How can students get a job in construction?

The end of your education may seem far away, but when you start thinking about job applications and graduate programme deadlines, will it be too late? Don't leave yourself with limited time and fewer options to strengthen your CV.

If you're a student interested in getting a job in construction or the built environment, here are some achievable steps you can take.

Stand out from the crowd
Employers are always looking for something special that makes a candidate unique and shows they have experience beyond education. Do you have an interesting achievement in your field of work? If so, highlight it in your CV.

There are lots of opportunities for you to take advantage of, such as work experience or competitions. The CIOB Global Student Challenge could be a great place to start to get creative in construction AND win prizes!

CIOB student members are automatically opted into our Tomorrow’s Leaders community to receive developmental opportunities, access to a professional network and a platform to voice views on the built environment. There are also fantastic scholarships with the CIOB for you to take advantage of and help build your confidence.
 

Build connections
Networking. Now that’s a scary word. It doesn’t always have to involve attending big, uncomfortable events or trying to connect with the right people in a crowded room.

There are opportunities with CIOB for you to attend over 500 online and in-person local events a year, including those created specifically for early career professionals. This variety can help you find the perfect networking events to meet peers and learn from professionals in the field you aspire to work in (and hopefully gain leads for employment!).

The CIOB Connect mobile app and CIOB social media channels are also great platforms to start building your connections. Perhaps you are looking for support in your dissertation or looking for a first job opportunity? Join the conversation today to raise your profile, have your voice heard and connect with fellow industry professionals.
 

Gain experience
The construction industry has so many fantastic directions to take your career in, but it can often be overwhelming. As a student member of the CIOB, you have the chance to build practical experience by going on site visits or through our online courses with the Academy.

There is no harm in looking at what job opportunities await you once you have finished your studies, in fact, this is encouraged so you can prepare, build your experience and explore the variety of jobs the industry has to offer. Our CIOB Construction Management Jobs site can help you do just that or if you are looking for some work experience whilst you study the Talentview Construction platform could be just what you are looking for. 

You can receive support in all these areas by joining CIOB’s Student Pathway to start your journey to chartership. It’s never too late to start planning for your future.

Ready to hear more? Find out about our Student Pathway here.