3 answers
Tyler
Student
Cary, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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Hey! I am going into a construction engineering and management program (double major with commercial real estate). My goal is to break into development. Can anyone share some specifics on how those two fields interact and how I might be able to learn more about both throughout my time in college?
I am going to Virginia Tech, if anyone is a Hokie :)
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3 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
195
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Choosing to double major in Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is an exciting path that can really make you stand out in the real estate development field. This powerful combination gives you a clear understanding of both the financial and technical sides of projects, from the initial idea to the finished product. With CRE, you learn how to evaluate market opportunities, secure funding, and structure deals. Meanwhile, CEM gives you the ability to handle costs, schedules, and construction quality. Being able to speak both the language of investment and construction makes you a valuable asset to any project team, especially in an industry where teamwork, managing risks, and making strategic decisions are key.
As you go through college, make the most of your time by diving deep into both areas. Pick courses that boost your knowledge in finance, development strategy, estimating, and scheduling. Look for internships that let you experience both the boardroom and the construction site. Strengthen your skills in tools like Excel, ARGUS, and Revit, and get involved with professional groups like ULI and NAIOP. Keep your curiosity alive, read a lot, and seek out challenges that push you to think like a developer. Your dual major is more than just a degree; it’s your competitive advantage and a stepping stone to leadership. Stay focused, stay driven, and remember that every experience is another step toward shaping the future—not just for clients, but for cities and communities.
As you go through college, make the most of your time by diving deep into both areas. Pick courses that boost your knowledge in finance, development strategy, estimating, and scheduling. Look for internships that let you experience both the boardroom and the construction site. Strengthen your skills in tools like Excel, ARGUS, and Revit, and get involved with professional groups like ULI and NAIOP. Keep your curiosity alive, read a lot, and seek out challenges that push you to think like a developer. Your dual major is more than just a degree; it’s your competitive advantage and a stepping stone to leadership. Stay focused, stay driven, and remember that every experience is another step toward shaping the future—not just for clients, but for cities and communities.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
87
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Tyler,
Your double major is very strategic. Having expertise in both the technical and commercial aspects of the industry puts you in an excellent position to succeed.
Focus on opportunities for internships as they will greatly promote and support your ambition. Below are a few of the construction companies you be interested in:
1) The Turner Corp.
2) Bechtel
3) Fluor
4) Kiewit Corp.
5) STO Building Group Inc.
6) Tutor Perini Corp.
7) AECOM
Real Estate companies that may be valuable to you are:
a) Unique Properties
b) Canuck Investments LLC
c) Commercial Real Estate Jonesboro AR - Halsey Thrasher Harpole
d) Conley Realty Group
e) Boston Capital
g) MDL Group
Membership in professional associations is equally important. They enable you keep connected, access exclusive membership benefits, stay up to date on Industry news and trends and boost your professional career. Some of the important ones are:
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Associated General Contactors of America (AGC)
American Institute of Constructors (AIC) - promotes ethical & professional practice and provides certification programs such as AC & CPC
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) - established by Congress to promote the health, safety and welfare of the public through the advancement of building science. It admits members from the major segments of the building industry - architects, engineers, builders, code officials, facility managers, lenders, insurers, suppliers and government representatives.
Maintaining good grades in college is paramount as this feeds directly into your desired career.
Your double major is very strategic. Having expertise in both the technical and commercial aspects of the industry puts you in an excellent position to succeed.
Focus on opportunities for internships as they will greatly promote and support your ambition. Below are a few of the construction companies you be interested in:
1) The Turner Corp.
2) Bechtel
3) Fluor
4) Kiewit Corp.
5) STO Building Group Inc.
6) Tutor Perini Corp.
7) AECOM
Real Estate companies that may be valuable to you are:
a) Unique Properties
b) Canuck Investments LLC
c) Commercial Real Estate Jonesboro AR - Halsey Thrasher Harpole
d) Conley Realty Group
e) Boston Capital
g) MDL Group
Membership in professional associations is equally important. They enable you keep connected, access exclusive membership benefits, stay up to date on Industry news and trends and boost your professional career. Some of the important ones are:
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Associated General Contactors of America (AGC)
American Institute of Constructors (AIC) - promotes ethical & professional practice and provides certification programs such as AC & CPC
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) - established by Congress to promote the health, safety and welfare of the public through the advancement of building science. It admits members from the major segments of the building industry - architects, engineers, builders, code officials, facility managers, lenders, insurers, suppliers and government representatives.
Maintaining good grades in college is paramount as this feeds directly into your desired career.
Michael Giles
Technical Publications and Training Manager
14
Answers
Mayflower, Arkansas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I'm not a Hokie. I'm a Houston Cougar, but my oldest daughter is. The conglomeration of the two is intriguing. Something a future real-estate mogul might have come from. I am not an expert in either field, but it seems to me a construction engineer, who has a property management company (or works for one) would be a marriage made in real-estate Heaven. Between the two, you will know how best to flip properties or develop them for maximum profit. A lot of the most profitable over the centuries have done just that. Study the ones that did it. There are many to choose from.