Chronicle notes 100-percent placement of new CoSci grads

Every spring and summer 2012 graduate from Texas A&M’s [Department of Construction Science] (http://cosc.arch.tamu.edu/) has an industry job, noted a Jan. 4 Houston Chronicle [article] (http://www.chron.com/jobs/article/Construction-science-education-can-provide-a-4168110.php) .

“Builders seem busier and more optimistic, with a need for new talent again in their workforce. That's an indication that the industry is turning around," Joe Horlen, head of the department, told the Chronicle’s Cheryl Rose.

These former students, he said, have starting salaries averaging $55,000. Based on alumni surveys, he added, construction management graduates with approximately five years’ experience average $90,000 a year.

"In construction, we are result-driven,” George A. Pontikes Jr., president and CEO of [Satterfield and Pontikes Construction, Inc] (http://www.satpon.com/) ., told the Chronicle.  The company, which has endowed a departmental [scholarship] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/prospective/scholarships/scholarship/141/) , is a frequent [partner] (http://one.arch.tamu.edu/news/2011/7/21/solis-dallas/) in the department’s academic efforts.

“There are no barriers for entry. If you have the skills, you can get the job,” said Pontikes. “If you have the right moral character, the right work ethic and stick with it, this industry will provide you with a wonderful life."

See Houston Chronicle story, " [Construction science education can provide "a wonderful life"] (http://www.chron.com/jobs/article/Construction-science-education-can-provide-a-4168110.php) .