CEE’s Industry Partnership Initiative: Shaping Tomorrow’s Engineers
As we work to transform civil and environmental engineering through innovative education and research, CEE is committed to driving the development and implementation of globally impactful solutions. Implementing these impactful solutions can only occur through close collaboration with forward-thinking companies and industry leaders. Our new CEE Industry Partnership Program is helping to build and strengthen these connections between our faculty, students, and industry.
“With our highly qualified students and cutting-edge faculty research, many companies have a strong desire to partner and collaborate with our department. We are excited to launch the Industry Partnership Program as a way to establish more formal, long-lasting, and deep relationships with excellent companies,” says CEE Department Head Burcu Akinci. “This program helps our students to engage with and find jobs at leading companies. It also provides an opportunity for us to get together at least once a year to define and shape the future of civil and environmental engineering.”
In announcing the launch of the program CEE welcomed 35 engineers from local companies for an open house in spring 2023. The event provided an excellent platform for students to showcase course projects and present research posters. In doing so, the students acquired valuable feedback and insights, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and paved the way for future collaborations.
Industry participants also interacted with CEE faculty during a panel session that sparked an energizing discussion on the future of civil and environmental engineering.
This example is just one of the ways that members of our Industry Partnership Program will be able to interact with our talented students and faculty.
During the fall semester, we hosted an exclusive career expo, where 11 industry partner companies met with more than 140 students. Prior to the event, our partners received advance access to the CEE Resume Book, containing attendees’ resumes.
“This program gives engineering leaders the chance to have first-hand experience with the latest research in the department,” Akinci says. “Additionally, it allows organizations to not only get to know and recruit CEE’s world-class students but also add to their education by sharing real-world expertise and lessons learned. It’s a win for everyone involved.”