For Mike Alder, choosing Purdue was easy. He grew up with a father who graduated from Purdue, and with a love for construction, computer-aided design and 3-D modeling.
“I knew that Purdue Polytechnic would equip me with the knowledge and experience I would need to get my career started in these fields,” he says.
Alder graduated as one of Purdue’s first computer graphics technology students with a focus in building information modeling (BIM). As a virtual construction manager, he is responsible for overall management of BIM project files, including coordination of all designs and shop drawings, creation of model elements as needed, and constructability and quality review.
“In an industry like construction that has been traditionally slow to adopt new technologies and streamlined processes,” Alder explains, “there is a real need for professionals who have not only the technical knowledge but also the ability to think creatively about how to apply those technologies for the betterment of building design and construction.”
And, because virtual construction is a relatively new field and experts in that field are in high demand, Alder says having his focused degree has made him a valuable addition to Pepper Construction. It gives the company the ability to sell virtual construction as a service and deliver a high-quality product to clients.
“Through virtual construction, we are trying to improve upon the building design and construction process,” Alder says.