I graduated last year with a degree in Business Management and found myself want ting further eduaction in a field that I was interested in, so I found the Masters of Construction Management Program at Western Carolina University. Here is the link http://cm.wcu.edu/ET-CC_CM.htm

So far I think it is a pretty good program that focuses on Project Management more than anything else.

Does anyone know of a place that has a full time job opening for someone that is currently enrolled in this type of program, but has no experience in construction? (Almost like an intern position)

11/17/2006 10:27:11 PM

btt

11/19/2006 10:57:39 PM

Id try a more informative title. Maybe try the lounge? Im sure theyd bitch about crossposting, but you might get a decent answer

11/19/2006 11:02:36 PM

I work for a big commercial GC as an intern each summer and they're hiring me full-time after I graduate in Dec '07.

Having your masters isnt that big of a deal in the industry, b/c so much of it can't really be taught in a classroom. its all about gaining experience, especially in project management, since you'll start on small jobs and work your way up. the industry is still largely a 'good ol boy' system (especially in the south) and a lot of the people you'll meet won't care that you have a masters degree on your wall. one thing it will be good for is simply having a degree with construction on it.

I know ECU has a similar undergrad setup to WCU, where its a management degree rather than an engineering degree like at state. The guys I know from ECU seem to have a pretty good education under em, especially since they teach it in practice over there than in theory.

Best thing you can probably do is start applying for every entry-level construction job you see. someone will eventually hire you, though realistically you'll likely get put into estimating right off the bat since you don't have any experience. its a good way for them to teach you how they do things and to see if you can catch on worth a shit. talk to the guys in your office about a masters, i mean its online so you could always go back and do it. without any experience or having taken any construction classes it'll probably be a pretty tought masters, even online. all in all having 2 years of experience instead of 2 years in a virtual classroom will benefit your career in construction a lot more.

11/20/2006 12:04:17 AM

^Do you know of anyone at the place where you work that would take a look at a resume and consider me for an entry level project controls type position.

11/20/2006 7:30:56 PM

I just get scared when getting my masters degree in something and it being online that employers and even people I know may think less of me because I did it online. In reality this method works really well for me because the time that I would spend driving to and from class is spent reading and understanding concepts. I don't know, what do you guys think???

11/20/2006 7:38:37 PM

btt

11/21/2006 12:55:01 PM

Many companies will pay tuition, books, fees, etc. (most things except for room/board) for you to get your masters degree (online or not), I know John Deere does. The only stipulation is that you have to stay with the company two years after you get the degree. I would try to get in somewhere and then let them pay for it. As far as it not looking as good, I think it has more to do with the university/program than whether its online or not.

[Edited on November 21, 2006 at 5:35 PM. Reason : ]

11/21/2006 5:34:48 PM