Industry Demand Produces Banner Year for Class of 2006
Richard Jackson, a senior construction management major, describes his impending degree as a “hot ticket.” With extra time spent on his capstone project, he doesn’t graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, until Aug. 19, but job offers have been pouring in for months. Jackson could work locally, but with multiple offers in hand he has the luxury of considering one as an assistant project manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc. in Brisbane, Australia.
With construction industry work force needs growing along with most markets, the global job picture was particularly bright for Class of 2006 construction, engineering and other graduates headed to firms and public agencies. Although little overall data exists yet, students, placement officers and employers report offers and starting salaries that reflect strong demand. Most of Wentworth’s 44 seniors had job offers even in May, with starting salaries ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, says Mark Hasso, construction management coordinator. Average starting salary for Colorado State University’s 200 CM grads increased this year to $49,000, says program head Larry Grosse.