How to Succeed as a Construction Project Manager

Project management requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. At Southland, construction project managers serve as the central hub of communication and coordination across complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) projects. 

On our podcast, Southland Speaks, Operations Managers Zeke Emmons and Bryce Barler shared insights into a day in the life of a construction project manager, advice for aspiring construction professionals, and lessons learned throughout their careers at Southland.

"It's almost like being the director of an orchestra," Zeke explained. "You're not playing any instruments, but it's sure important to the outcome." 

This orchestration involves multiple moving parts, not only providing technical oversight but leading teams, maintaining communication, and managing scope changes. 

"The project manager is really there to help organize all of it – getting equipment ordered, doing the financials, working with the customer," Bryce described. 

Beyond just managing tasks, construction project managers are problem-solvers who work to clear obstacles before they impact field operations. "I'm hopefully doing a lot of problem solving," Bryce said. "Trying to work issues out before the field gets there to make the field as efficient as possible. They want to be efficient more than anybody, so we've got to work to help make that happen." 

The path to becoming a construction project manager 

The path to project management often begins with uncertainty, but growth comes with experience and education. Early in their careers, neither Bryce nor Zeke knew much about construction, let alone mechanical construction. "When I first started going to college, I was going to community college, spent a little bit of time there in general education and wasn't really going any direction," Bryce recalled.

Similarly, Zeke remembers telling his interviewer early in his career, "I don't know what mechanical construction is, can you tell me a little bit about it?" 

For both Bryce and Zeke, that initial uncertainty evolved into clarity through a combination of hands-on experience and education, which deepened their understanding of project management and the construction industry overall. Bryce worked nights while attending school during the day, eventually completing his four-year degree. "I continued my education after work on the jobsite, going at nights to finish my education," he shared. 

While education and experience laid the foundation, the journey to understanding project management still presented challenges. As Zeke commented, "I remember hating my job for a period of time where I felt like I was bad at it. I didn't understand how things worked. The game hadn't slowed down yet." But with persistence and support from his mentors at Southland, these challenges became opportunities for growth. 

Project management tips 

According to Zeke and Bryce, success in project management requires several key traits and approaches, including the following:

Project management careers 

For both Bryce and Zeke, the most rewarding aspect of their careers has evolved from building complex projects to developing people. "Now one of the more rewarding parts for me is seeing some of the younger project engineers and project managers coming in and showing how they really care about what they're doing," Bryce shared. 

This focus on people development reflects Southland's commitment to growing project management careers from within. Whether starting as an intern or transitioning from another role, the company provides the support, mentorship, and challenges needed to help individuals reach their full potential in project management. 

"Take advantage of the internships," Bryce advised those starting their careers. "It's a great opportunity to see what industry you're getting involved with. We try to partner them up with other younger employees, like new project engineers, because they can relate." 

From uncertain beginnings to successful careers in leadership, these experiences demonstrate that with dedication, support, and a willingness to learn, a career in construction project management can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.