When EKU senior Esther Sadiki picked up a hammer to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity, she never imagined it would lead to a career decision for her future. But through the volunteer experience, she discovered a passion for hands-on work and found a path in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Construction Management program.
From reading blueprints to managing multimillion-dollar job sites, EKU Construction Management prepares students to lead with opportunities to gain real-world experience, credentials and networking.
“Our construction management program is vital in shaping the infrastructure of our region and state,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “As Kentucky’s industries continue to grow, EKU stands ready to meet the workforce demands for today and the future through our high-demand degree programs, such as construction management, engineering and aviation.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports salaries topping $100,000 for construction managers and projects the demand to grow by 9% through 2033, much faster than average.
Now leading as president of the Student Contractors Association (SCA), Sadiki connects students to co-op experiences and internships. She’s organized two volunteer events with Gray Construction in Lexington for Habitat for Humanity, helping other students get valuable hands-on experience and meet professionals in the field, all the while giving back to the community.
“When I got involved in SCA, I learned more than I ever expected and was offered more opportunities,” Sadiki said. “I landed my current internship through SCA after a recruiter attended an event we organized. They sent me an offer letter the next week.”
Emphasizing the hands-on application of classroom learning, EKU Construction Management students complete at least three internships before graduating. Currently on her fourth internship, Sadiki is working as a field management intern with Gray Construction in Florence, Kentucky, this summer.
Sadiki landed her first internship after a jobsite tour in her first construction management class. Actively engaged in the tour, the guide noticed Sadiki’s initiative and offered her an internship with Dean Builds in Lexington. She later interned as a smart infrastructure project management intern with Siemens in Louisville, and then worked with Omni Commercial in Lexington last spring.
Through these internships, Sadiki learned directly from industry professionals with decades of experience. These opportunities taught her industry language, boosted her confidence and strengthened her leadership in SCA.
As Sadiki prepares for graduation in December, she is also preparing to take the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) exam in November. Administered by the American Institute of Constructors, this exam validates a constructor’s skills and knowledge to manage and implement construction projects.
“We are producing workforce-ready graduates with industry certifications that result in 99% of our students having jobs within three months of graduation,” said Dr. Justin Dodd, associate professor of construction management.
In addition to the opportunity to earn CAC certification, every student in construction management earns their OSHA – 30 certification, demonstrating knowledge in workplace safety, workers’ rights, preventing hazards and reporting practices.
From leadership opportunities to hands-on internships and industry-respected certifications, EKU Construction Management builds professional skills, education and training for students like Sadiki to succeed in a rapidly growing field.
See the Top 5 Reasons to Earn a Construction Management Degree from EKU.
By Christina Rannells
Interested in a degree from EKU?
Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.
Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.