Volunteer Work Fuels Career Path in Construction Management

News Summary

Esther Sadiki, a senior at Eastern Kentucky University, has shaped her career in construction management through volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. Her experiences confirmed her passion for the field, leading to her enrollment in EKU’s program which focuses on practical training and real-world experience. With strong internship opportunities and high job placement rates, Sadiki represents the potential and ambition within the construction management program, ensuring a bright future for herself and others in the industry.

Volunteer Experience Shapes Career in Construction Management for EKU Senior

EKU senior Esther Sadiki’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity has recently become a catalyst for her career choice in construction management. During her volunteer work, she discovered her passion for hands-on tasks and the construction field, prompting her to enroll in Eastern Kentucky University’s Construction Management program. This program offers extensive training in essential skills, including reading blueprints and managing multimillion-dollar job sites.

The Construction Management program at EKU emphasizes the importance of real-world experience, equipping students with the necessary credentials and networking opportunities to thrive in the industry. Students like Sadiki are prepared for fulfilling careers where they can significantly contribute to regional and state infrastructure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for construction managers is projected to grow by 9% through 2033, with salaries often exceeding $100,000.

Leadership Roles and Networking Opportunities

Beyond classroom learning, Sadiki’s role as president of the Student Contractors Association (SCA) has allowed her to help fellow students secure internships and co-op experiences. In her capacity, she organized volunteer events with Gray Construction for Habitat for Humanity, offering participants valuable, practical construction experiences. Through her association with SCA, she secured her current internship after a recruiter attended one of the events.

Students in EKU’s Construction Management program are required to complete at least three internships before graduation, designed to ensure they gain vital industry experience. Presently, Sadiki is engaged in her fourth internship as a field management intern with Gray Construction. Her journey began in her first construction management class at EKU, after which she interned with Dean Builds in Lexington and Siemens in Louisville. These experiences helped her accumulate industry knowledge and build confidence in her abilities.

Preparing for the Future

As Sadiki prepares to graduate in December, she is also studying for the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) exam, scheduled for November. This examination serves to validate skills in construction project management and implementation, reinforcing her expertise in the field. The program at EKU guarantees that all construction management graduates earn their OSHA – 30 certification, which focuses on workplace safety and hazard prevention, ensuring they are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the job.

According to Dr. Justin Dodd, an associate professor at EKU, the program boasts an impressive 99% job placement rate for construction management graduates within three months of graduation. This metric highlights the effectiveness of EKU’s Construction Management program in not only educating students but also preparing them for successful careers in the industry.

Conclusion

In sum, Esther Sadiki’s experiences highlight the transformative journey that volunteer work and dedicated education can catalyze in shaping career paths. Her involvement with Habitat for Humanity ignited a passion for the construction field, leading her to pursue a degree that is not only in demand but also vital for future infrastructure development. As she moves toward graduation while actively gaining experience through internships, her story serves as an inspiration for fellow students looking to carve out their paths in the construction management landscape.

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Additional Resources

• Lane Report: EKU Lays Foundation for Careers in Construction Management
• Fox 56 News: EKU Responds to Growing Student Population with Renovation and Innovation
• Eastern Progress: From Venezuela to Richmond, Bolivar’s Journey
• Richmond Register: Madison County Schools Start Back with Great Things on the Horizon
• Bechtel: Kentucky Plant Begins Destroying GB Nerve Agent Rockets
• Wikipedia: Construction Management
• Google Search: Construction Management Careers
• Google Scholar: Construction Management Program
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Management
• Google News: Educational Programs in Construction Management