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Career Services

What you do after graduation is just as important to us as your education.  Let up help you build your brand and prepare you for your job search and career in the construction industry.

Prepare for Your Job Search

Get Ready for Your Job Search

A student resume should contain the following sections:

  • Education (with expected graduation date)
  • Experience (reverse chronological order unless you are grouping by relevant vs. other)
  • Skills — software, certifications (LEED, OSHA), and languages spoken

You may consider the following sections as they apply to you:

  • Summary statement
  • Extra curricular activities
  • Community and volunteer involvement

Resume Resources:

Handshake is the tool used across UW to connect students with potential employers. Career fairs, information sessions, and 1:1 meetings with recruiters are all conducted in Handshake.

  • Access Handshake using UWNetID credentials
  • Upload your updated resume and set it to public
  • Make sure to add key words to your profile
  • Make your profile visible to employers

  • LinkedIn Profile Checklist
  • Upload your updated resume
  • Make sure to add key words to your profile
  • Great place to showcase projects that you have worked on
  • Use LinkedIn to connect with guest speakers, faculty members, company presentation speakers, and members of CIAC

What to Wear

Dress for the job you want!  Wear professional or  business casual attire like a suit or button down shirt or blouse paired with neutral (black, navy or khaki ) pants. Check your outfit to make sure it’s clean and in good condition (no rips or stains) and fits you comfortably.

Check out the Husky Career Closet for free, gently-used workplace attire.  We strongly discourage flipflops, baseball caps,  short skirts, tank/halter/sleeveless tops, and low cut or tight-fitting shirts.

Refrain from wearing too much fragrance. Keep accessories, jewelry, and piercings restrained and not distracting.

What to Say

  • Prepare an “Elevator Pitch” about yourself.
    • What skills and accomplishments do you bring that will benefit this company?
    • What makes you unique?
  • Introduce yourself, make good eye contact, and offer a firm handshake
  • Be enthusiastic – smile and express interest in the company
  • Prepare a few questions to ask the recruiter about open positions or the company

Be Prepared!

  • A list of this year’s attendees can be found on the main Career Fair page
  • Before the Career Fair, conduct research on the companies that interest you
  • Impress representatives with your company knowledge and enthusiasm to work for them
  • Prepare your resume before the fair and bring several copies
  • Ask appropriate questions about job openings/descriptions, the organization and application procedures
  • Collect business cards from recruiters you’d like to follow-up with and send them a thank you letter or email within 48 hours

After the Career Fair

  • Send a thank you letter or email message within 48 hours
    • Thank employers for their time spent at the job fair
    • Restate your interest to those employers that you are most interested in
    • Include a copy of your resume. Since most candidates will not follow-up with employers after the job fair, this will help you stand out!

Preparing for Virtual Career Fairs

Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship

Industry mentors can be a resource for career advice and discernment. Connecting with a mentor is different from meeting from a recruiter or setting up an interview for a job. Being respectful of your mentor’s time and expertise and responding with curiosity and humility as they share their experiences can be a powerful way for you to learn how to navigate the industry!

Looking for a mentor?

  • Attend a mentorship event organized by the CIAC Career Mentorship and Inclusion Committee
  • Attend a company presentation
  • Connect with a guest speaker or panelist from one of your classes
  • Ask CM faculty if they have mentor suggestions based on your interest or affinity

Other Training Opportunities

OJT

CPT/OPT information under student resources

Undergraduate students are required to complete an internship prior to graduation.

Career Outcomes

In an department survey of the class of 2022, with 36% of the graduating class responding, students reported an average starting salary of just over $75,000/year.

The national occupational outlook for construction managers is projected to grow faster than than the average for all occupations.

Explore Construction Management Student Outcomes from Next Destination survey by UW Career Services