Student-Assistants in Cal Poly, Facilities Planning and Capital Projects

Nicholas Adam Long, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Abstract/Summary

The Cal Poly, Facilities Planning and Capital Projects Department has been an under utilized resource for students who desire the opportunity to work in the field while attending school. This internship-like opportunity would give the student an opportunity to step into the shoes as an owner’s representative. With over sixty separate construction projects consistently occurring around campus, students should be given the opportunity to work under supervision of a Cal Poly Project Manager as a student-assistant. Through multiple interviews with the Cal Poly, Facilities Planning and Capital Project Department Project Managers, it was agreed that there was a need to develop an application with a coversheet and informational flyer for people within the department to view. The application has been revamped to include things such as a LinkedIn Profile, availability schedule and an opportunity to relay any relevant information that may not have been discussed. Along with the application is an informational coversheet, explaining the responsibilities that a student may be placed with as a student-assistant. Lastly, the development of an informational flyer for the Project Managers will depict what students are not only learning in their classes, but have also experienced in their summer internships. These three deliverables will open up opportunities for many different students to apply what they are learning in their studies to real-world situations.