Construction Degree Graduates: An Evaluation of Depth of Skill Understanding and Skill Priority by Construction Industry Professionals

Abstract

Previous studies have been conducted to determine the skills the construction industry expects graduates and entry level professionals to possess. The majority of those studies report soft skills and technical expertise as the main qualities graduates should have upon entering the industry. Many differing skills have been reported, but neither the expected depth of understanding in those skills nor the industry’s priority of those skills have been explored. To do so, a survey was administered to members of the Construction Industry Advisory Council at Texas A&M University asking these questions. Depth of understanding was evaluated on a four level basis (Awareness, Comprehension, Application, and Analysis) and priority was based on participant ranking. The results show that soft and technology skills are expected to be understood at a higher level, while other construction skills are expected at a lower level. Further, soft skills comprised 8 of the top 10 skills in priority.