FAQ – Students & Family

Where can I find employment? Just about anywhere a graduate wants to live. Logically, there will be more opportunity in Portland than Fort Kent. Graduates have gotten jobs all over the United States from Hawaii to Florida and Maine to California.

What jobs can I get as a graduate of Construction Engineering Technology? There are numerous jobs in the construction and construction supply field. The most common jobs are project engineer, project supervisor, estimator, scheduler, and construction manager.

What is the starting salary? Salaries largely depend on the type and location of the employer and how much travel is required. Starting salaries are typically about $60,000, but range from $50,000 to over $80,000.

Where do graduates work? Graduates work across the United States. They work in small towns and large cities. Some work in small family construction companies. Others work in large multi-state construction companies. A few started their own companies upon graduation. Graduates can generally work where ever they desire, in whatever size firm they feel comfortable.

How hard is it to get jobs? Job placement for graduates has been nearly 100%.

How difficult is it to find summer jobs? With a little effort, students can obtain summer positions in the construction field near their home. A typical student will have surveying the first year. As a result, they will have some skills to offer employers after the first year of college.

Will I be “small fish in a big pond” at the University of Maine? The University of Maine has almost 11,000 students. As a result, the University of Maine has a well-staffed medical facility, comfortable dorms, large library, spacious concert center, numerous recreation opportunities, nationally recognized sports teams (e.g., ice hockey), free tutoring, and a friendly atmosphere. Situated within the University of Maine is a small, close-knit family of students that comprise Construction Engineering Technology. The Construction Engineering Technology program has approximately 150 students total. The average class size in a Construction Engineering Technology class is about 35 students.  With a cadre of five full-time faculty, the faculty are able to work closely with the students throughout the four-year program.

Are the courses difficult? All engineering courses are difficult and Construction Engineering Technology courses are no exception. Students who put sufficient effort into their studies generally pass. There are tutoring services available. Services are also available for students with learning disabilities.

Can the CET graduate go to graduate school? Yes. While most graduates grab one of the many lucrative offers made to them at graduation, a few have gone on to earn a graduate degree. Most of the graduates that have gone on to graduate school have pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Law school and a master of science in civil engineering are also possible.

Can the CET student get a professional engineering (PE) licence? Yes. Construction management technology students are encouraged to obtain the PE license.  The state of Maine makes no distinction between a regular engineering graduate and a technology graduate in pursuing an engineering license. Because of the focus of the Construction Engineering Technology program, however, it is more difficult to obtain an engineering license. Therefore, CET students are offered a review course to assist them.

If you have other questions about the Construction Engineering Technology program, contact us.