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Exploring Job Selection Influences of Construction Management Students

10 pagesPublished: July 23, 2025

Abstract

As a pilot study, this study aims to explore factors and their importance in influencing construction management students during job selection decisions. To do so, the authors reviewed job postings from widely utilized job search platforms and conducted an online survey questionnaire with undergraduate and graduate students in a large midwestern US university’s construction management program. The findings show that participating students now value compensation, work-life balance, and job fit, signaling a change in their priorities towards seeking a supportive and fulfilling workplace in addition to financial stability. The importance of company culture, training, professional growth opportunities, and mentoring emphasizes the desire for support, growth, and guidance in early career progression. Additionally, the importance placed on location factors shows that participating students make informed decisions based on both personal and professional considerations. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for employers looking to attract and retain young talent, helping tailor their recruitment strategies and workplace offerings to align with the preferences and priorities of recent graduates. Ultimately, this study serves to foster a better understanding of the expectations of emerging professionals in the construction industry, facilitating a more effective partnership between educational institutions and employers.

Keyphrases: career, construction, factor, job selection, retention

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 654-663.

BibTeX entry
@inproceedings{ASC2025:Exploring_Job_Selection_Influences,
  author    = {Deniz Besiktepe and Yashwanth Reddy Mahesh Kumar and Yanchao Zheng and Joseph Ryan Manuel and Luciana Debs},
  title     = {Exploring Job Selection Influences of Construction Management Students},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/329L},
  doi       = {10.29007/s9s5},
  pages     = {654-663},
  year      = {2025}}
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