The Evolving Career Aspirations of Socially Minded Engineering and Construction Students
Publication: Construction Research Congress 2024
ABSTRACT
Humanitarian engineering (HE) programs are growing exponentially to meet the rising demand of engineering and construction students wanting to address equitable infrastructure service provision. This field is attracting students traditionally underrepresented in engineering and construction, including those of diverse backgrounds, identities, and passions. However, there is a dearth of research tracking students’ evolving career aspirations through the influences of graduate school. This study conducts longitudinal interviews with seven students enrolled in seven graduate HE programs over two years. Through these interviews, students’ career aspirations were collected and qualitatively coded, including desires around impact, daily tasks, work environment, location, and compensation. The study identified three expectation patterns of shifts in career interests over a graduate education. This ongoing analysis will address the shortage of research on the career pathways of socially minded engineering and construction students. Results will be valuable for programs to support and meet the changing needs and aspirations in these fields.
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Construction Research Congress 2024
Pages: 232 - 242
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Published online: Mar 18, 2024
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