YSU’s Civil and Construction Engineering Technology program shapes future industry leaders

The Civil and Construction Engineering Technology program at Youngstown State University is transforming students’ careers through hands-on learning and industry connections. As they approach graduation this semester, students like Levi Stear, Victor Verba, Kolten Blough and Andrew Knotten are capitalizing on the program’s emphasis on practical experience and real-world application, ensuring their success in the competitive construction industry.

Levi Stear’s journey into construction began unexpectedly. While in high school, Stear worked at a grocery store until a family friend in the construction business offered him a full-time position at Yarian Brothers Construction. Over the past five years, he’s worked his way up to project manager and estimator. Despite his full-time job, Stear has been working toward completing his degree at YSU, where he’s gained deeper insights into the technical side of construction. His capstone project, which involved designing construction plans, gave him a new perspective on the pre-construction process. "Normally, we’re the ones who get the plans and build the project. This time, we were on the front end, proposing designs,” Stear explained. Looking ahead, he plans to earn a surveying degree online from the University of Cincinnati while continuing to work at Yarian Brothers.

Similarly, Victor Verba is set to begin his full-time career as a heavy machinery operator in Richmond, Virginia, after two internships with the same company. Verba credits his time at YSU with helping him decide between two career paths—project management and field engineering versus operating heavy machinery. "The program definitely helped me understand both office and field work,” Verba said, adding that his internships played a key role in his career decision.

Kolten Blough, who began his career at a local architectural and engineering design firm as a junior draftsman, will turn his internship into a full-time position upon completing the CCET program. Blough became acquainted with his employer through the College of STEM’s job expo, a bi-annual career fair hosted through the college. "The STEM Expo is one of the best things YSU offers for students,” Blough said, noting how the in-person networking event helped him secure his internship. The flexible scheduling of YSU’s program allowed him to work full-time while finishing his degree, and he plans to pursue professional certifications to continue advancing in the field.

Another student, Andrew Knotten, switched from traditional civil engineering to the CCET program after realizing he preferred hands-on learning. His internships with NIRA Consulting Engineers provided real-world experience, and he has already secured a full-time position with the firm. "I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real projects in the field, and that connection has been really rewarding,” Knotten said.

The program’s flexibility is also evident in the experience of Tyler Mann, a project manager and estimator at Marucci & Gaffney Excavating. As a full-time employee and father, Mann appreciates how YSU professors understand the balance between work, school and family. "The most valuable part of this program is how much the professors understand the balance between work and school," Mann said. "They get that a lot of us are working full-time or have families, and they’re willing to accommodate."

The program's real-world focus has also shaped the experience of Nicholas Perez who, despite not having an internship due to his commitments as a student-athlete, credits the program for his teamwork and networking skills. Perez, who plans to pursue a career in design, said, "In engineering, it's all about teamwork and knowing how to network will be crucial moving forward."

Brandon Serrano, also a previous student athlete, is set to begin a full-time position as a project engineer at Bruce & Merrilees after graduation. His experience at the YSU STEM Expo also led to an internship, and later, a part-time job that transitioned into a full-time offer. "The program helped me balance school, football and work," Serrano said. "It taught me how to manage my time and adapt to different situations, which will be helpful when I start my full-time career."

Rayna Pfalz, another previous student athlete, had also considered the traditional civil engineering route.Though, she found that the hands-on approach of the CCET program was a perfect fit. Although she didn’t complete an internship, Pfalz, who plans to pursue a career in design, appreciated the flexibility and support of the professors. "The professors were very understanding, especially when it came to my cheerleading schedule,” she said. “This route was a better fit for me.”

Finally, Michael Liberato, who is undecided between continuing in engineering or joining his father in the restaurant business, reflected on how his experience at YSU has helped him grow academically and personally. "The professors were familiar and consistent throughout my time here, which made it easier to progress,” he said. He’s particularly interested in building design but is open to opportunities in transportation engineering.

At the heart of the CCET program is a commitment to bridging the gap between theory and application. Joe Sanson, an associate professor with 16 years of industry experience, believes in preparing students for the real world. "I tell my students to get out into the field as early as possible,” Sanson said. “When they return from an internship, they always tell me how much they learned by applying what they learned in class.” With a high job placement rate and strong industry connections, the program continues to produce highly skilled graduates ready to succeed in the construction and engineering fields.

Robert Korenic, professor and program coordinator, adds, “The CCET program at YSU continues to provide students with learning opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in the field. By prioritizing collaboration with local community partners, the program helps to further its mission of cultivating lifelong learning and empowering students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.”

With a high job placement rate and strong industry connections, the program continues to produce highly skilled graduates ready to succeed in the construction and engineering fields.