Network with industry at Feb. 22 Construction Connections event

On Feb. 22, the Construction Student Association (CSA) hosts its annual Construction Connections event, giving students an opportunity to meet industry representatives from more than 30 companies.

The event follows a speed-networking format. Students enrolled in University of Cincinnati’s architectural engineering, civil engineering and construction management programs sit down for seven-minute sessions with each company.

Unlike the career fair, Construction Connections' sessions are all one-on-one. Time slots are reserved ahead of time, and companies already have students’ resumes.

“You interview the company and the company interviews you,” said UC civil engineering student Kassidy Buschor, CSA co-chair of the event. “You can talk about a lot in seven minutes. It’s a great way to tell if a company’s a good fit.”

Since employers are seeking students to fill both cooperative education (co-op) positons and full-time positions, students of all grade levels attend.

On the morning of the event, UC hosts its annual New Builder’s Competition, a project-based competition for first-through-third-year students across the state. Some participating schools include Ohio State University, Kent State University, Bowling Green State University and Ohio Northern University.

Students in teams of five are assigned a category: heavy civil, residential or commercial. Local construction companies then assign each team a project in their category. Students learn the ins and outs of a construction project – from designing to budgeting to scheduling – under the guidance of industry and student mentors.

“You get a ton of experience out of the New Builder’s Competition,” Buschor said. “You get to network and talk to the sponsoring company, and you get to touch all different aspects of a construction project.”

After the competition, participants can then stick around for lunch and Construction Connections.

Student registration for Construction Connections ended Friday, but students still interested in attending can walk in and sign up for any empty slots a company has – just remember to bring your resume. 

Editor’s note: Each year the Construction Student Association hosts these events. This year, Kassidy Buschor organized Construction Connections. Kearstin O’Mara organized the New Builder’s Competition. 

Featured image at top: Students talk to industry representatives at last year's Construction Connections. Photo/Provided