Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Faculty internships provide construction and engineering educators with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their teaching and research capabilities.This paper reflects on the experiences of a faculty member (author) who participated in the Associated General Contractors of America's Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Initiative, which allowed them to work closely with a multinational construction company on a major medical center expansion project.The internship spanned various aspects of the project, including safety management, pre-construction planning, communication strategies, and business development.The paper emphasizes the immediate benefits of this internship, such as deeper insights into modern construction technologies, safety protocols, and project management practices.It also discusses the long-term impact, which extends to curriculum improvements in construction and engineering programs, the incorporation of real-world challenges into academic discussions, and the enhancement of faculty-student engagement.The internship experience fostered stronger ties between the academic program and industry partner members and positively influenced student development by providing up-to-date content, new pedagogical approaches, and expanded career opportunities.Additionally, the paper underscores the importance of internships in promoting faculty professional development, strengthening industry partnerships, and advancing construction and engineering education.These internships play a critical role in closing the gap between theory and practice, ensuring educators stay aligned with evolving industry standards and technologies, ultimately leading to a richer learning experience for students.
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--54151
Author: Kenneth Sands
Institution: Auburn University
Language: English
Subfield: Media Technology
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funder: Florida Gulf Coast University
OpenAlex ID: W4409294385