The combination of advocacy, education and certification makes CMAA the premiere organization for Construction Management professionals.

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) – ACEC advocates for the entire industry on a state and national level. Many, if not most, civil engineering firms have a CM arm, so there is great value for Construction Managers in this organization.

Local chapters offer excellent networking and monthly luncheon meetings provide insight into the market and are a great venue for forging and strengthening relationships. The entire spectrum of the industry is represented at ACEC meetings.

Design Build Institute of America promotes and educates the industry and owners in the best practices for implementation of design build, P3 and IPD. Although many Construction Management professionals struggle to identify their proper role on the construction team, the owner’s representative role is still necessary. The more thoroughly the CM understands the DB process, the more effectively the owner’s interests can be protected.

American Public Works Association (APWA) – Municipal public works departments are represented at the state and national level by the APWA. Membership is open to all industry-related firms.

As budgets tighten and staffs shrink, many municipalities are taking advantage of Construction Managers to act as owner’s representative during the construction of capital projects. APWA is a great organization for networking and learning about issues from the owner’s point of view.

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) is an international organization that focuses on regional, and state transportation agencies. Membership is open to the entire A/E/C industry. While the core principles of the organization are to advance women in the transportation industry, men are welcome and comprise a large percentage of the membership.

Many transportation agencies contract the management and oversight of capital project construction to CM firms.  WTS is the best venue in which to meet the owners, learn about the projects and form the relationships necessary to win this work.

The Construction Management field is constantly changing and expanding.  When you are ready for the next level in your career contact Webuild staffing. They work with a large group of industry leaders who are interested in hiring quality Construction Management professionals.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

The common-sense place to start is with national organizations that include all industry disciplines. These groups offer the most comprehensive opportunities to move your career forward.

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) – This is the premier national organization for engineers.  ACEC advocates for the industry on a state and national level, and the extensive list of benefits include sample contracts, QBS support, and a robust job bank. There are many opportunities to get involved at the local, state and national level.

Local chapters offer excellent networking within each region.  Monthly luncheon meetings provide insight into the market and are a great venue for forging and strengthening relationships. The entire spectrum of the industry is represented at ACEC meetings, making it the organization to join.

American Public Works Association (APWA) – Municipal public works departments are represented at the state and national level by the APWA.  Membership is open to all industry-related firms; APWA is the best organization for professional engineers who focus on municipal projects.

While chapter meetings include topics of interest to city engineering staff, the information is often relevant to the private side of the industry.  Committees at the chapter level enable engineers at private firms to get involved and forge stronger relationships with the public works leadership.

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) is an international organization that focuses on regional, and state transportation agencies.  Membership is open to the entire A/E/C industry.  While the core principles of the organization are to advance women in the transportation industry, men are welcome and comprise a large percentage of the membership.

Local meetings cover such topics as transportation legislation, funding and upcoming projects. WTS is a great venue for engineers who design highways, heavy and commuter rail, transit and aviation facilities.  As with the other organizations discussed here, the networking and committee opportunities are excellent. National leadership are often called upon to advocate for transportation funding or regulations in Washington, DC.

When you’ve conquered your wall and are ready for new opportunities, Webuild Staffing works with a large group of industry leaders who are interested in hiring quality engineers.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

National Association of Environmental Professionals – Anyone from student to seasoned professional in environmental planning, research or management who is not a member should seriously consider joining this organization. Member benefits include committee reports, and discounted classes, seminars and meetings. www.naep.org

Planners Network – A progressive association concerned with urban and rural planning, the Planners Network serves academics, activists, planning professionals and students. They host conferences and have at least 16 local chapters in Canada and the United States. www.plannersnetwork.org

Society of Women Environmental Professionals – A national organization with numerous city chapters serving women in environmental law, planning, business and engineering. www.swep.org

Many U.S. states have state organizations for environmental planners and allied professionals. Do a Google search for ‘(state name) association of environmental professionals’ Some national groups, including the SWEP, have city or state chapters that can prove helpful for networking. Some regional associations serve environmental planners.

Join a couple of relevant professional associations and participate however you can. If there is a forum, use it. Attend the meetings if time and finances permit. Definitely do attend local networking events. Consider volunteering, as this increases your visibility within the organization and allows you to meet a few potential employers.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com