Networking for Success: Top Professional Organizations for Construction Managers

The combination of advocacy, education and certification makes CMAA the premiere organization for Construction Management professionals.

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) – ACEC advocates for the entire industry on a state and national level. Many, if not most, civil engineering firms have a CM arm, so there is great value for Construction Managers in this organization.

Local chapters offer excellent networking and monthly luncheon meetings provide insight into the market and are a great venue for forging and strengthening relationships. The entire spectrum of the industry is represented at ACEC meetings.

Design Build Institute of America promotes and educates the industry and owners in the best practices for implementation of design build, P3 and IPD. Although many Construction Management professionals struggle to identify their proper role on the construction team, the owner’s representative role is still necessary. The more thoroughly the CM understands the DB process, the more effectively the owner’s interests can be protected.

American Public Works Association (APWA) – Municipal public works departments are represented at the state and national level by the APWA. Membership is open to all industry-related firms.

As budgets tighten and staffs shrink, many municipalities are taking advantage of Construction Managers to act as owner’s representative during the construction of capital projects. APWA is a great organization for networking and learning about issues from the owner’s point of view.

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) is an international organization that focuses on regional, and state transportation agencies. Membership is open to the entire A/E/C industry. While the core principles of the organization are to advance women in the transportation industry, men are welcome and comprise a large percentage of the membership.

Many transportation agencies contract the management and oversight of capital project construction to CM firms.  WTS is the best venue in which to meet the owners, learn about the projects and form the relationships necessary to win this work.

The Construction Management field is constantly changing and expanding.  When you are ready for the next level in your career contact Webuild staffing. They work with a large group of industry leaders who are interested in hiring quality Construction Management professionals.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com