Sean Ross stood in the room, his eyes scanning the students bustling about, clutching their resumes tightly. Some donned suits, while others sported button-ups and ties. With a deep breath, Ross approached the first company booth of the day, little realizing that the conversations ahead would lead to a full-time job offer. This is a common occurrence for Cal Poly construction management students like Ross, who is a real estate finance major with a construction management minor.

Unlock Your Construction Management Career at Cal Poly

Navigating the Career Fair

Cal Poly's Construction Management Career Fair is renowned for its size and significance. It is so large that it cannot fit within the Cal Poly Rec Center, which typically hosts career fairs. Instead, the department hosts over 90 companies at the Alex Madonna Expo Center. This provides students with an extensive range of opportunities to connect with potential employers.For Ross, a second-year student attending his first career fair, it was a nerve-wracking experience. He felt like a small fish in a big pond, unsure of what to say. But he took the plunge and began engaging with the companies. This shows the courage and determination that students bring to these events.

Academic Rigor and Real-World Preparation

Cal Poly's Construction Management Department boasts a remarkable 95% job placement rate and a median starting salary of $75,000 for graduates. This success is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong alumni base, a tight-knit community, and hands-on opportunities.The department's "learn by doing" curriculum allows students to gain practical experience through projects and internships. For example, Ross was able to mention that he had poured concrete in his lab just last week. This hands-on experience gives Cal Poly students a competitive edge in the job market.According to the 2022-2023 Cal Poly Graduate Status Report, the average full-time job placement rate across all majors at the university is 76%. This highlights the exceptional performance of the Construction Management Department.

The Power of Alumni and Industry Involvement

The alumni base of the Construction Management Department plays a crucial role in its success. Every construction management student has to complete a senior project, often for a construction company. These projects range from city development to work for local organizations.Industry involvement is also significant. Many of the department's industry partners and supporters are alumni who return to Cal Poly to recruit, fund competition teams, and visit job sites. Last year, a construction company in the Bay Area fully funded an interdisciplinary field trip for the department.The faculty members at Cal Poly are dedicated to exposing students to various opportunities and networking events. This creates a vibrant outside-the-classroom environment that enhances students' learning experiences.

Student Involvement Programs

The Cal Poly Associated Students of Construction Management (ASCM) is a student-led program that organizes a variety of initiatives. Senior Mason Chamberlin is a board member and has witnessed the numerous opportunities that CM provides.One of the key events organized by ASCM is the annual CM Golf Tournament, which Chamberlin is in charge of. This tournament not only brings students together but also provides a platform for companies to sponsor and engage with students.In addition to the golf tournament, ASCM organizes barbecues to foster a sense of community among students. The department also plays a vital role in mentoring and connecting the student-run club with the right people who can provide funding for their activities.

Professors and Their Impact

Most of the professors in the Construction Management Department are down to earth and have had successful careers in the industry. They return to Cal Poly to give back and have real conversations with students about the current state of the industry.This interaction between professors and students creates a supportive learning environment. Students feel connected to the department and are motivated to pursue their careers in construction management.The department aims to continue growing, increasing student involvement, and creating new opportunities. They want to maintain the high level of job placement and the sense of community that has made the department so successful.