The construction industry is defined as companies engaged in the construction of buildings or engineering projects such as bridges and roads. It also includes the renovation of existing buildings. The status and growth of the construction industry is critical to our nation’seconomy. New construction is often an indicator of a strong economy, whereas companies often focus on renovation of existing buildings and engineering projects when there is more economic uncertainty.
There are three primary types of construction projects:
Projects are classified as public or private:
Public
Projects completed for federal, state, or local agencies of government and paid for from tax money, bonds, or other public funds
Private
Large and small commercial buildings, including stores, churches, schools, hospitals
Many types of businesses are related to all three of these sectors. Companies required for or associated with the construction industry include:
- Surveying companies
- Architectural and engineering firms
- Construction Companies
- Inspection service companies
- Project Management Firms
- Companies specializing in creating models of large construction projects
- Companies that provide plumbing, heating, central air-conditioning, electrical wiring, lighting equipment, elevators, and escalators
As the construction industry advances, it tests new materials and methods of building with metals and synthetic products thatare lighter and stronger. The industry is also moving toward new models to conserve natural resources and become more environmentally friendly.
Engineers who work in the construction industry are responsible for the design and construction of physical structures using their knowledge of materials science, engineering, physics, and economics. They typically work as contractors and are responsible for the actual building of the structure. Engineers can also work as consultants where they advise clients on projects within their specialty. They can work in an office off-site, at on-site projects, or work on multiple
Industry summary sourced from FirstHand Vault guide.
SAMPLE JOB TITLES
- Business Analyst
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Engineer
- Field Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Estimator
- Field Manager
- Design Estimator
- Design Engineer
- Design Manager
- Mechanical Designer
- Operations
- Preconstruction Manager
- Project Manager
- Project Engineer
- Project Scheduler
- Procurement Engineer
- Rotational Engineer
SAMPLE HIRING ORAGANIZATION
- Alabama Department of Transportation
- AECOM
- Brasfield & Gorrie
- Burns & McDonnell
- Civil Southeast
- Cooper Construction
- GoodwynMills Cawood
- Harbert Construction
- Hoar Construction
- Holder Construction
- Kiewit
- Kimley-Horn
- LBYD Engineers
- McCarthy Building Companies
- Robins & Morton
- Saia Construction
- S&ME
- Turner Construction
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Volkert, Inc.
- Weis Builders
$67K
Average starting salary
*based on 325 responsesfrom 2020-2024 AU EngineeringGraduates on the First Destination Survey
RECRUITING TIMELINE
Depending on the type of employer and the role, the recruitment timelines vary. Governmental organizations, large companies, and manufacturers typically recruit more heavily in the fall. Opportunities still exist beyond the fall but are typically more niche opportunities with smaller companies. Additionally, companies will hire throughout the year depending on the needs and demands of their projects or government contracts.
Seek opportunities to connect with employers at fall events such as the fall Engineering Career Fair, as well as at employer table talks, employer-in-residence, Ask Alumni Anything chats, and student organization meetings. Search for posted opportunities on Handshake and other sources referenced below.
SAMPLE OPPORTUNITIES
Student Organizations
- American Concrete Institute
- American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Auburn Geotechnical Society
- Associated General Contractors Builders Guild
- Chi Epsilon, National Civil Engineering Honor Society
- Engineers Without Borders
- Institute of Transportation Engineers
- Materials Engineering Society at Auburn
- Water Environment Association
- U.S. Green Building Council Students
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & INDUSTRY RESOURCES
- Alabama Road Builders Association
- American Council for Construction Education
- American Public Works Association
- Associated General Contractors of America
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Design-Build Institute of America
- Institute of Transportation Engineers
- Institution of Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Contractors Association of America
- National Association of Home Builders
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- National Society of Professional Engineers
Internships + Co-ops
With sample hiring organizations + companies recruiting through
- Engineering Career Fairs & Industry Days
- Civil & Environmental and Biosystems ASCE and ASABE Career Fair
- Handshake job platform
Meet with an Engineering Career Coach for more information about accessing opportunities + strategizing your search for co-ops, internships, research, and more.
ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY
- Allen Sasser, ‘12Electrical | Principal, Electrical Engineer | Conway & Owen
- Curry Glanton, ’12 Civil & Environmental | Project Manager | Ra-lin& Associates
- Hayley Sistrunk, ’10 Civil & Environmental | Chief Pre-Construction Manager | Brasfield & Gorrie
- Jared Allen, ’20 Civil & Environmental | Traffic Engineering Analyst | Kimley-Horn
- Jim Cooper Civil & Environmental | President | Cooper Construction Company
- Jordan Ross, ’09 Civil& Environmental | Senior Pre-Construction Manager | Hoar Construction
- Justin McDonald, ’05 & ’07 Civil & Environmental | Chief of Programs and Project Management for Civil Works | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Katherine Causey, ’16 & ’17 Civil & Environmental and Industrial & Systems | Construction Senior Project Manager | Florida Department of Transportation
- Katie Love, ’20 Biosystems| Project Professional I | TTL, Inc.
- Sam Serio, ’03 Civil & Environmental | Vice President | GoodwynMills Cawood
- Sarah Beth Reeves, ’20 Civil & Environmental | Preconstruction Manager | Brasfield & Gorrie
You can access alumni such as these to learn about career paths, skills for the industry, and build your network through LinkedIn. Create an account and build your profile, then search for Auburn alumni by major, company, location, or other criteria on the Auburn University LinkedIn page. Chat with an Engineering Career Coach on strategies for networking and reaching out to connect.