Internships land jobs for Design & Construction Management students

Kamila Rhoades watches as Shawn Jensen explains a concept during an episode of the <i>Fulfilling the Mission </i>podcast.

BYU-Idaho Radio

On this episode of the **Fulfilling the Mission** podcast, Natalia Hepworth talks to Shawn Jensen, chair of the Design and Construction Management Department, and Kamila Rhoades, a local from Rexburg and a senior in construction management. They discuss how the major, Design and Construction Management, fulfills the mission of BYU-Idaho.

Shawn Jensen started at Ricks College in 1996 and later moved to Brigham Young University, where he got his bachelor's in technology, teacher education with a construction education emphasis. He also has his master's in technology with a construction focus. After, he received a doctorate degree in education leadership from Washington State University in 2010.

Jensen has about a decade of experience in the construction industry, and he has also owned his own general contracting business.

Kamila Rhoades is a senior at BYU-Idaho in the Construction Management program. She grew up with her family who are heavily involved in the construction industry. Then, one day, when visiting campus to support her sister, she decided she wanted to come to BYU-Idaho and be part of the program.

The department offers degrees in Virtual Design and Construction, Construction Management, Construction Superintendency and Architectural Technology, with additional certificates available. The program has a 100% placement rate within 120 days of graduation, with the average starting salary at $78,000.

Jensen emphasized the department's strong career connections and hands-on experiences.

"We offer a career fair every semester, which is pretty unique," he said. "This semester we'll have 40 companies attending--just for our department."

These career fairs are often paired with a golf tournament, adding an extra layer of networking and fun.

One of the core requirements across the department, which plays a huge role in students getting a job, is completing two internships, providing students with real-world experience before graduation.

Rhoades has completed internships with Big D Construction in Idaho Falls and with Jacobsen Construction in Utah. She shared how hands-on experiences have connected her classroom learning to reality.

"You learn so much in the classroom," she said, "but construction is so field-oriented. You can't learn everything from a classroom."

In addition to internships and career fairs, students can participate in semesterly expeditions and national student competitions--experiences that not only test their skills but also connect them with potential employers.

The department's approach ties directly into BYU-Idaho's mission--to develop disciple-leaders. Whether students are analyzing blueprints or working on job sites, their faith and testimony are central to their journey.

The spirit of BYU-Idaho is woven into the program's fabric. Classes begin with spiritual thoughts, and students are encouraged to bring Christ into their daily work.

Jensen echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the department's mission-driven culture.

"We feel that testimonies are strengthened when they're shared," he said. "We give students opportunities to share their faith and apply gospel principles in their field."

As Rhoades shared, "We don't just build buildings--we build people."

Learn more about the Design and Construction Management Department.

You can watch or listen to this episode of the **Fulfilling the Mission** podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch this episode below.

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Fulfilling the Mission Podcast