The Construction Systems Management Program (CSM)
The U.S. construction industry today is a dynamic, changing work environment. Many firms and companies are modernizing, applying new technologies, expanding, and employing more people than ever before. People work in construction management today are professional, diverse, education, "people oriented," and well paid. Now in the 21st century careers for construction management people provide a widening range of career opportunities. For the college-bound person who feels a sense of accomplishment from being able to say, "I built that," a career in construction is worth considering. The excitement of new challenges provide a lifetime of rewarding satisfactions. In addition, with the constant demand for newer, more technologically advanced buildings there will never be a replacement for construction, or a fear the human society will not need construction anymore.

Graduates are in high demand, with various opportunities to choose from. These include:

	Employment by contractors and supply companies that provide input and services for the residential and commercial construction industries
	Self-employment as contractors, consultants, or individuals who perform services as owners and/or operators of building and construction supply businesses
	Employment for companies and agencies that provide input and services for rural and urban communities

What is the Construction Systems Management Option?

Construction Systems Management (CSM) is the planning, construction, and management of dwellings, service structures, and other permanent facilities. The systems approach to curriculum in the CSM specialty provides understanding of land acquisition and development, social, environmental and legal factors, as well as financial management and marketing. This option will provide the student with a background in the technical and managerial aspects of construction. In a construction firm, one might plan the construction operations of a new project. This would include site layout, sequencing and scheduling of tasks, temporary structures, equipment selection, work organization, materials management, and environmental safeguards.

Why is CSM important?

The average useful lifespan of dwellings, rural buildings, and service structures is approximately 40 to 50 years. The cost of new construction and that of maintenance exceeds $10 billion each year. This is evidence of a constant demand for professionals in the construction industry. Construction managers must be able to respond to changing customer requirements and construction practices. The development of new technologies has given way to advances in structural design, power, usage, and soil and water issues, to name a few. Construction companies and agencies require managers that can understand and apply these principles. The construction industry

Career Oppportunities

The CSM program provides graduates with a vast array of career opportunities. Construction Systems Management graduates are employed by contractors, consultation firms, and supplies companies, or can be self-employed. The types of positions that CSM graduates are hired to perform include sales, marketing, project management, construction layout, design support, estimating, purchasing, safety advising, and quality control. 

Graduates have been employed at companies such as:

	Corna/Kokosing
	Dominion Homes
	Dugan & Meyers
	Joshua
	Kokosing Construction
	Lithco Construction
	M/I Homes
	Miles McClellan
	P.J. Dick, Inc.
	Pulte Homes of Ohio
	Centex Homes
	Rudolph/Libbe
	Turner Construction
	Urban Environments
	The Quandel Group, Inc.

Experience and Professional Development
CSM students are strongly encouraged to participate in an internship or acquire some other form of professional experience in the construction industry as part of their education. This provides students with many valuable opportunities and an edge on other college graduates. Professional development is also taught in the classroom. Numerous courses are offered to prepare students for the environment.

Students learn to:

	Plan for a career
	Search for employment
	Improve communication skills
	Enhance Teamwork skills
	Deal with issues in the workplace

Faculty members also help students in pursuing professional development. They work closely with students to help them earn their degrees and a place in the industry. The industry, itself, is involved with the CSM program. Guest speakers and industry-oriented programs are available throughout the CSM students' education.

Attributes of CSM Graduates
Employers in the construction industry are looking for people with very specific characteristics to join their team. The individual must be of strong character, intelligent, and quick on their feet. They must be able to make sound and timely decisions on important matters. The prospective employee must also be honest, friendly, and technically proficient. They must possess a strong work ethic and exhibit leadership abilities. The CSM programs put a firm emphasis on the development of these characteristics. It is the goal of the CSM program to enhance the abilities of its students and make them valuable assests in the construction industry.

Contact Information:
Beverly Barrick
590 Woody Hayes Drive
Ag Engineering Bldg.
Room 213
Phone:  (614) 247-6735
Fax:      (614) 292-9448
Email:   barrick.3@osu.edu