Construction project manager associations are an invaluable resource to aid project managers in keeping up to date on issues affecting the construction management field. Construction project managers are responsible for being knowledgeable on various aspects of the construction process, including the bidding process, obtaining necessary bonds, securing financing, scheduling labor and materials, resolving disputes and enforcing safety guidelines. As with other professions, the construction project management field is constantly evolving. Belonging to a construction project management association makes it easy for project managers to stay on top of these changes.

Ways individuals can take advantage of the education and training resources offered by construction project manager organizations include:

1. Completing professional development courses provided by construction project manager associations

2. Attending conferences and workshops given and attended by members of construction project manager associations

3. Subscribing to construction project manager associations publications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend construction project management organizations education and training development programs

Construction project management professional associations provide the tools necessary for you to be successful in your career by offering courses pertaining to accounting, contracts, bidding, project management, quality control, construction safety and time management. Students may receive certification from construction project management training associations upon completion of an established program.

I recommend: The Construction Management Association of America and the Construction Financial Management Association both offer professional development courses in the form of seminars, conferences, online courses and publications. The Construction Management Association of America focuses on the various aspects of construction management while the Construction Financial Management Association emphasizes the financial aspect of construction management such as accounting, cash management and construction taxation.

Attend conferences and workshops sponsored by construction management professional organizations

Conferences and workshops sponsored by construction management associations are an effective way to stay current on changes in the construction management field. Topics covered at these events include the state of the economy and its impact on construction, green construction, construction safety and compliance training.

I recommend: The Western Council of Construction Consumers and Sacramento Builders Exchange are two construction management organizations that host annual events designed to keep individuals informed on the issues affecting the construction industry.

Subscribe to construction management organizations publications to learn the latest techniques

Journals published by construction manager organizations or groups affiliated with an organization for project management allow individuals to keep up to date on the construction project management field, construction techniques and materials, economic impacts on the industry and professional development opportunities.

I recommend: Environmental Design + Construction focuses on green building construction techniques, with a goal to create buildings that are energy efficient and use environmentally friendly products in the construction process. The American Professional Constructor: The Journal of the American Institute of Constructors is a scholarly journal reporting on construction management and standards while encouraging individuals to contribute to the field.

Construction management professional organizations are made up of professionals who want to share their industry knowledge. They can support, network and provide solutions to others in the industry. Members can learn practical tips and solutions for developing sound projects with dependable, consistent outcomes.

Construction project manager associations link you to seminars and workshops that study emerging trends and challenges in the industry, enhancing your professional development. Through campaigns, you gain access to new business opportunities and a voice through the halls of Congress. Consider:

1. Using construction management professional organizations to network and grow professionally.

2. Evaluating the different construction project management association membership levels.

3. Taking advantage of educational opportunities and other industry resources through construction project manager associations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join a construction project management association to meet and learn from peers

Construction project management training associations range from international groups to statewide or local organizations. This group of professionals have one goal in mind: to advance the industry.

I recommend: Construction Industry Resource Training Network (CIRTN) brings together training directors in the construction business. CIRTN requires members to attend meetings at least once every two years. Meetings are a great place to post issues, new resources, questions, ideas and other items of mutual interest. Members take turns being the meeting host. Fill out a form if you'd like to get involved with CIRTN meetings. Join the Construction Innovation Forum (CIF) if you want to belong to a group that recognizes and encourages innovation. CIF takes NOVA award nominations by March 1 each year. Download the nomination form to participate. The NOVA award recipient is then honored at the annual banquet, a great event to network and meet others.

Pay annual dues to belong to construction project management training associations

Construction project manager organizations' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Evaluate the level of involvement you want your company to have to determine your fees.

I recommend: Project Management Institute (PMI) is a construction project management association that provides seminars, professional certification and educational programs. Register for membership, events and career development opportunities online. Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) promotes the growth and acceptance of construction management. Membership in CMAA includes more than 4,000 firms and individuals, including engineers, owners, architects, contractors, educators and students. CMAA membership categories include individual, corporate, owner, academic and associate and dues range based on the membership.

Use tools and resources provided by construction management organizations and benefit your career

When you join construction project management organizations, you get access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, a career center, courses and seminars; all allowing you to advance your skills, optimize performance, increase your knowledge and boost your career.

I recommend: Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) is a group of like-minded individuals who share your ideas. You'll have a place to turn and a voice in the construction industry. To improve your business, attend conferences, educational seminars and the Owner Training Institute. Search for job openings, by category, online. The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a nonprofit organization for project management that is dedicated to the recognition, development and enhancement of the building design profession. AIBD strives to establish and maintain professional relationships with other organizations within the construction industry. AIBD formed the National Council of Building Design Certification, which is the only Building Design certification program that's recognized nationally. Request a study guide online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use project mgmt associations' members list directory to find peers who are also members. This allows you to continue your networking opportunities.

Construction project management organizations are not just a collaboration of professionals who come together to share their knowledge and expertise. These organizations also take up various project management tasks and provide educational opportunities through training sessions and forums.

This guide will cover some of the key terms related to construction project management organizations that you will hear from professionals in the construction industry. This guide provides description for technical terms, such as construction software, construction managers and inspectors, ICPMA and CMAA.

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Construction software

Many organizations use construction software to manage different facets of the building process, such as documentation, scheduling the phases of building and managing the budget.

I recommend: For more information about construction software, you can read through information at Software Advice.

Construction managers

A construction manager is in charge of the construction project. The construction managers ensure the quality of the work done and the schedule for it. Their responsibilities include planning the project, supervising employees and handling billing issues.

I recommend: Read through the ‘Occupational Outlook Handbook’ by the U.S. Department of Labor for a thorough description of the job of construction managers.

Construction inspectors

A construction inspector inspects and approves various aspects of the construction process. At the end of each phase, the inspector asses the work done and the safety of the structure constructed.

I recommend: The Learning Pulse.com provides more information about a construction inspector.

CSLB (Contractors State License Board)

All construction organizations must follow certain standards that have been set by the Contractors State License Board. The CSLB regulates the entire construction industry, including construction project management organizations.

I recommend: You can learn more about this key term at Contractors State License Board.

Building codes

Building codes are the standards set forth by state and local governments to make sure a building is safe. There are building codes for most aspects of a construction project, including electricity, fire safety and the limitations of a building. A project manager needs to be aware of various building codes in different states.

I recommend: The International Code Council (ICC) (PDF) provides information about building codes that construction project managers need to understand.

ICPMA (International Construction Project Management Association)

The ICPMA is an association formed by various construction project management institutions. This association aims to share knowledge of construction project management worldwide.

I recommend: You can learn more about this association at ICPMA’s website.

CMAA (Construction Management Association of America)

The CMAA is a professional association for the construction industry. This association offers various conferences, forums and trade shows for its members in the field of construction and program management.

I recommend: To learn more about this association, you can browse through CMAA’s Web site.

Professionals looking for business marketing jobs, direct marketing jobs or online marketing work can turn to a number of resources geared to marketing professionals. When looking for a job, you should have a good idea of how your education and professional experience stack up against the competition. You should also have a good handle on the precise type of marketing job best suits your skills.

These days, marketing is a highly fragmented field with any number of niches. More than ever, advertisers need to seek out consumers to reach them on their home turf. This means advertising through social networks and clever product placement, in addition to traditional outlets like print ads and television. In addition to job postings, marketing jobs news and trends include:

1. News headlines that affect the marketing and advertising jobs outlook.

2. Salary surveys that outline compensation for comparable jobs in business marketing.

3. Surveys that collect information on typical marketing industry practices that you can use as a benchmark against your own skills and experience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research precisely what marketing employment entails

When reading a job listing and tailoring your resume and cover letter, it helps to know what specific types of tasks different marketing jobs involve. For instance, how much of the job requires writing? Product development? Training? Jobs in marketing can vary greatly, depending on an organization's structure and culture.

I recommend: The Bureau of Labor Statistics annual report on marketing outlines the qualifications and experience necessary to obtain a job in the industry, the types of jobs assigned to marketing professionals, and a growth outlook. The CMO Council publishes its annual survey of marketing practices and priorities. Pragmatic Marketing also puts out yearly statistics on the average marketing professional and marketing job responsibilities.

Read industry news while you browse for marketing jobs

There are a number of websites for marketing professionals that combine job postings with news, training opportunities, benchmarking and salary information, and more. As you look for a job, it's more important than ever to follow marketing trends. Often, news items point to which sectors of the marketing industry are likely to grow.

I recommend: MarketingCrossing has job search advice in addition to listing marketing job openings. Marketing Pilgrim has a job board, and also has a team of bloggers who follow Internet marketing news and trends at companies like Yahoo! and Google. You can find marketing jobs at MarketingSherpa, and read the site's blog.

Find out what marketing job opportunities are likely to pay

When looking for a job, navigating the salary question is tricky. Luckily, you can find out what your peers are making by researching a number of marketing salary surveys.

I recommend: AdvertisingAge publishes an annual survey of what employees make at advertising and marketing firms, and tracks marketing executive pay. Folio breaks down average base pay, and suggests which segments of the industry are down and which are robust.