Following a weeklong schedule of competitions and other activities, hundreds of NAHB student members remained at the International Builders' Show (IBS) through Saturday, Feb. 10 to attend the NAHB Student Chapters-sponsored Building Careers Job Fair.

Some 500 students met and exchanged resumes with representatives from 17 of the biggest home builders in the country, including NAHB Student Chapters corporate sponsors Beazer, Centex and Pulte Homes. Representatives from many of the participating companies had an opportunity to see students compete in the Residential Construction Competitions prior to the fair.

The event is a significant resource for students looking to begin careers in residential construction, enabling them to network with potential employers and even receive on-the-spot interviews.

Stephanie Carman and Hannah Crucet from Marion Technical Institute (MTI) in Ocala, Fla. came to IBS to explore the career opportunities in residential construction that will be available when they graduate.

“I’m still in high school, but MTI has really helped me tailor my education to fit my interests,” said Crucet. “I specialize in architecture and I was really excited to learn about what architects can do for builders." Carman added that “the job fair is a great way to meet with a lot of companies and get information about internship opportunities.”

Michigan State University students Chris DeHaven and Mike Miner agreed. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but where else would I have an opportunity to speak with this many different employers in one day?” said DeHaven.

“Making connections with these companies is really important and I think that participating in the competitions and coming to the job fair go a long way in making a strong impression,” said Miner.

Recognizing the importance of the event, Beazer Homes brought 12 past interns from its Team Builders program to discuss their internship experience last summer.

Sixteen students completed 10-week internships at Beazer Homes offices across the country. Team Builders was established through a partnership with Beazer, Home Builders Institute (HBI) and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to introduce Hispanic college students to the managerial aspects of the home building industry. The program proved so successful that Pulte Homes will join Beazer in offering the internships this summer. [ return to top ]