Indian student's experience at Pittsburg State lands him job with noted construction company

The decision of where to go for a graduate degree is not an easy one — especially if you live 8,310 miles away. You want your money’s worth and you want to feel at home. For Asim Mohammed, of India, choosing Pittsburg State for a graduate degree in Construction Management meant he got not only a great academic experience, but also landed a job offer with a noted construction company immediately after graduating in May.

“The person who called me said that I have an impressive resume and he said, ‘I see that you graduated from Pittsburg State University’,” Mohammed said. “He said he has heard great things about Pittsburg State University Construction Management program and would love to interview me.” 

The program is part of the School of Construction, which is accredited in Construction Management by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) of ABET. The school also offers a Construction Engineering Technology program, which is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET.

Mohammad and his classmates experienced a blend of classroom instruction with hands-on applications, from heavy equipment to computer simulations.

Graduates of the School of Construction have a 100 percent placement rate, typically as project managers, project engineers, estimators, site managers, superintendents, field engineers, quality control/testing professionals, surveyors for a variety of companies including general contractors, specialty contractors, engineering firms, project owners, local/state/federal agencies.

More than 100 companies each year recruit interns and graduates, with starting salaries for graduates typically ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 per year. 

Once he secured an interview, Mohammed’s strong resumé and knowledge of the field, as well as his education and experience at Pittsburg State, landed him the job.  

“During the interview, I showed them that I fulfill the requirement of the position with my skills and experience, and the courses I have taken here, and the next day they offer me the position,” he said.  

After interviewing, Mohammed was offered the job in three days. 

Mohammed now works as a project field engineer for Adolfson & Peterson Construction, a construction company that is consistently ranked as having the top construction managers and general contractors in the nation.  

“I will be providing an interpretation of construction drawings, details sheets, and specifications,” he said. “I’ll participate in the preparation of change orders, punch list, and bid package and assist with project pre-bid conference and progress meetings. This position is all about management.”  

He's excited to see where his career takes him and is grateful to PSU. 

“I am most excited to learn new skills, improve my knowledge about construction and its procedures and work life,” he said. “I just want to say that PSU has a great construction management program, (it) helps to overall develop a student. I had a great time at PSU and if I could do it again, I would.”  


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