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Job outlook for project superintendents in the United States
Project superintendent job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected project superintendent job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 36,400 new jobs for project superintendents are projected over the next decade.
Project superintendent salaries have increased 9% for project superintendents in the last 5 years.
There are over 215,725 project superintendents currently employed in the United States.
There are 71,449 active project superintendent job openings in the US.
The average project superintendent salary is $97,517.
Are project superintendent jobs in demand?
Project Superintendent job and salary trends over time
Project Superintendent jobs over time
Project Superintendent job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 215,725 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 271,468 | 0.08% |
| 2019 | 281,199 | 0.08% |
| 2018 | 207,429 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 196,672 | 0.06% |
Average project superintendent salary over time
Project Superintendent salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,517 | $46.88 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $95,590 | $45.96 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $93,694 | $45.04 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $91,687 | $44.08 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $89,609 | $43.08 | +2.2% |
Project Superintendent jobs by state
Most common states for project superintendents
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 319 | 46% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 177 | 23% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,079 | 19% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 340 | 18% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 232 | 17% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,634 | 16% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 487 | 15% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 319 | 15% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 256 | 15% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 127 | 15% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 839 | 14% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 826 | 14% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 420 | 14% |
| 14 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,545 | 13% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 884 | 13% |
| 16 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 170 | 13% |
| 17 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 816 | 12% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 359 | 12% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 892 | 11% |
| 20 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 552 | 11% |
Most common cities for project superintendents
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | 8 | 4% | $71,233 |
| 2 | Boston | 18 | 3% | $109,845 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 15 | 3% | $74,472 |
| 4 | Denver | 16 | 2% | $81,179 |
| 5 | Tampa | 8 | 2% | $73,327 |
| 6 | Pittsburgh | 5 | 2% | $96,311 |
| 7 | Phoenix | 16 | 1% | $85,478 |
| 8 | Charlotte | 10 | 1% | $79,106 |
| 9 | Dallas | 9 | 1% | $81,937 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 8 | 1% | $80,651 |
| 11 | Las Vegas | 8 | 1% | $99,889 |
| 12 | San Diego | 8 | 1% | $83,586 |
| 13 | Detroit | 7 | 1% | $77,630 |
| 14 | Jacksonville | 6 | 1% | $71,469 |
| 15 | Chicago | 8 | 0% | $80,518 |
| 16 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $83,709 |
| 17 | New York | 6 | 0% | $102,762 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 5 | 0% | $88,848 |
| 19 | Austin | 4 | 0% | $83,923 |
Project Superintendent job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of project superintendent experts
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Ohio State University
Heidelberg University
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Kennesaw State University
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Arizona State University
University of Minnesota Crookston
Penn State Behrend
Wofford College
University of Kansas
Northeastern University
Franklin and Marshall College
Binghamton University
Old Dominion University
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Indiana Wesleyan University
Dalton State
New York Institute of Technology
Dr. John Cabage
Chair, Associate ProfessorSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
What general advice would you give to a Project Superintendent?
Dr. John Cabage: Along with the traditional approaches in general education, a graduate must embrace technology changes. In the future, we will see robotics prevalent in construction work. We already see the obsolescence of blueprints in favor of portable computers. We see the growing contribution of technology with constructors using virtual and augmented reality, with artificial intelligence as tools for preparing bids, estimates, schedule, visualization, and quality checks.
What Project Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. John Cabage: The Construction Industry is robust and vital for the health of our nation. The industry is growing and will continue to grow in the future. Projects are becoming larger and more complex requiring teamwork and collaboration from partners of all walks both internal and external to the construction community.
What will help Project Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Dr. John Cabage: Salaries for graduates as a Construction Professional are good. The best way to maximize this is to job shadow, work a part-time job while going to school and internships in the summer. Employers want to see college students that have shown leadership skills while in school through community involvement. Good grades and commitment to learning the basics of the profession are also important. An employer wants to see a passion for the work and a commitment and drive to succeed.
Dr. Laura Deeter PhD
Professor of Practice: Horticulture and Crop ScienceOhio State University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What general advice would you give to a Project Superintendent?
Dr. Laura Deeter PhD: Be open to learning and trying something outside of your comfort zone.
Be willing to work hard and don't expect to be project manager right out of school. Hard work will get you there fast enough.
What Project Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Laura Deeter PhD: There are more than enough positions out there to find one with a good starting salary. Apply for as many as you can.
Be willing to relocate to another city or state.
What will help Project Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Dr. Laura Deeter PhD: There are more than enough positions out there to find one with a good starting salary. Apply for as many as you can.
Be willing to relocate to another city or state.
Dr. Trish Berg
Associate Professor of Management, Heidelberg University, Tiffin, OhioHeidelberg University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Project Superintendent?
Dr. Trish Berg: Being a project manager involves constant change, learning, and interaction with diverse teams in various departments of an organization. The best parts of being a project manager include working with diverse people, building relationships, creating something new with each new project, empowering and motivating teams, gaining global knowledge, collaboration, impacting organizational culture, and delivering value with completed projects. Some of the difficult parts of working as a project manager include sometimes having accountability without the needed authority to be successful, not having diverse enough skills and having to use estimation and guesswork at times and relying on others for their knowledge. Project managers deal with a lot of uncertainty and must be resilient in how they react to each bump in the road.
What Project Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Trish Berg: Daily, project managers create plans, create work schedules, build, and motivate teams, assign, and track work from start to finish, set project setting scopes and budgets, create workflow plans, and define what key performance indicators (KPIs) are which is how they can measure project success. Project managers must be both people focused, and task focused. Successful project managers understand what Sinek calls the power of the why in order to successfully motivate teams towards success.
What will help Project Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Dr. Trish Berg: One career field that is in high demand and growing is project management. With the complexity and flexibility needed in today's fast-paced culture, many organizations in diverse industries rely on project managers to complete jobs and organize teams to meet the needs of customers.
Daily, project managers create plans, create work schedules, build, and motivate teams, assign, and track work from start to finish, set project setting scopes and budgets, create workflow plans, and define what key performance indicators (KPIs) are which is how they can measure project success.
Project managers must be both people focused, and task focused. Successful project managers understand what Sinek calls the power of the why in order to successfully motivate teams towards success.
Neil Opfer
Assoc. Professor - UNLV Civil & Environmental Engineering & Construction DepartmentWhat Project Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Neil Opfer: First off, know what competitive salaries are in your area of the country for the type of job you want as you never have to recover from a good start. Some companies, for instance, will offer salaries that are simply not competitive. As an example, a few years ago, we had one CM graduate starting at $70K per year at one firm (heavy-highway contractor) whereas another grad had been offered $42K per year for a commercial flooring contractor. That $42K was simply not competitive with the market whether that employer offering that salary knew it or not. Also, compare offers versus area living costs. Use cost-of-living calculators such as at bankrate.com If you, using this bankrate.com tool, were offered one job in Las Vegas NV at $80,000 per year versus another job opportunity in Los Angeles CA, you would need $122,000 per year as a comparable salary. Remember to measure yourself as to earning that salary on a regular basis. Don't take jobs where a bonus is promised to make up for a bad salary. Example here is taking a Superintendent Job where your Job ended up profitable but other jobs run by others overall didn't so taking that lower salary and not getting that bonus didn't work out so well. Again, benchmark yourself against what others in the industry in that same area are actually getting paid. If you truly feel you deserve a raise where you're at but can't get it you may need to change jobs to get to a higher salary scale. But that firm offering above-market salaries may be doing so because of internal problems (bad bosses, poor working conditions, insane hours, insane understaffing, etc.) so look before you leap. It's a given that to be successful as a working professional in construction, one cannot just work a 40-hour week. But you shouldn't be working 7-10s or more on a regular basis either. Again, through networking you perhaps can find out who are the 'bad employers.'
What will help Project Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Neil Opfer: Certainly, Artificial Intelligence or AI is a huge buzzword across all occupations. The experts I read in this area are all over the map in that (1) AI will put huge waves of people out of work, (2) AI will in some 'Terminator-type World' mean the death of civilization as we know it, or (3) fears of AI taking over the World are way overblown and AI will be a useful tool to improve productivity. Certainly have heard from several friends in the industry the usefulness of AI in developing safety plans for a jobsite, etc., etc. So AI is number 1 with continuing areas such BIM/computerization important, sustainability/green building important, and lean construction/reducing out-of-control construction costs important. Also we need to attract a quality craft labor force to construction and so better working conditions (cleaner jobs, clean restroom-facilities, better management) and better marketing to potential employees will be key success drivers.
What general advice would you give to a Project Superintendent?
Neil Opfer: Remember that in a CM Program you have spent 4 years of your life (or more) studying books and learning the "theory of construction." But this is the start of your education and not the end. The best quote here (not from me) is "Success is a journey, not a destination." Sadly I have classmates that I graduated with years ago who, once they graduated, never cracked a book. Also remember that construction in many respects is an incredibly-varied field and you will, perhaps if working for a GC or a CM firm, never know as much as that electrician or plumber knows about their craft or that trade contractor knows about their specialty. But insofar as possible you need to learn and absorb as much as possible about these other areas. Otherwise you'll lead a life of ignorance and designers and contractors will, sadly, take advantage of your ignorance. When I was in college (1974), my Dorm President told me, "Everyone is ignorant about something but the stupid person works at being ignorant." Don't work at being ignorant. Also, respect everyone on the job from laborer, carpenter, on up because you can learn something from everyone along the way in your career. You, remember, are lucky in that as a college grad you're in the 37% or so of the U.S. population with a college degree but CM is a STEM field because of the math, physics, and construction-science coursework you take. Only 18% of the U.S. population have STEM degrees so you're in even a more select field with your technical education. But those on the construction site who did not have an opportunity to go to college may resent you or they've had bad experiences with college grads who "lorded over them" the fact that they were a college grad and the craft personnel on the job were not. Advice to a new college graduate in CM would be to remember (not original with me but a great axiom) that (1) you are hired for your technical skills, (2) promoted for your leadership/managerial skills, and (3) fired for your lack of people skills. Do a good job at whatever you do and look for opportunities to improve processes when possible. Realize that as a new grad you'll often get the jobs that more senior people don't want. Also, realize that your job is partly "paying your dues" to get the chance at more interesting jobs in the future. Learn to network with others in your firm and those at other firms including being involved in professional associations and civic/charitable work. Ensure that your supervisors know the extras (prof associations, civic work) you are doing outside of work. Finally the old adage of a "sound mind in a sound body" means to continually improve yourself on both a mental and a physical basis.
Dr. Longzhu Dong Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Management + Marketing Department
What soft skills should all Project Superintendents possess?
Dr. Longzhu Dong Ph.D.: The world of international business has changed a great deal in the past few years. Due to increased globalization, massive technological advances in online coordination, and the Covid pandemic, the need to develop project managers who can lead fully functioning global virtual teams (GVTs) has never been greater. Indeed, studies show that virtual teams are becoming the norm, and more and more multinational companies rely on GVTs to deal with their day-to-day challenges.
However, leading and working in GVTs poses unique challenges that traditional leadership approaches do not seem suited to tackling well. Such challenges include cross-cultural misunderstandings, lack of trust and spontaneity, poor communication, hard to focus and hold teammates accountable, all of which may result in low productivity. Therefore, to thrive in the international business world today, a manager may need an entirely different set of skills.
Perhaps the most important soft skill is cultural intelligence (CQ). CQ refers to the ability to relate and work effectively across different cultures, triggering a train reaction in GVTs. It first requires people to have an open mindset, which helps them realize that cultural differences are just differences and that every culture has its own way of defining "right" and "wrong." Just as the famous Confucius teaching goes, "all people are the same; only their habits differ." Indeed, when differences are seen as something neutral, the negative consequences of cultural bias can be minimized. CQ can also improve GVT communication effectiveness by better understanding visual and auditory cues such as body language and facial expressions so that GVT members will not form false impressions based on stereotypes. When everyone on your team is ready for open dialogue, GVTs can easily clarify shared team goals and guidelines, set clear expectations of each role, and foster trust along the way.
If CQ is the most important soft skill, then being tech-savvy would be the most important hard skill. Technological advances in online coordination/communication make global virtual teams possible and function well. As of right now, there are a lot of great online tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) that integrate all key types of communication: conference call, breakout rooms, text messaging, file sharing, and online collaboration. However, simply being able to use various virtual meeting tools well is not enough because there's no one-size-fits-all tool for every team all the time. Being tech-savvy asks managers to steer the digital transformation in their teams promptly. It requires managers to constantly evaluate the emerging new technologies and make sure their choice of the tools "fits" their teams' needs over time, which may include members' network conditions, tool preferences, work style, tech skill levels, and the nature of the task/project.
Working in a global virtual team isn't necessarily only about challenges and lower productivity. It can become a valuable advantage and even build a 24/7 work cycle in teams, with proper training on CQ and technological skills.
Irish Horsey Ph.D.
Interim Chair of the Department of Construction Management and Assistant ProfessorKennesaw State University
Department of Construction Management
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are problem solvers. Employers seek analytical, technical, and effective communication skills from potential employees for construction management positions. Whether building a skyscraper or single-family home, there are always groups of people performing numerous construction activities and tasks simultaneously on a construction site. Therefore, resumes that show time, cost, and, most importantly, safety management skills are most desired by employers.
What soft skills should all Project Superintendents possess?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Leadership and communication are among the most essential skills of a construction manager. Construction managers are responsible for ensuring that projects are built safely on schedule, within budget, and to the quality outlined in the drawings and specifications. To fulfill these responsibilities, construction managers must lead multiple teams, including primary, secondary, and third party players, on a construction project through effective oral and written communications.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Superintendents?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are project managers with specialized technical skills. Construction managers' most important technical skills are print reading, estimating, scheduling, project and technology management.
What skills will help Project Superintendents earn the most?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: The key to the highest earning potential in construction is experience. However, a potential employee that can show success in managing people, budgets, and schedules while using the latest tools in construction technology such as drones, building information modeling (BIM), smart devices, computer-automated design (CAD), and cloud-based project controls software is likely to be more attractive to employers. Construction projects are complex and risky. Someone with the technical skills to foresee problems and minimize risks is invaluable to an employer.
David Rockwood
Architect, Professor, DArch Program DirectorUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
School of Architecture
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Superintendents?
David Rockwood: -construction process/sequencing
-structural and MEP systems knowledge
-scheduling and workflow
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Superintendents?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: The construction market, locally, is doing quite well, particularly in the industrial sector (e.g., warehouses). So, I think that in terms of ability to be employed, no, there is relatively little impact in the construction industry. However, I think that the enduring impacts are the ways that we do business, even in construction, have changed. For instance, inspections can happen remotely using video conferencing software, and in some cases, augmented reality. People are also working from home more -- this is the case for project managers as well as office staff for projects (i.e., construction administrators). Some of these changes will likely persist after COVID is under control; others may change back.
What's a good job out of college for Project Superintendents?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: I think a good job out of college, regardless of industry, is one that leverages your skills and compensates you for those skills. I think that in construction, the industry I'm most familiar with, there is no shortage of good jobs. You can work onsite, as an assistant superintendent or a project engineer, after college. If you're more interested in the office side of the construction industry, then a good job may be in the estimating department, or in the business development and marketing departments. I think new graduates will see that, unlike in 2008-2009, the requisite experience for joining a new company is pretty minimal. During the Great Recession, most companies prioritized hiring people with existing relationships in the construction industry, so students faced a tough market. However, today, if a graduate is entering the construction industry in a market that is healthy (like Phoenix), then being "green" is not an impediment -- plenty of companies are hiring young talent.
What technical skills for a Project Superintendent stand out to employers?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: This is pretty dependent on the job that you're going for, but I think that one technical skill that employers in construction look for is the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. This will be critical onsite and in the office -- you need to demonstrate an understanding of how a project comes together, and this requires the ability to communicate clearly. Beyond the communication, a technical understanding of material behavior (i.e., concrete curing, crane picks, etc.).
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Rutherford Johnson Ph.D.: With the remote working possibilities, graduates could work for a company in a big city without leaving their hometown. As for classic jobs with relocation involved, that really depends on the field. For international business, the major international and finance cities such as New York, Boston, and Atlanta are always significant -- though with definite cost of living problems. My advice is to look everywhere and be willing to give a city or region you never thought of living in a try. The less-traveled path can often lead to great success.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Rutherford Johnson Ph.D.: People and companies have seen that many jobs can be done from home or remotely, and the technology exists and is improving to allow that. It also allows for more work-life balance, which is, in my opinion, important both for health and for worker productivity. I expect this trend will continue to one degree or another, even as more in-person interaction returns. The same mindset and technology also allows for more international engagement without travel or relocation. So, perhaps now we will see graduates in the USA working for companies in Germany, or from France working for Polish companies, and so on -- all without relocating. That is a great way to expand opportunities as well for those in developing countries who might not otherwise have access to such jobs.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Rutherford Johnson Ph.D.: Well, familiarity and proficiency with the technology I just described is now important. I also always promote language as a highly valuable skill -- and if you are working internationally, even remotely, it is a definite skill that makes you stand out. Even though English is now the main international language, do not just rely on that if that is your main language. Knowing the language of your clients, for example, even just a little of it, can pay off and make you get noticed. It also helps you understand the culture and people of that country a lot better.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Superintendents?
Phil Stuczynski: Yes, and no. On the one hand, we can look back to something as recent as the "Great Recession" from a little over a decade, and in some ways we are still seeing the impact from that generation. Rather than graduates being able to step into a strong entry level position in a desired field, you had many individuals who literally would take any job that was available. And, while it was admirable for individuals to go into a job (something is better than nothing), if you find yourself in a different career path or even in a job that may not need as much training in the skills you specifically went to school for, it can make an improper fit.
Now, the good news here is that students who have been trained in economics, or many business students in general tend to understand the broader vantage point of business. In times like these, even if unemployment starts to creep up, there will be businesses climbing over one another to try and secure talent that can understand data. Certain computer skills, forecasting skills, drawing connections between differing levels of business, any every other combination of resource and household management will be useful to a business.
So, will there be an impact? Perhaps. Jobs are probably just a bit more difficult to come by right now as compared to even one calendar year ago. That being said, many universities have continued to not only have students positioned well so they can plug right in and be effective remotely, but many of those students are as good or better with the technology and software as those in the private sector.
What type of skills will young Project Superintendents need?
Phil Stuczynski: Hitting just a few of the big ones, computer skills are going to be as important as ever. We have seen individuals in many fields embrace the idea of technology. Supply chains are being tested, and with that comes the financial capacity to build those facilities and shipping routes. International skills including trade and negotiations will be key. And truly any of the numbers from data analysis, to software that helps understand and manipulate said data, and especially financial and accounting. The long story short is probably three major skills.
1) Communication (with people and computers / software). 2) Analysis (economic at the macro level, and business specific / financial / accounting at the micro level). and 3) Self learning. As we have seen through this pandemic, we have seen processes, systems, products, and entire operations literally change overnight in response to biological threats, supply chains being broken, or by government decree. Individuals who can adapt on the fly and go find a new solution (even if it means they need to teach themselves the system, teach themselves the technology or software, teach themselves the coding, etc.), those are the types of graduates that employers are not just going to like, but are actively looking for.
What experience really stands out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Phil Stuczynski: Currently? I think a big one is going to be being flexible, showing you are able to adapt, and having any example of continuing to push through during these recent times.
We have had students who have literally been stuck. They have been in an apartment or a dormitory hours (or countries) away from home. And yet they still managed. They still did their coursework, they learned new software on the fly, they felt comfortable asking more questions than ever and even teaching themselves more as needed.
When we go back to something such as the great financial crisis, you had individuals who would sort of get burnt out when searching for a job. And to be fair, who could blame them. This was a strained economy and even the most qualified of candidates were hard pressed to find employment coming out of college when you had people with decades of experience competing just to continue bringing a paycheck in. However, you also had some individuals who would do what was necessary. For example I am keenly aware of an individual student I had years ago who was qualified for almost any job in a normal economy. That being said, he took a job with a bank where his degree wasn't even required. He was overqualified and knew it, but he would rather get experience than just sit around and do nothing. Fast forward a few years and he was not only at that bank only a short time before being promoted, but he used that promotion to move into yet a higher role later and has continued to enjoy success he may not have had if he was just waiting on a good job to come along.
What I'm saying is, the parallels here are through no fault of their own, students are going to enter an economy where things aren't as normal as they were just weeks before. This is going to sort itself out, but the students who push forward and adapt and just do something will stand out compared to those who sit on the sidelines and wait. Anything that highlights they are flexible and able to work in the face of disjointed operations or new limitations will not just find themselves being sought after, but because businesses need employees who can make quick changes on the fly more than ever, those students who can prove they can do it? They're going to be the ones who get ahead.
Dr. Smriti Bhargava Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EconomicsWofford College
Economics Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Smriti Bhargava Ph.D.: This is a hard question to answer given the uncertainty that exists. One trend that is likely to stay is the possibility of working remotely or working-from-home. More and more companies are gravitating towards this trend, and this may open many exciting and flexible opportunities for new graduates and current workers. It may also take a while for the job market to heat up again and to create new jobs.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Dr. Smriti Bhargava Ph.D.: I think skills of data analysis in addition to knowledge of software programs (through prior experience in terms of a research project with a faculty member or an internship) will stand out on a resume as college graduates search for jobs. Such experience signals abilities of quantitative reasoning and critical thinking, which are highly valued. In addition, good communication skills, both written and verbal, are extremely important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Dr. Smriti Bhargava Ph.D.: It depends on what the student likes doing- if they enjoy working with numbers and data, they would be well suited for industry as data analysts. They may want to work in policy think tanks or government organizations as research associates of policy analysts if they want to learn about the effect of legislations. If math is their forte, Graduate school is also an interesting path to take if they are hoping to work in academia or pursue high-ranking positions in the government, research, and policy.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Superintendents?
Milena Stanislavova Ph.D.: Along with all the obvious negatives, I feel that we were forced to experiment and innovate the way we teach and learn, and it has brought a lot of ingenuity and creativity on the part of both professors and students. This past semester I have seen so much depth of experiences and focus on what really matters, optimization of the amount of facts versus hands on problem solving techniques, and just sheer planning of the time spent in the classroom time on the part of professors. At the same time, students are forced to be more organized and self-sufficient, skills that will serve them well on the job market and beyond. This new and more focused way of teaching and learning, using every instrument in our toolbox and varying the virtual, in-person and hands-on practical will definitely remain after the pandemic is over.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Superintendents?
Milena Stanislavova Ph.D.: In today's highly technological world, strong quantitative skills are a must for every job. These come with deep mathematical foundations, but more is needed - knowledge of statistics and computational techniques or programing languages, ability to read and interpret data in various formats and familiarity with economics are all great prerequisites. Such courses and technical skills allow one to gain a deep understanding of how the world really works and to create quantitative mathematical models for it. The more we ask students to work on real world research projects that emphasize these skills, the better prepared and competitive they become.
What soft skills should all Project Superintendents possess?
Milena Stanislavova Ph.D.: Working and collaborating in groups, presenting to different audiences, writing technical reports, grant applications and researching new topics are all essential soft skills. Much of today's world relies on data, so collecting, summarizing, organizing and presenting data is also an important soft skill that is becoming quite fundamental.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Ravi Sarathy Ph.D.: Growth in global supply chain and their management, AI and cloud-based software development and solutions, in areas such as global payments, and crowdfunding, and healthcare, using remote healthcare counseling and links to healthcare monitoring devices, developed in global innovation teams, as well as home healthcare combining remote personnel with intelligent health monitoring devices. And more broadly, a significant increase in remote working, on a global scale and through global virtual collaboration.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Ravi Sarathy Ph.D.: Business analytics capability, with facility in both data gathering and data analysis; understanding of and ability to work with global supply chains; experience and expertise in using global collaboration tools and in managing global virtual teams; and skills and experience in using AI, applied in fields as diverse as healthcare, education, gaming and entertainment.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Ravi Sarathy Ph.D.: Given the interest and acceptance of remote working, geographic location is less likely to be of primary importance. Having said that, cities such as Boston, New York, LA, San Francisco, Austin (TX), Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Nashville and Miami are all likely to be significant growth centers for such jobs and skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.: One big trend we will see is the continuation of working from home. It may not be for all employees every day, but I think that is definitely here to stay. Many employees have been asking for this benefit for years. After almost a year of working from home, many employers that were reluctant in the past have likely realized that employees can still be very productive and they can decrease expenses related to office space.
Another is related to the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion related efforts. While the majority of the country was quarantined, we all witnessed the same horrific murder of George Floyd, and there was nothing else to distract us from finally directly addressing issues related to race in this country. Many employees of color, and particularly Black employees, are no longer interested in making everyone else around them feel comfortable. Organizations that issued statements and initiatives in the spring will likely be held more accountable than ever before.
Another trend may be the elimination of jobs in their previous iteration. Many companies that have survived, or even thrived, during COVID likely did so by adapting. As such, these organizations may not return to their prior ways of doing business, which may require employees and applicants to increase or highlight a different skill set.
What general advice would you give to a Project Superintendent?
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.: Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.
What Project Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.: Gap years are interesting to me. There is a difference between someone who has ample monetary resources and voluntarily decides to take a "gap" year to travel the world, as opposed to someone who involuntarily takes a "gap" year because they legitimately cannot find a job.
For students who opt not enter the workforce immediately upon graduation, I would recommend that they utilize this time in a strategic fashion, primarily expanding their network, increasing their skills related to data analytics/analysis, and reading or researching within the broader business field as well as their particular field of interest. Expanding your network is always beneficial because of the value employers place on referrals. If students do not know where to start, I would recommend they join their applicable professional organization and begin attending events (virtual events can still help build relationships).
While specific job duties may differ, the ability to understand and utilize data is in high demand in virtually every job role. Having comfort with data-both quantitative and qualitative--can be a highly beneficial skill that many in the job market may not have to offer.
I also recommend continued reading and researching, as whenever you do enter the workforce you want to know what is going on. I am never surprised, but always disappointed when I ask my students if they heard the latest job numbers or if they saw a recent news article. It is hard to articulate your value to an organization's problems if you are unaware of what they are. Stay current.
Interestingly, I would not recommend that someone enroll in a graduate program simply to take up time. If you just love school, have a clear focus, or had already planned to enroll in graduate school prior to COVID, then proceed. However, if you are unsure about your interests or future career goals, enrolling in a graduate program may be a large investment of time and money that may not result in securing a job of interest upon completion.
Denise Lorenzetti
Director of Binghamton University's Fleishman Center for Career and Professional DevelopmentBinghamton University
Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Denise Lorenzetti: It is likely to see a continuation of remote job opportunities even after the pandemic is resolved. Many positions that have been successfully moved to remote options may in fact stay remote, depending on the employer.
The pandemic has increased the number of jobs available in specific industries and decreased the amount in others.
Industries and fields that have and will likely continue to grow include:
Supply chain/logistics and positions related to production, distribution, and selling of goods such as e-commerce
Technology and industries that help support businesses such as software, developers, artificial intelligence.
Healthcare
Biotechnology
The service industries were affected by the pandemic, making these positions harder to come by. This would include entertainment, travel, lodging, and full-service restaurants among others.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Denise Lorenzetti: Employers have been placing a large emphasis on finding candidates with skills that demonstrate the ability to utilize technology and demonstrate adaptability, resilience and taking initiative.
Tech skills such as programming, coding, and Excel continue to be valuable to employers for both tech and non-tech roles.
Employers are also interested in learning how graduates spent their time during the pandemic. If internships were not an option, continuing to build skills through online classes such as LinkedIn Learning or Coursera, virtually volunteering, and demonstrating to employers a commitment to growing during the pandemic is critically important.
Job seekers can demonstrate this by earning microcredentials and digital badges relevant to the industry they are interested in or in areas they are passionate about.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Denise Lorenzetti: This will vary from industry to industry.
Many organizations have seen success with the transition of jobs to a virtual environment. It is uncertain how things will progress, however we anticipate there to be less of an emphasis on geographic region as a part of the job search than pre-pandemic. The pandemic has opened up opportunities for new graduates to find opportunities that traditionally were only available in large metropolitan areas such as Silicon Valley or NYC.
Many companies are still providing flexibility with working from home and/or not needing to be physically located in the city where the position resides. Some are work-from-home indefinitely and others are offering the flexibility to telecommute more than physically being in a location every day.
Large cities will likely continue to be a major hub for industries that will continue to require in-person jobs, such as healthcare roles.
What experience really stands out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Robert Mcnab Ph.D.: Young graduates need to think about the job market in terms of signaling. How do you tell a prospective employer that you have a unique set of skills? Graduates often fail to understand that there are hundreds of applicants with similar traits competing for the same job, so you need a strong signal to the employer that separates you from the crowd. One such signal is practical experience. Have you been able to apply the concepts and tools from your college experience in the workplace? Did you seek out and find an internship, externship, or other type of formative experience that shows initiative, responsibility, and the acquisition of experience? If you don't have a strong signal, then you need to develop a plan. Find more experience economists in your area, ask questions, and develop a network. Figure out what you can do to separate yourself. It may sound like a cliche, but you need to market yourself.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Superintendents?
Robert Mcnab Ph.D.: Graduates will enter a workplace that is dramatically different than a couple of years ago. Remote work, which once was frowned upon by many managers, has become commonplace for many organizations. It is likely that many graduates will do most of their interviewing on Zoom or similar software and some may start their jobs remotely. We should not expect remote interviewing to go away as it increases efficiency and effectiveness. Economics graduates are likely to be in demand given the numerous economic shocks from the pandemic. Understanding how to communicate economic concepts and apply tools and techniques is of increasing importance.
What type of skills will young Project Superintendents need?
Robert Mcnab Ph.D.: Young graduates must be able to effectively communicate as they enter the workforce. Analytical skills are continuing to increase in importance also and graduates who are unable or unwilling to develop these skills will quickly fall behind their peers. If you are unable to work with data and cannot communicate the results of your analysis, then your value to future employers is diminished. Graduates need to realize that they must continue to learn after graduation, not only to improve their existing skills but to adapt to the demands of a changing workplace.
Mark Paquette
Principal Program CoordinatorUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Mark Paquette: The pandemic has caused employers to assess their work capabilities and shift positions to virtual environments. As a result, I think the trends we will see are:
-An increase and shift to permanent or long-term work-from-home opportunities. Many companies are recognizing that the shift to working remotely may actually improve morale, efficiency, quality, and job satisfaction among staff. Additionally, companies are seeing financial savings with reduced need in utilities, ancillary, and auxiliary services. As a result, I believe employers will be looking at their structures and making decisions to increase remote work opportunities, which also allows the employers to access a broader talent pool outside of their regional areas.
-A demand in flexible work arrangements from employees and candidates. As companies see the benefits of remote work, so do the employees and those searching for work. Individuals are seeing benefits of commuting less, having greater flexibility with time, and the ability to have more independence. I would suspect we will see individuals asking for more flexible arrangements, including the option to work from home at least part of the time. Prior to COVID, candidates were already asking for options that allowed for, at least in part, some remote work arrangements, and with COVID, this will likely be magnified.
-Contract workers may experience more opportunities. As businesses grapple with the impacts of COVID, many are also seeing the need to have more control of time-sensitive changes that impact their business. When lockdowns and limitations are imposed on the number of people allowed in spaces, the need to have a workforce that can pivot quickly is becoming more essential. I think this will lead to more contract, or contingent, type work rather than full-time employment as it allows the employer greater flexibility.
-Expanded benefits may also be a trend, especially around mental health support services. The pandemic has forced many people to feel isolated, not in control, and questioning their value. To combat this, I anticipate employers will focus on promoting their health and wellness programs as benefits, and helping job seekers see the value in a company that has a well-rounded benefits package versus just a standard health plan or limited paid time off.
-Social distancing may be the norm for some time. As the vaccine rollout is underway, there are many months ahead of us for true results, and even then, questions linger on how many people may choose not to be vaccinated, or how many new strains there will be for which the vaccine may or may not work. This will impact business operations, and companies (and governments) may impose requirements for job seekers such as wearing personal protective equipment during the interview and onboarding process or as a standard operating practice throughout the year.
-Virtual interviewing is likely a big trend over 2021, whereby companies will focus on phone and video interviewing rather than in-person opportunities. Many individuals may onboard virtually as well. Virtual interviewing was on the rise prior to COVID, but the need was magnified. As a result candidates may also need to be adaptable to using various types of platforms and more products are coming to market, and existing products are enhancing their service options.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Mark Paquette: Many skills standout on resumes, but I believe these are the four best: technical skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and communication-specifically the ability to be concise and accurate. I think a better way to think about this is that relevant information is what stands out. Many resumes are packed full of irrelevant details, subjective statements of soft skill, and lack quantifiable bullets that show skill or accomplishment for the role to which one is applying. Recruiters lose interest in irrelevancy, and they do so quickly (average amount of time a recruiter spends on a resume is just 6 seconds).
Additionally, I've seen hundreds of resumes full of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and even the individual's own name, yet they also claim to have "excellent communication skills" or be "detail-oriented"-so there is a disconnect. Candidates who tailor their resumes to the job, ensuring their experiences and education showcase relevancy to such position, and who do so with accuracy, demonstrate the best skill of all-that they are qualified for, and understand, the position at hand.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Mark Paquette: There are so many places to find opportunities in marketing that it is difficult to pinpoint specific places or sites. Of course LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake (if one's school subscribes) are great resources, but depending on the marketing focus and overall experience, one may find benefit in sites such as MarketingJobs.com or Krop. I would also encourage individuals to look at the professional associations relevant to their field. For example, the American Marketing Association has a job board dedicated to marketing roles. Finally, the best source for finding opportunities is by networking. Identify companies of interest, reach out to individuals you know with connections or use LinkedIn to source potential options. Networking is the best way to find opportunities that perhaps haven't yet, or never will be, posted online.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Joseph Snider: For IT, managing a virtual team in a pandemic where everyone is working remotely is a big trend that will likely last after the pandemic is over. Corporations are now renting out building space or selling them since they have found that their workers can be successful at home.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Joseph Snider: Experience, certifications, and degrees. Some are must-haves, and some are nice-to-have.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Joseph Snider: There are many opportunities in the South right now. With major tech companies moving to Texas, that is now going to be a hot spot.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Cortnee Young: I believe work-from-home/virtual job opportunities will become more available. For recent graduates, this comes with pros and cons. I believe a big pro is the availability to more opportunity (versus narrowing down their search to specific geographic locations). A major con that I see would be the inability to learn hands-on skills and teachable moments from being in the office, for their first job.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Cortnee Young: I believe that in addition to education, experiences and skills should stand out the most on a student resume. Students should seek out work opportunities including part-time jobs, internships, or job shadowing opportunities while obtaining a degree. This shows that student put forth effort to educate themselves outside of the classroom. For skills, listing things learned in the classroom and outside of the classroom is important to show.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Cortnee Young: I'm unsure what field you're referring to. I do suggest students use all online resources such as Indeed and LinkedIn. Additionally, if students have an idea where they would like to work-sending email, contacting department heads, and reaching out to HR for the company they would like to work for can pay off.
Elisa Chan
Assistant Professor of MarketingNew York Institute of Technology
School of Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Elisa Chan: The market has seen exponential growth in e-commerce and digital marketing during the pandemic. This trend will continue as more companies continue to transition some, if not most, of their businesses and customer engagement online. I believe that we will see high demand for talents in performance (sales/lead-oriented) and brand (content/engagement-oriented) marketing, especially those who have a good understanding of both.
What skills stand out on Project Superintendent resumes?
Elisa Chan: In my opinion, the fundamental skills required for marketing jobs haven't really changed. What changed is where or how these skills are applied. So my response to this question might sound cliche, but I strongly believe that it is true. Strong statistics and marketing analytics ability to show that you are able to make data-driven decisions. Interpersonal skills to show that you can respectfully and effectively interact with others, which are indicative of how you will manage work relationship as well as that with clients and customers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Elisa Chan: Companies, big or small, will be looking for talents in e-commerce and digital marketing. But I think that there could be more demand from small/medium-sized companies looking for help in these areas.