Construction PM

[Babber1]

I'm keen to get into construction - ideally in pm on small works side.

In theory I have a lot of transferable skills from a life in blue chip corps (mostly office based) - organised, team working, budget management, client service/sales, working with lots of internal and external teams etc but it's in different sectors.

I think it's a catch 22 scenario in that I need some direct relevant experience to get some experience in the sector plus I have usual constraints of wife, kid, mortgage etc

Pretty common dilemma I know - just wondered if anyone had made a similar transition?

Thanks

[GT03ROB]

It would't be straightforward.

PM in many industries e.g. IT, is basically an administrative function. Within engineering/construction it is nothing like this. There is an expectation that you have a technical understanding of what is being done. You don't need to be a technical expert, but you do need to understand the issues. Experience within the industry is critical & expected. You do not go straight in to project management. You need to do something else, prove yourself then move into it in due course. Typical routes may include QS'ing, planning, site engineering, contracts.

For reference i have 6 project managers reporting to me managing 7 design/construct projects for an oil company in various stages from preliminary design to commercial closeout. Let me know if I can give you any further assistance