might even work with other architects to design airports and highways. What more could you want out of your career? Bring that artist inside you and give life to what you’ve been drawing on paper since childhood!
Civil engineer
Some people confuse architects with engineers, and understandably so. Because the job descriptions of both sometimes overlap, confusion is inevitable. However, one of the significant differences is that while architects work on pre-construction designs, civil engineers ensure that the design is given life. Civil engineers also oversee the construction phases and ensure any delays do not meet them.
As a civil engineer, you will be tasked with verifying that there are no practical flaws in the design, the goals set are realistic and achievable, and calculating the project’s impact on the environment.
Solar installer
If you are not a huge fan of global warming and do not prefer the world to run out of crops, a career in solar installations could be your go-to option. Solar panels are sustainable as they turn sunlight into energy, so you do not need electricity.
As a solar installer, you will be responsible for taking proper measurements, checking if the panels fit on the roof, and whether the solar panel is correctly connected to the building’s wiring system. Since the world started witnessing the impact of global warming and understanding the importance of sustainability, more and more people have started shifting towards alternate energy sources. Hence, now solar panels are in demand. Make sure that you make the most of this opportunity to make money.
Elevator technician
Elevators are only truly appreciated when you have to climb up a flight of stairs. From working small-time projects installing elevators and lifts at a building, or big projects like installing a chairlift, the opportunities are endless. Although the elevator technician’s job is challenging and hectic, the salary makes up for it. You can earn upwards of $51,000 per year as an elevator technician.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in construction is challenging and requires physical strength and excellent soft and hard skills. It is alright if it is not your cup of tea. However, not only is the work high in demand, but it is also suitable for your bank account. So pick a job from the abovementioned ones, map your career path, and start earning.
