Cost Estimators – Career Overview

Cost Estimators - Career Overview

http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/ offers visitors the chance to take up career test for free. By taking the free career test they will learn more about their personality type, the kind of jobs they are suited for and have an aptitude for. If you are a student who wishes to learn more about a career such as that of a cost estimator and are undecided if it is the right choice, you have come to the right place. http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/ offers the service of trained and professionally qualified experts who will help students and those at the cross roads make the right career choice. The experts will help you prepare successfully for a career in your chosen field such as being a cost estimator.

Cost estimators are employed by the construction and manufacturing industries to forecast the cost of their firm's future endeavors. They will play a key role in helping the firm decide if future projects are viable by carefully analyzing all details and calculating the expected costs of the projects.

Construction Cost Estimators

A majority of cost estimators work for the construction industry. The cost estimator will analyze and study the drawings, specifications and will inspect the site of the proposed project. They will make detailed inspection of the site analyzing the viability of the project based on their study of the access to the site and other features such as its drainage, electricity and water connection etc. They will study the proposed building and determine the quality, quantity and cost of the materials that will be used, the type of equipment proposed to be used, size of its labor crew, computer hardware and software required, calculate the taxes and insurance that are applicable and then will submit a detailed report.

The cost estimators may specialize in residential or commercial project estimations. There may be more than one cost estimator employed by one construction firm, they may hire an electrical cost estimator, a concrete or flooring cost estimator etc. professional construction firms hire cost estimators to determine if a project they wish to bid for is viable. The firm will benefit if the cost estimator presents an accurate estimation of the costs and if they can help reduce any unnecessary expenditure. If the estimator underestimated costs the firm will lose money whereas if they presented an inflated budget the bid maybe rejected! You can learn more about the job of cost estimators at http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/ and can take the career placement test to find out just how suitable you are.

The career aptitude test offered by http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/ will make students aware of their skills and talents, guiding them to choose the right career pathway. Students who have a degree in building construction, architecture or engineering will find entry level jobs most easily. The more experienced they are the better are their career prospects. They must be good at finance and be adept at using computer programs to do the necessary calculations. Students can also have better job prospects if they have done a program in business finances, accounting etc.  Those who have completed an internship and who are informed about the various qualities of materials available, their cost and the size and type of equipment required to complete construction projects will find it easier to secure employment. Cost estimators can also take up certification programs offered by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering or the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis.

If you take up career assessment test at http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/ you will learn if you have the skills required to be a cost estimator. Cost estimators need to be very good at math; they must be able to research and get informed about the various aspects that will affect the viability of a project that is being considered. They must have good analytical skills, be good at problem solving and must be able to function independently as well as a team. Thy must be able to read blueprints and understand construction specifications.  Cost estimators will have to deal with people from various backgrounds; excellent interpersonal skills are a prerequisite. They need to monitor expenses during the entire term of the project to make sure that they stick to the planned budget.

In 2006 there were as many as 221,000 cost estimators employed with nearly 62% of them working in the construction industry. The job outlook is very good as the employment growth rate is projected at 19% which is much faster than the average of all other occupations. There will be a great demand for skilled and experienced cost estimators working for the construction industry. The median annual salary of cost estimators was $53,000 in 2006. Preference will be given to those who have a degree in building construction or construction science.

Management Cost Estimators

Cost estimators work in the manufacturing industry too. They are hired to estimate the cost of producing a new product and to analyze its profitability. They will consider the quality of material to be used, tools and equipment needed to produce the products, labor and other associated costs. They make up 15% of the total cost estimators and their job outlook is good.

Students who wish to pursue a career as a cost estimator in the construction or manufacturing industry will benefit by referring to http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/. When students take up career test, career placement test, career aptitude test, or the career assessment test offered by http://www.jobdiagnosis.com/ they will be able to make a decision with confidence. It can be confusing to choose one from the many career pathways that are available. It is recommended that students take the free career test and find out what career pathways they are more suited for.

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