So, how do you get from starting out in construction to running your own projects?

There’s no one-size-fits-all career path, but there are a few key steps that can help you get there.

1. Get your qualification
A relevant qualification in construction, building, project management, engineering or a related field gives you the foundation to build your career on. But the learning definitely doesn’t stop once you graduate.

2. Start by learning the basics
Whether you start as a Junior CA, Contracts Administrator, Project Coordinator or in another entry level role, get across drawings, contracts, programmes, RFIs, variations, procurement and the day-to-day details that keep a project moving.

3. Get some real project experience
You can’t learn everything from a textbook. Getting involved in live projects and understanding how things actually work on site is where your knowledge really starts to develop.

4. Take ownership
Start with smaller packages, subcontractors or areas of a project. Become someone your team can trust to get things done without needing to be chased.

5. Understand the commercial side
Budgets, costs, variations, procurement and contracts become increasingly important as you move up. A good PM needs to understand how the project is performing, not just whether it’s being built.

6. Become a problem solver
Delays, design changes, procurement issues and unexpected site problems are all part of construction. The step up comes when you’re bringing solutions.

7. Build your leadership & communication skills
PMs work with everyone from clients and consultants to subcontractors and site teams. Being able to communicate clearly, negotiate and lead people is just as important as technical knowledge.

8. Keep progressing
A common pathway might look something like:

Junior → CA / Project Coordinator → Senior CA → Project Manager

The timeline will look different for everyone, and the type and size of projects and the location you work on can make a big difference.