OVERVIEW:
CAREER PATHS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT POSITIONS OVERVIEW:
CAREER PATHS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT POSITIONS
While certainly helpful, a college degree or specialized construction craft skills may or may not be needed for all the occupations described on the following pages. Yet, theseposition§ are all clearly essential to the successful operation of most if not all construction firms. Indeed, in construction firms that have Chief Financial Officers, these individuals are usually considered as part of top management.
Advancement for those in administrative and support positions is possible in two ways. First, there is always the opportunity for increased responsibility and commensurate financial reward as personal skills improve. Second, there is the possibility of promotion or transfer into another position for those who excel and wish to broaden their horizon For example, through experience and continuing education a bookkeeper could progress to accountant and then to chief financial officer. Secretaries can become executive secretaries who can become office managers. Expediters who excel in scheduling and resource allocation can, if they are inclined, seek additional, challenging field supervisory positions. Construction is an industry where personal dedication and hard work remain the key to advancement.
In addition to the positions discussed in this section there are some other important functions within a construction company such as human resources and risk management, and careers also exist in these areas.
Risk managers are most commonly found in large construction firms. With increasing competition, increasing insurance costs, and a more sophisticated business environment, the functions of the risk manager are becoming more important. A risk manager is involved with almost every aspect of a firm's operations - estimating, contract writing, insurance, claims administration, safety, and more. Large construction companies may split these areas.of responsibility, especially in the field of safety, with someone responsible specifically for safety.
Human resource management is becoming increasingly important. - It usually includes typical personnel functions such as salary, benefits, policy administration recruitment, training and development, labor relations, and regulatory compliance. Large companies may have a number of people to support these various functions. With increasing regulations, and the importance of employee rights and training, the function of human resource management will take a stronger role within companies.
Exciting, permanent, well-paying careers exist in both the home office and the field for those who like to deal with all kinds of people; who are detail oriented,- who are not afraid to face ever-changing challenges.
Page updated: March 26, 2000