What to expect a career in building and project management?

[Stressfullsociety]

Hi Everyone,

I will graduating in May 2014 from my diploma in Environmental Science. It's time for me to make decision on my career in future. Due to the fact that Science related jobs are really limited in sg, i am currently making a decision to study on bachelor of building and project management in Unisim as a part time degree.

I would like to ask for more advises on what are my career paths be like when i finished my degree?

Should i look for private or gov sector jobs and what are the expected starting pay?

Best Regards!

Not sure if SIM degrees are recognised by MNCs or the public sector.

[Stressfullsociety]

Hi,

Any idea what to expect from building and project management when i graduate from the degree if it was recognised by MNCs or the public sector?

One obvious career option is building facilities mgt. Plently of jobs available.

Project Management lor (usually involves running construction/civil engineering related projects).

Apart from the usual suspects (civil/environmental/mehcanical engineering grads), i know agenicies like LTA also accept Project & Facilities Mgt graduates to be engineers with them.

[Stressfullsociety]

Hi,

Thanks for the info! Apart from this, any idea how is the starting pay be like? and the career prospect in this field?

[aspenx]

Originally Posted by Stressfullsociety

Hi,

Thanks for the info! Apart from this, any idea how is the starting pay be like? and the career prospect in this field?

I have never heard of the degree. Looked at the curriculum and felt that it's very "general yet specific".

I've worked on construction projects for internship (LTA) and my first job.

1. LTA will definitely not take you in as an engineer based on this degree

2. You need the technical background (M&E and BAS knowledge and potential to pick them up fast) to have a good project role in any company. I reckon you will definitely have to show a lot more drive/interest and self-learning than engineering grads

3. Facilities management will be easier to get in. However be warned. Most facilities jobs are not suited for ambitious people. It is generally considered a "retirement" job by most people in the industry. 1 year as a main contractor could give you a lot more exposure than 2 years sitting in the office as a facilities executive etc

4. Can't advise on salary as I am not familiar with the degree. Not to be a wet blanket but a engineering degree will probably be more marketable in construction. Project management is normally learned on the job for entry positions in this field

5. You shouldn't narrow your focus to just the public sector and MNCs. Some small contractor firms can provide almost as attractive a pay package and a lot of exposure if you can take up the challengeS AND excel. Disclaimer: the project management portion of your degree will probably be largely unutilized

My 2 cents. Hope it helps.

[Stressfullsociety]

Originally Posted by aspenx

I have never heard of the degree. Looked at the curriculum and felt that it's very "general yet specific".

I've worked on construction projects for internship (LTA) and my first job.

1. LTA will definitely not take you in as an engineer based on this degree

2. You need the technical background (M&E and BAS knowledge and potential to pick them up fast) to have a good project role in any company. I reckon you will definitely have to show a lot more drive/interest and self-learning than engineering grads

3. Facilities management will be easier to get in. However be warned. Most facilities jobs are not suited for ambitious people. It is generally considered a "retirement" job by most people in the industry. 1 year as a main contractor could give you a lot more exposure than 2 years sitting in the office as a facilities executive etc

4. Can't advise on salary as I am not familiar with the degree. Not to be a wet blanket but a engineering degree will probably be more marketable in construction. Project management is normally learned on the job for entry positions in this field

5. You shouldn't narrow your focus to just the public sector and MNCs. Some small contractor firms can provide almost as attractive a pay package and a lot of exposure if you can take up the challengeS AND excel. Disclaimer: the project management portion of your degree will probably be largely unutilized

My 2 cents. Hope it helps.

Hi,

Thanks for the really good points. I might need to take up some certification from BCAA to improve my technical knowledge.

[Stressfullsociety]

Anyone have other inputs? Please feel free to share. Thanks!

[aspenx]

Originally Posted by Stressfullsociety

Hi,

Thanks for the really good points. I might need to take up some certification from BCAA to improve my technical knowledge.

Probably the only cert from BCAA for entry level non-worker individuals will be the Safety Supervisor course. Company will send/sponsor you for this if required to go on-site. Not necessary to take it up yourself imo.