Record-Setting Construction Career Fair Draws 295 Companies to Texas A&M
The event highlighted record industry demand for Texas A&M construction science students and the program’s internship-driven pipeline.
Students move through the main aisle of the Texas A&M Construction Science Career Fair at the Legends Event Center.
Texas A&M University’s Department of Construction Science hosted a record-setting career fair this year with support from the Construction Industry Advisory Council, drawing 295 companies to the Legends Event Center on Sept. 17. The event is the largest department-sponsored career fair at Texas A&M and the largest of its kind in the nation.
About 1,100 students and nearly 1,000 company representatives attended the fair, making it a major point of connection between Texas A&M construction science students and the companies recruiting them for internships and full-time roles. The event is important because construction science undergraduates must complete an internship before earning their degree.
The following day, students returned for interviews, allowing employers to continue hiring conversations started at the fair.
Hernan Guerra, industry relations coordinator for the Department of Construction Science, said the fair’s growth reflects continued industry demand for construction science graduates and the strength of the department’s relationship with employers.
“I already talked to a few companies that have gone to other career fairs, and they say, ‘We go to other universities, but this is the premier. This is the best. This is the one that we can’t miss.’”
Guerra said CIAC membership has also grown to more than 350 companies, the highest in its history. Companies must be CIAC members to attend the career fair, and membership helps directly support the Department of Construction Science.
Guerra added that companies continue to return every semester because Aggie students are well prepared. “Our students are the best prepared out of anybody.”
Recruiters Return to Aggieland
Michael Kacal ’04, project executive with DPR Construction, said his company brought a dozen Aggies back to College Station to help recruit for internships and full-time jobs, including positions supporting large data center projects across the country. He said DPR works in advanced technology, healthcare, life science, commercial office and highway construction.
Kacal said Texas A&M students stand out for both their energy and confidence in conversations with recruiters. He said that compared with other career fairs, Aggies are especially willing to step forward and introduce themselves.
The fair also drew first-time companies looking to build relationships with the university. Shield Proactive Maintenance attended the Texas A&M career fair for the first time this year.
Jacob Reyneke, vice president of inspections and estimation, said the company came in part because one of its founders studied construction science at Texas A&M. The company now wants to explore how Aggies could contribute as it grows.
Shield recruited for internships, part-time roles and potential full-time opportunities, particularly for students interested in more hands-on field work. Reyneke said the students he met showed a strong work ethic and professionalism, and that many already had prior work experience.
“I can see the level of professionalism that’s being inculcated here in the university with the students.”
Finding the Right Fit
Riley Brent ’15, senior project manager with Harvey Cleary, interned with the company in 2014 and joined full-time after graduating in 2015. Now, he returns to recruit current Texas A&M students.
Brent said Harvey Cleary looks for people with integrity, a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial mindset. He said the company places a strong emphasis on relationships, both with clients and with employees. Brent said he felt impressed by the young talent he spoke to.
“Many of them seem to be very driven and self-motivated, which is encouraging and exciting to see,” Brent said.
He encouraged students to learn about the companies they meet and to present themselves honestly. “You’re interviewing us just as much as we’re interviewing you and trying to find a fit,” Brent added. “We want to know who you are genuinely.”
Faculty members also play a visible role during the fair, helping students make introductions and think through their options.
Larry Fickel ’81 recently retired from the Department of Construction Science as a senior lecturer over the summer. He attended this year’s event to support his final cohort of students.
He said helping students connect with companies was always one of the most meaningful parts of attending the career fairs as a faculty member.
“That’s what Career Fair is about for the faculty: helping [students] find the right job,” Fickel said.
Students and Industry Connect
Students said the event also gave them a clearer sense of the kinds of companies and workplace cultures they want to pursue.
Texas A&M junior Leslie Robledo ’28 said she is interested in project management and spoke with companies including Lennar, MYCON General Contractors and McCarthy Building Companies.
At first, she was anxious about attending the career fair, but Robledo said she felt reassured after speaking with companies to learn more about their cultures and values.
“They were very welcoming,” Robledo said. “They’re very passionate about having family and community within their companies, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Dean of the College of Architecture Ivy Hu, Ph.D., said the event reflected both the scale of the Department of Construction Science’s industry partnership and its high-quality students.
“I am deeply impressed not only by the size of the event but also by the atmosphere, where professional, productive and aspirational conversations took place to bridge the talents we develop here on campus with the evolving needs of our industry partners,” Hu said after it concluded.
The record-setting event was organized and led by Stacie Watson, industry engagement coordinator for the Department of Construction Science, with support from a dedicated team of construction science students and department staff members Bree Wright, Elizabeth Smith and Cristy Blanton.
“Thank you to our industry leaders for trusting and supporting our students, and to our faculty for mentoring, coaching and preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Most importantly, thank you to all of our students — you make us so proud,” Hu said.
