©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Career support services in construction-related programs in the USIntroductionCareers in the construction industry are in high demand. More specifically, the demand forconstruction managers is expected to grow 9% in the next decade, that is “much faster thanaverage” according to the [1]. A recent publication from the Association of General Contractors(AGC) in partnership with Sage also noted difficulty in hiring both craft workers and salariedpositions, while companies seek to increase their headcount (AGC & Sage, 2025). To meet thisdemand, enrollment in construction programs has increased since the economic downturn in2008, as evident by the rebound in bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Paper ID #46775Immediate Impacts of Informal Learning Intervention on High School Students’Career Attitude toward Construction by GenderJingyuan Shen, Georgia Institute of Technology Jingyuan Shen PhD student School of Building Construction, College of Design, Georgia Institute of TechnologyJing Wen ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Immediate Impacts of Informal Learning Intervention on High School Students’ Career Attitude toward Construction by GenderAbstractThe construction industry is facing a growing workforce shortage, further exacerbated by theunderrepresentation of women. This
Paper ID #45586Construction Trade Schools Employers Perceptions: Past and PresentMr. Jonathan Robert Gomes, Roger Williams University Jonathan Gomes is a Lecturer at Roger Williams University in Bristol RI. His background is in Heavy Civil and Infrastructure construction primarily focused in the Rhode Island area. Research interests are focused in employability, career and technical education, and utility as-builtsDr. Amine Ghanem, Roger Williams University Amine Ghanem joined the SECCM faculty in Spring of 2013 as an Associate Professor after serving 5.5 years as a faculty member and construction management program
declines. The decrease in student population, which consequentlyresults in more intense competition among institutions to attract students, motivates academicadministrators to find ways to increase enrollment. This study explores factors that influencedBCS students to choose the program despite strong regional competition. A quantitative approachwas employed to collect data on various aspects, including drivers, obstacles, expectations, andfuture career paths. All first, second, and third-year BCS students participated in the survey.Results indicated that family-inspired factors, job opportunities, and the nature of the programwere among the important influencers, while social perceptions, work situations, and lack ofaccurate advising were
international students who must navigate additionalchallenges, such as visa restrictions, language barriers, and cultural transitions. In addition,demanding coursework, competitive research environments, and the pressure to secureinternships or employment exacerbate their stress levels. Male students often report stress relatedto academic performance and career expectations. In contrast, female students face additionalchallenges, such as gender discrimination, underrepresentation in STEM fields, and balancingprofessional aspirations with societal expectations. However, few studies have explored thestressors and coping strategies of international graduate students in engineering programs, orhow these may differ by gender.Within the broader engineering
Materials, Project Management, and Construction EducationDr. Mohsen Garshasby, Mississippi State University Mohsen Garshasby is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Building Construction Science at Mississippi State University. Dr. Garshasby is an architect, researcher, and educator who currently teaches collaborative studio(s) and environmental building systems within the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025The Impact of NACE Competency Integration on Students’Perceived Career Readiness in Construction Management Education Mohsen Goodarzi1, Tamer Breakah2, and Mohsen Garshasby3 1
Paper ID #46010Pilot Study: From Curiosity to Career- The Influence of a Summer Camp onHigh School Students’ Interest in Transportation and STEM CareersDr. Tejal Mulay, Florida A&M University - Florida State University Dr. Tejal Mulay is an Assistant Professor in Electronic Engineering Technology under the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology (SAET) at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Dr. Mulay’s primary research area is speech signal processing, including but not limited to acoustic emotion recognition, digital signal processing, autonomous vehicles, and blockchain technology and its
Center for Infrastructure Transformation and Education (CIT-E). At the international level, he serves as the Associate Editor for the ASC International Journal of Construction Education and Research. He collaborates with faculty members in Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Spain. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2023 Where are the women of Color professors?: Multicultural career sustainability utilizing participatory action researchAbstract Universities with a multicultural workforce positively impact the quality of services inprofessional development, mentorship, leadership, administration, advising, and the classroomlearning environment. These valuable
requires, students come back to class inspired and driven tocomplete their studies. The graduate, thus, has acquired the necessary work readiness of skills,confidence, and self-efficacy to become a contributing member of the organization in a shortertimeframe [4]. This ease of transition into the career parallels the paradigm shift of employeeslooking beyond pay and wanting “learning opportunities, a sense of belonging and work-lifebalance” [5].Belonging is a fundamental human desire to be part of a group [6]. Studies have shown thatstudents with a higher sense of belonging to their university or major are more likely toovercome challenges and persist in their college studies [7-9]. Walton and Cohen [7] also foundthat a one-hour intervention to
degrees and suggests strategies to encourage and attract morewomen to study and work in the industry. The results of the study highlight that personal interestin construction and career opportunities are the most significant factors influencing femalestudents' decisions to major in CEM. Furthermore, the majority of students reported positivelearning experiences during their studies. The findings inform recommendations for CEMprogram recruitment efforts. The recommendations include collaborating with a ProfessionalWomen in Construction chapter to provide prospective students with increased opportunities forengagement within the construction industry. Additionally, enhancing advertising efforts throughsocial media platforms and the internet
sectors in embracing and implementing meaningful DEI practices, leaving significantgaps in representation and inclusivity.The construction industry’s entrenched male-dominated culture poses significant challenges forfemale professionals and graduates, who often face unequal opportunities for career advancement[1]. Similarly, minority groups frequently encounter systemic barriers that hinder their access tocareer pathways equivalent to those available to their peers. This disparity highlights the criticalneed for robust, targeted DEI strategies within the construction sector.Higher education institutions offering Construction Engineering and Management (CEM)programs have begun addressing these challenges by working to close enrollment gaps
in high-engagement competitions influences students' academic motivation,professional development, and personal growth. Specifically, the paper examines areas such asalignment with university coursework, development of teamwork and leadership skills, and theenhancement of career readiness.Understanding the educational and professional impact of such competitions is crucial for severalreasons. First, it provides valuable insights into how experiential learning methods likecompetitions complement traditional academic curricula. Second, it highlights the role ofcompetitions in equipping students with industry-relevant skills, such as project management,problem-solving, and technological proficiency. Finally, analyzing the outcomes of
EngineeringAbstractThe Construction industry is a dynamic, demanding, and challenging workplace for the recentengineering graduates entering the workforce. The construction industry is evolving asglobalization continues to generate transformation in the industries. Therefore, educationinstitutions must evaluate and implement the changes in the curriculum that provide the industrywith a skilled workforce. Work-life Balance (WLB) has become a challenge to the industry asthe next generation understands that having WLB is a priority in their career. This study focuseson understanding the work-life balance's influence on the Millennium generation entering theworkforce. A survey was provided to 161 university students in the construction industry, andthe results
Society for Engineering Education, 2024 Assessing the Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Digital Skills for Middle Schoolers in Underserved Communities. The TechSpark Immokalee Case Study on Digital Upskilling in the Construction IndustryAbstractThis research project examines the impact and challenges of a digital education interventiondeveloped for middle school students from an underrepresented community within SouthwestFlorida. A four-week workshop was developed for three grade levels to enhance awareness andinterest in developing digital skills required for future technology-driven careers. Supported bythe Microsoft TechSpark program, these interventions provide students with hands-onexperiences involving emerging
graduating from MSIs may receive lowerthan average salaries, except for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AANAPISI) andAlaskan Native or Native Hawaiians (AANH) [8].Therefore, given the need for graduates in fields supporting STEM fields [7], it is imperative forSTEM and the construction industry to determine which demographics are missing and why theyare not seeking employment in these fields. Women only comprise around 35% of the STEMworkforce, which drops to 7.6% in construction project managers [9]. Figure 1. Public K-12 Spending Per Student [3]Ecton and Dougherty [10] illustrate how these differences are apparent when students self-selectfor Career and Technical Education (CTE) paths. Students receiving free
,students continued with the main survey in which they responded to a series of demographic, self-report sleep habits, and perceived career-related questions. In this phase, a total of 152 constructionstudents participated in the study. The data were coded, cleaned, and modeled in statisticalsoftware.ResultsThe first section of the survey consisted of demographic questions, in which 88% of respondentswere male and the rest 12% were female which was slightly above the female gender rate for theconstruction program. Also, junior (47%) and sophomore (44%) students comprised the majorityof participants, followed by freshman (7%) and senior (2%) level students. In the next question,participants were asked to report their GPA. The pre-defined categories
formative. There is ample evidence suggesting that in such careers, theeducational approach yielding the best results involves problem-solving in real-worldscenarios, as it promotes collaboration, critical thinking, conceptual learning, and specificskills and competencies relevant to the field [3-5].However, it has been reported that students in these programs experience low retention andtimely graduation rates [2, 6], posing a threat to the construction industry's future. Therefore,exploring the factors affecting Construction Engineering students is crucial. In this regard,sense of belonging and self-efficacy are two sociocognitive factors extensively studied fortheir close relationship and impact on students' academic progression indicators, such
experiences. Traditional course delivery methods can besupplemented with visual and experiential tools such as augmented reality, virtual sitewalkthroughs, and 3D scanning demonstrations. Such methods improve student interest and aidin better retention of course material, as students connect theoretical knowledge to practicalapplications. For instance, the ability to visualize 2D plans in 3D using LiDAR fosters a deeperunderstanding of spatial relationships, which is critical for construction management. • Industry Feedback58% of professionals consider these technologies essential for career preparation, while 28%view them as helpful but not critical. Industry participants noted that familiarity with tools likeGPS and LiDAR significantly improves
’ accuracy,functionality, input handling, and problem-solving capabilities. Students found the assignmentmoderately easy and highly relevant to their careers. Discussion board analysis provided insightsinto student challenges, AI perceptions, and chatbot improvements. The end-of-course surveyreinforced the effectiveness of combining in-class activities with video tutorials for teaching newtechnologies.This study contributes to CEM education by providing a practical framework for hands-on AIimplementation. It makes advanced technology accessible without requiring extensiveprogramming knowledge while addressing real-world construction challenges. The validatedassignment materials, available online (https://www.electriai.com/electriai-lab/asee25
data (i.e., pre-, and post-surveys). This test is implemented if the differences betweenpairs of data are non-normally distributed [12]. The authors utilized SPSS to conduct theWilcoxon analysis with the confidence interval set to 95% and the maximum desired P-value of0.05. Furthermore, the scope of the combination learning module was graphically representedwith box plots to investigate the efficacy of the pedagogical approach to support students in fourdifferent areas: (1) solve problems in other courses; (2) brainstorm ideas for real-world problemsin their professional career; (3) educate peers about circular economy concepts such asdeconstruction and design for disassembly; and (4) implement the circular economy principle intheir
constructioneducation. Wang and Buckeridge [15] found that many programs lack a dedicated ethicscurriculum, often addressing ethical considerations superficially within broader managementcourses. Students frequently encounter a disconnect between theoretical ethical frameworks andthe complex, situational dilemmas they face during internships or early careers [16]. The lack ofemphasis on global and sustainability issues in ethics education further exacerbates this gap,leaving graduates ill-prepared for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected andenvironmentally conscious world [15]. Addressing these gaps requires a paradigm shift inconstruction education.ETHICS ACCREDITATION STANDARDS IN CONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONMost CEM programs in the United States are
the Politecnico di Milano (2013), a MSc in Building Management and a BSc in Architecture from the same institution. He is also an alumnus of the Collegio di Milano, a residential interdisciplinary honours programme with a competitive admission process and extracurricular activities. Whilst completing his PhD, Dr. Martani was appointed MIT-Italy fellow at the Senseable City Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT|SCL) and became a visiting researcher at the Virtual Development and Training Centre (VDTC) of the Fraunhofer Institute (IFF). In the course of his academic career, Dr. Martani has worked in the areas of future-oriented design optimization, risk and resilience analysis, uncertainty
ObjectivesThe senior capstone course plays a crucial role in preparing students for careers in theconstruction industry by providing them with hands-on experience, industry-relevant skills, andnetworking opportunities [11]. It allows students to gain practical experience working on realconstruction projects, develop a deeper understanding of industry practices, and buildrelationships with potential employers.Best practices for implementing a successful senior capstone course include [13]: 1. Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with industry partners to provide real-world projects, guest lectures, and internship opportunities for students. 2. Project-Based Learning: Emphasize project-based learning to simulate real construction projects
need to be educated on the consequences of poor sleep and thebenefits of getting good quality sleep. This awareness could potentially improve their academicperformance, health, social life, and overall well-being during their college years.There are not many classes on the importance of sleep and how it pertains to the human body inmodern-day colleges. However, some institutions are trying to educate students on this subjectand are seeing encouraging results. The benefits of a quality night's sleep are irreplaceable andform the foundation for successful careers in all fields of work. In 2018, a midwestern universityenrolled 254 students in a class to educate them on sleep and encourage more rest. This classspanned eight weeks and required
) Capstone design experience since 2015, using project teams as direct consultants with internal and external clients across the State and region. He has presented on one such project at the ASEE St. Lawrence Section conference on one such CEE capstone effort in the past. He also teaches courses in a variety of areas connected to both building and infrastructure construction. Previous to his time at Clarkson, he was an Assistant Professor of Military Science at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and an Instructor/Writer for the US Army Engineer School USAES) at the Maneuver Support Center (MANSCEN), Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was responsible for rewiring significant portions of the USAES Engineer Captain’s Career
partnership or faculty externship with a constructionmanagement industry member and a faculty member's home academic institution, a course wascreated in which current industry project work was leveraged as curricular content and deployed,in real-time, within a combined lecture and lab classroom environment. The focus of the coursewas virtual design and construction tools, workflows, processes, and information technology forconstruction. In this model, a full-time faculty member was embedded in the industry to leveragea live knowledge transfer learning environment that draws from real-time industry experiencesand training to bring direct career readiness and preparation into the classroom. Engaging thispedagogical model allowed the faculty member to
TEAMWORK AS A CORE COMPETENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION Saeed Rokooei, Raheleh Miralami, George FordAbstract The specialization of careers in various industries has created a multitude of professional networks that demand close collaboration between parties when working toward a common goal. Additionally, the exponential growth of information technology has evolved with the workflows among various entities involved in a project. Therefore, professionals in various construction or engineering positions must work with their peers closely to form teams. As an interpersonal skill set, the ability to work in teams is gaining
construction courses where the XR framework can be included asin-class activities to promote knowledge retention and lays out modules of XR activities. The paperprovides an overview of how students can understand the fundamentals of utilizing advanced toolsin their classroom, which helps them graduate career ready. Overall, with this innovative XRframework, higher education institutions can provide an immersive and effective learningexperience while meeting the stringent requirements of accrediting bodies.Keywords: XR framework, Construction technology, Student learning outcomes, constructionaccreditationIntroductionConstruction Management (CM) is a popular and well-established degree program offered bynumerous institutions in the United States and
you could visit the completed pyramid today to search for clues on its construction that would help with your imagined plan, what would you look for? What would you want to investigate? Why? How might managing a project like this help (or hurt) your future career?Module 2: Colosseum in RomePrior to the classroom portion of our second module, students watch documentaries about Romanengineering and the Colosseum. In the classroom, we look at the breadth of the Roman Empire’sengineering feats with its roads, bridges, aqueducts, arenas, baths, domes, and tunnels. Then westudy the Colosseum in Rome and what we know about its purpose, materials, size, schedule,and more. A hands-on activity with blocks explores arches and vaulting
faced, and the perceived benefits. They also had to answerpreliminary questions. The project included structured questions to gauge students' familiaritywith AI and large language models (LLMs), their experience in estimating before the course, andtheir perceived future role of AI in their careers. Students were also required to provide chat logs(as an appendix to the assignment) detailing their interactions with AI tools, which provided adataset of the types of prompts used, responses received, and the workflows followed duringestimating tasks. Examples of chat logs are provided in Figures 2-3.Figure 1. Togal.AI’s pattern recognition feature for automated QTO (student example submitted)Figure 2. Examples of student prompts