Students in Purdue Polytechnic's Bowen School of Construction arrive with varying levels of experience. For undergraduates, the school's tight-knit community, hands-on technology experience and direct industry connections are the features designed to guarantee that everyone has access to the same high-quality learning experience designed to get them on the same page.
Austin Abshire transferred into the Construction Management major after briefly working in the construction field. He highlighted the welcoming environment created by the faculty.
"I love the tight-knit community of students and staff in this department," Abshire said. "Every educator here is a joy to be around."
Mindy Cornelius, another Construction Management major, shared a similar perspective. She described the school as a large family where students interact with professors daily.
The curriculum caters to students starting from scratch. Paige Reitz, a Design and Construction Integration major, entered Purdue with no construction background. She learned the industry from the ground up. Reitz praised the program's hands-on approach and its blend of architecture, design, and new technologies.
Students highlighted specific technical tools they use in the classroom. Abshire said learning Building Information Modeling directly prepares him for future project management roles.
Faculty members bring extensive professional experience to these lessons. Anh Nguyen, a Construction Management major, said this instruction instills a strong sense of professionalism.
"I feel that I'm equipped with useful skills to be industry ready, day one," Nguyen said.
Nguyen draws motivation from the autobiography of Hyundai founder Chung Ju-yung. Nguyen realized through this reading that construction has the power to change a nation's social and economic standing.
The school routinely connects undergraduates with working professionals. Kara Jacobs plans to enter residential construction after graduation. She identified the school's industry visits as a primary benefit that provides a direct look into future careers.
Halbert Aguirre, a Construction Management major, pointed to the school's resources and extensive networking connections. He said the program teaches students the necessity of collaboration.
"Everything has to be done together," Aguirre said. "That is the only way to go far in this industry."
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