YSU Engineering Tech Program Builds Student Success

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Civil and Construction Engineering Technology program at Youngstown State University offers students hands-on learning and industry connections.

As they approach graduation this semester, students Levi Stear, Victor Verba, Kolten Blough and Andrew Knotten are capitalizing on the program’s emphasis on practical experience and real-world application.

Stear’s journey into construction began unexpectedly. While in high school, he worked at a grocery store until a family friend in the construction business offered him a full-time position at Yarian Brothers Construction. Over the past five years, he’s worked his way up to project manager and estimator. 

Despite his full-time job, Stear has been working toward completing his degree at YSU, where he’s gained deeper insights into the technical side of construction. His capstone project, which involved designing construction plans, gave him a new perspective on the pre-construction process. 

“Normally, we’re the ones who get the plans and build the project. This time, we were on the front end, proposing designs,” Stear explained. Looking ahead, he plans to earn a surveying degree online from the University of Cincinnati while continuing to work at Yarian Brothers.

Verba is set to begin his full-time career as a heavy machinery operator in Richmond, Va., after two internships with the same company. Verba credits his time at YSU with helping him decide between two career paths: project management and field engineering versus operating heavy machinery. 

“The program definitely helped me understand both office and field work,” Verba said, adding that his internships played a key role in his career decision.

Blough, who began his career at a local architectural and engineering design firm as a junior draftsman, will turn his internship into a full-time position upon completing the CCET program. Blough became acquainted with his employer through the College of STEM’s job expo, a bi-annual career fair hosted through the college. 

“The STEM Expo is one of the best things YSU offers for students,” Blough said, noting how the in-person networking event helped him secure his internship. 

The flexible scheduling of YSU’s program allowed him to work full time while finishing his degree, and he plans to pursue professional certifications to continue advancing in the field.

Knotten switched from traditional civil engineering to the CCET program after realizing he preferred hands-on learning. His internships with NIRA Consulting Engineers provided real-world experience, and he has secured a full-time position with the firm. 

“I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real projects in the field, and that connection has been really rewarding,” Knotten said.

The program’s flexibility is also evident in the experience of Tyler Mann, a project manager and estimator at Marucci & Gaffney Excavating. As a full-time employee and father, Mann appreciates how YSU professors understand the balance between work, school and family. 

“The most valuable part of this program is how much the professors understand the balance between work and school,” Mann said. “They get that a lot of us are working full time or have families, and they’re willing to accommodate.”

The program’s real-world focus has also shaped the experience of Nicholas Perez who, despite not having an internship due to his commitments as a student-athlete, credits the program for his teamwork and networking skills. He plans to pursue a career in design. 

“In engineering, it’s all about teamwork, and knowing how to network will be crucial moving forward,” he said.

The CCET program bridges the gap between theory and application. Joe Sanson, an associate professor with 16 years of industry experience, believes in preparing students for the real world. 

“I tell my students to get out into the field as early as possible,” Sanson said. “When they return from an internship, they always tell me how much they learned by applying what they learned in class.” 

The program boasts a high job placement rate and industry connections.

Robert Korenic, professor and program coordinator, adds: “The CCET program at YSU continues to provide students with learning opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in the field. By prioritizing collaboration with local community partners, the program helps to further its mission of cultivating lifelong learning and empowering students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.”

CREDIT: Youngstown State University.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.