As the December 2016 graduates move into their careers, we are profiling a few and finding out their future plans and how they arrived at this point in their lives.
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Robert Parham, Fowler, Indiana
- Project engineer for Saunders Construction in Denver, Colorado
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in building construction management
Job duties
I will have constant communication between subcontractors, architects, engineers and co-workers on my team regarding submittals and requests for information to the architect/engineer. I will spend part of my day in the office while the other part of the day will be in the field ensuring materials have been procured. One of the most important parts of my job as a project engineer is to get the materials approved then procured on site and on schedule.
Purdue classes that helped Robert prepare for his job
Our construction capstone course, with Professor Brad Benhart, is a very realistic simulation of bidding and winning a construction project. This class really tested what I have learned ever since my first class in construction management. I also enjoyed Safety and Scheduling, with Professor James Jenkins, because both of these classes are very valuable to companies and used in the construction industry every day. All the classes in this curriculum were essential in preparing all of the construction management students to be a great asset for construction companies.
Other ways the college and/or Purdue provided preparation and assistance
The Purdue Polytechnic gives you all the opportunities that you can handle if you just go out and get it. My first two internships were right here in West Lafayette, but then I realized I wanted more, and I wanted to work in different areas. My junior year I worked for Kiewit in Honolulu, Hawaii, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! The following year I worked for McCarthy Building Companies in Houston, Texas, and I fell in love with the people and culture in Texas. Now as a senior through the multiple job offers I decided that I wanted to go to Denver, Colorado, with Saunders Construction.
Thanks go to:
- My parents, Wallace and Nancy Parham, were an everyday inspiration to me at Purdue. They always believed I could go above and beyond their expectations.
- My brother and sister, Rhett Parham and Scarlett Potts, were leaders to me and have taught me to be a leader and believe in myself. Also my brother-in-law, Justin Potts, who is an alumnus of construction management, persuaded me to take on the major.
- The faculty, advisors, and staff in the School of Construction Management Technology. They truly care about their students and want to get each and every student jobs.
- My closest friends throughout my life and at Purdue University. They wish the best for me as I do for them and have always been there for me, which helped me extensively.