I joined the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) student chapter at USC this year! In CMAA, I am part of the Design-Build team where we train to complete Design-Build contracts. Every year we compete in SPARKS, a regional competition where we are given a problem statement the day of the competition. After 24 hours, we have to submit a proposal, with the architectural design, cost, logistics, and construction schedule of the project. The problem is given to us by Swinerton Builders one of the largest general contractors in the Western United States.
There are many other teams to join in CMAA, such as Pre-Construction, Heavy Civil, and Mixed Use. Each team has USC alumni who now work in the construction industry as coaches, they become mentors not only for the competition but also for your career path.
On top of that, CMAA also holds Information Sessions with many companies which are a great way to network and secure a summer internship! I’ve gotten most of my interviews through CMAA events, and am happy to say that I have summer internship offers because of them! Basically, getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus helps in so many ways!!!
