Construction Management Builds Careers and Community from the Ground Up

Construction management is about much more than learning how to build structures. For students enrolled in the School of Engineering’s newest program, it’s about building something bigger: a supportive learning community, a wide professional network and a future career.

“We hit the ground running,” said Semaj Smith-Barber, a member of the inaugural class now in his sophomore year.  

“The program is growing, we’re expanding our influence in the area and that’s really what it’s all about. We’re trying to build this from the ground up and that’s been really fun,” Smith-Barber added.

Since launching in fall 2024, experiential, hands-on learning has defined the program. From day one, classroom lessons are illustrated with real-world applications, ensuring students graduate ready to step into the field with confidence.

Construction management isn’t something you can only learn about in a book; you have to go out there and see for yourself. It's really about immersing yourself into the world of construction and not just sitting in the classroom all day.” —Semaj Smith-Barber '28

Each semester offers students opportunities to visit large projects to learn concepts in real-time and connect directly with industry professionals. To date, students have visited construction of the new Clifton Heights middle school, a geothermal heating installation at Swarthmore College, the Morgan Center for Research and Innovation at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and PennDOT's I-95 cap project in Philadelphia. 

According to Kimberlee Zamora, founding chair of the program and associate professor, Widener is well positioned to introduce students to projects that vary in scope and scale.

“Widener’s location in Chester puts us in proximity to so many high-profile projects that span healthcare and commercial building to industrial and highway infrastructure. Whether we visit a site in Philadelphia or a neighboring town in Delaware County, our students have a front row seat to see the role that construction management plays when it comes to improving and building our communities.”

Ava Moore, a first-year construction management student, is grateful for the invitation to learn and network onsite in her first year—an option not readily available at other schools. 

“I was surprised when we got right into it our freshman year. I thought we were going to have to wait, which I'm very grateful for that we didn't have to. This gives a lot of kids like me the opportunity to thrive and go out there,” said Moore.

Zamora, a 20-year industry veteran, is committed to providing students with as much hands-on learning as possible, whether through site visits, events, or internships and co-ops. Many of the opportunities provided to students are the result of the expansive network she brought to Widener in January 2025 to launch the program. 

“It’s important that students spend time out in the field alongside professionals so they can understand the various stakeholders such as designers, contractors, and developers, involved from project conception to completion,” said Zamora. 

For Moore, Zamora’s extensive experience in the field, particularly as a female in a male-dominated industry, is making a lasting impression on her career pathway.

It's a male-dominant type of field, and I'm not intimidated at all by it—it makes me want to thrive more. Dr. Zamora has experienced all of this, so she's going to guide us females in the right direction so we won't be held back.” —Ava Moore '29

Zamora’s commitment to student success is driving internship experiences as well. Smith-Barber landed his first internship with GFT, formerly known as Gannett Fleming TranSystems, a leading engineering and infrastructure 

solutions provider, after connecting with Kevin Brown, a Widener engineering alumnus. The summer internship paired Smith-Barber with a team charged with inspecting a bridge rehabilitation project over a SEPTA rail line on City Line Avenue in Philadelphia.

The experience left Smith-Barber not only with a deeper knowledge of construction management practices, but also new industry contacts.

“It's not just about your résumé, but it's also about creating those relationships,” said Smith-Barber.

While industry-focused academics and career support form the program’s foundation, Smith-Barber says it’s the close-knit environment and strong sense of belonging that give him the tools to build his career and future. 

“The people I've met throughout the program, those are the people I'll be connected with for life. It really is a family,” said Smith-Barber.

Explore Construction Management at Widener