Technical knowledge of materials and even computers may be demanded at times: "Construction managers determine the best way to get materials to the building site and the most cost-effective plan and schedule for completing the project. They divide all required construction site activities into logical steps, estimating and budgeting the time required to meet established deadlines. Doing this may require sophisticated scheduling and cost-estimating techniques using computers with specialized software" (Construction managers, 2011, BLS). In the case of the manager I interviewed, the project that he was currently managing had many of its features changed mid-course, as the project began to go over budget and met unexpected snags. Changing plans often results in delays, particularly when dealing with subcontractors for various building features. The manager also noted that strong interpersonal skills are demanded of construction managers, to deal with personality conflicts between employees, financers, owners, designers, and government officials. A construction manager must be able to focus on the task that needs to be done and the objective for the project without alienating any of the central participants. Construction managers frequently manage the labor requirements of the project and handle the hiring (and, when necessary, the firing) of workers and the selection of contractors. Their duties require conflict mitigation, labor relations, and general 'people' management knowledge.

Finally, the salaries of construction managers are highly variable. This is another reason for obtaining a degree...

While managers without degrees can earn higher salaries if they have a strong established track record, having a degree hastens advancement and can also enable the manager to pursue more ambitious and technical projects than they could without a degree. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics: "Median annual wages of salaried construction managers in May 2008 were $79,860. The middle 50% earned between $60,650 and $107,140. The lowest paid 10% earned less than $47,000, and the highest paid 10% earned more than $145,920" (Construction managers, 2011, BLS). To maximize my personal potential for excellence in the field and to help build the sort of buildings I wish to construct, a university degree seems necessary.
References

Construction managers. (2007). Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). Retrieved May 22, 2011

at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos005.htm#training

Rimetz, Brendan. (2011). Demand for green building materials to grow 13% annually through

2015. Builder Online. Retrieved May 22, 2011 at http://www.builderonline.com/green-products/demand-for-green-building-materials-to-grow-13-annually-through-2015.aspx?rssLink=Demand+for+Green+Building+Materials+to+Grow+13%25+Annually+Through+2015

What is sustainability? (2011). Sustainable Buildings Industry Council

(SBIC). Retrieved May 22, 2011 at http://www.sbicouncil.org/sustainability

What LEED is. (2011). U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved May 22, 2011 at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1988