How Young Professionals Learn Constructability in the Real World

Monday, November 4, 2024  8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Grand BR Salon C

The objective of this session is to discuss ways in which new graduates entering the industry apply critical thinking and learn constructability through their formal education, work supervisors, mentors and others as they try to navigate their way into successful careers. All members of the construction industry – current and future – should attend this session, where speakers in various stages of their careers will present their experiences and participate in a panel discussion addressing the training of young professionals and how they are taught constructability. Outcomes include an understanding of the role of constructability in education, and the importance of mentoring young professionals.

Mentoring Students and New Graduates to Know what they Wish They Knew

Presented By: Michael Schneider
Affiliation: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc.
Description: This presentation will discuss the opportunities that intern/coop programs offer to help prepare students to be “job ready” upon graduation. We will also look at how important onboarding, training and mentoring programs are for new graduates coming into our industry. The importance of understanding the interdependence of Safety, Constructability, Quality, Productivity and Sustainability on successful projects. Successful implementation of these concepts help insure the success of organizations and the individual co-worker. It will also help the young professional determine which career path they want to pursue in this rewarding industry.

Using Your Lifelines in the Game of “Who wants to be Successful in Construction?”

Presented By: Melissa Camarillo
Affiliation: Riteks, Inc. - Chemical Admixtures
Description: When you get the job after graduation, it is time to put your resume to work. Ever ask yourself, “what if I didn’t learn this in college or in the field” or “I wish I knew…”? This presentation focuses on applying critical thinking and learning constructability based on the resources you have as of today. You will get perspective from an industry professional on coming out of construction law and jumping into concrete engineering on using tools to be successful in the construction industry. This presentation ties the importance of current knowledge, experience to date, using internal and external resources and benefits of mentorship as lifelines to achieve your career overall goals.

Building When You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: An Undergraduate's Exploration of Construction

Presented By: Joseph Grout
Affiliation: Texas State University
Description: In this presentation, a current student offers his unique perspective on entering the construction industry as an undergraduate. Before embarking on his academic pursuits, Joseph Grout's creative drive led him to craft custom concrete models with wax molds, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Throughout his academic journey, he has actively participated in competitions and research, each presenting its own set of insights and challenges. An internship with the Air Force Research Laboratory gave the opportunity to work with Concrete 3D printing. Anecdotes and lessons learned from these experiences will be presented, from the perspective of an undergraduate student in Concrete Industry Management, about to enter the profession, and illuminating ways he engaged with the construction industry despite encountering common knowledge gaps.

Incorporating the Concepts of Constructability Throughout the Engineering and Construction Curricula

Presented By: James Ernzen
Affiliation: Arizona State University
Description: This presentation will discuss ways faculty can weave the ideas of constructability into their courses at the undergraduate level in civil engineering and construction programs. The importance of critical thinking and consideration for the process of construction during the design phase will be discussed.