Career pivot
I’m looking for some honest advice from people already in construction management or related fields.
I currently have a bachelor’s in marketing and I’m in the MSM (Master of Science in Management) program at Troy University, but I’m seriously considering pivoting into construction management. I also have about 6 years of construction experience through the Army National Guard as a 12W (carpentry/masonry specialist), so I’m not completely new to construction work itself. I’m also currently in the process of getting into welding to build more hands-on trade experience and make myself more valuable in the construction field overall.
My biggest issue is finances and figuring out the smartest long-term move. I’m around $150k+ in student loans total (mostly private through Sallie Mae, plus federal loans). Right now I’m paying about $454/month to Sallie Mae until I’m re-enrolled in school, so financially I’m trying to get back enrolled ASAP to stop those payments from kicking in harder.
I’m stuck between:
Staying at Troy because it’s cheaper and easier for me financially right now
OR
Transferring to UAB for their Construction Management master’s program
My question is: with my military construction experience, could I realistically break into construction management without getting a specific construction management degree? If I stay at Troy and finish the management degree, what would be the best way to get my foot in the door in the construction industry? Assistant PM roles? Field engineer? Estimator? Certifications?
Would it make more sense to:
Finish the cheaper management degree and leverage experience/networking/certs
OR
Spend more money for the specialized construction management degree at UAB?
Also, are there any certifications that would actually help me pivot into the field without taking on a lot more debt?
Just trying to make the smartest move financially and career-wise long term while already carrying heavy student loan debt.