Senior Spotlight: Q & A with John Karam

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) prides itself on delivering students hands-on exprience through classroom demonstration and setting students up with fantastic job opportunities during undregrad and post-grad. 

We sat down with Construction Systems Management major John Karam to learn about his experience in the program and how he's benefitted from hands-on experience in the classroom and beyond. 

1. Where are you from and what is your major and class year?

I was born in Richmond, Virginia. I grew up and lived in Dublin, Ohio from (3) years old until I graduated high school, from there I moved and currently reside in Columbus, Ohio. I am a fourth-year senior majoring in Construction Systems Management.

2. What interested you in your current major, and how did you find FABE?

What interested me most about Construction Systems Management is that there are endless opportunities, you get to see, coordinate, install, and deal with some of the most complex building systems. I knew even in high school that I did not want a standard 9 to 5 office job, I want to be hands on, in the field watching buildings go from dirt to handing the keys over to the owner. The construction industry allows you to meet a vast number of people with incredible skills that are building America. I found FABE while applying for The Ohio State University. I applied and went to the Newark branch campus for (1) year before transferring and starting my time at FABE.

3. What do you like about our department/your major?

One thing that I like about the department and CSM in specific is that it is very hands on and we get a lot of experience using tools, testing material, different construction processes, and learning some about skilled trades. One thing that is very different about our department and CSM is that many of the professors will take us to various job sites. We have been on multiple site visits and have gotten to see how different contractors run work and how dfferent activities take place. 

4. Are there any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities you are involved in?

Outside of school I am not involved in many, if any notable clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities. Outside of class I go to work and when I am home, I am focused on staying on top of schoolwork. I pride myself on being a silent worker. I do not push to be the president of clubs, on the board of organization, but I rather prefer to make my impact in the construction industry, get my work done, and continue to build America with efficiency and quality. I like to let me work and work ethics to speak on behalf of my image. 

5. Have you worked on any projects, research, or internships that you’re particularly proud of?

Outside of the classroom, as I stated above, I have spent a lot of time at work. The best thing about the construction industry is that it is ever changing and it is always busy. I have been exposed to a lot of different scopes of work which has really built my skill set as a manager. My current company (Miles-McClellan construction) was my first and only internship. I have been with them just a little over two years now. A few of the notable projects that I have worked on are below: 

• Columbus City School Historic North High School Window Restoration: I am personally very proud of this job because this was my first job where I was the sole superintendent, and I managed and ran everything. This was a (2) month job where we were tasked with demo and removal of (64) historic windows, rough carpentry, installation of new windows, and finish carpentry. This job really taught me this is a sink or swim industry; you need to be quick on your feet and learn from mistakes. I think this job really solidified my desire to be a superintendent and continue to work and manage in the field. I was especially proud of the fact that my team and I were able to turnover the project (1) week before the contractual substantial completion date; now I could not have done that without an amazing office and field team, we all worked very cohesively to accomplish a goal providing quality work to the owner. 
• City of Columbus Refuse garage: This was a group up construction job where I was an assistant superintendent aiding in managing underground utilities, site work, concrete, masonry, electrical, and structural steel. This was the first ever job site I was actually helping on and this one left a huge impact on me teaching me so many skills, providing in depth knowledge, and building my relationships in the industry.
• I am currently working at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center impatient hospital job as an assistant superintendent for wall protection and accessories. I think it is awesome to be a part of something that is going to positively impact so many people in the future.

6. Is there a course or professor/lecturer in FABE that has stood out to you?

That is an extremely tough question. I think that all the lectures and professors in the Construction Management department have impacted me in many ways. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the professors within CSM. All the professors are very open, very professional, and most of all care about us students and want to see us succeed. I think the most beneficial thing within CSM is that all the professors have or currently work in the construction industry. This helps so much because they understand they have real-life experience, they can aid you in not only schoolwork, but professional industry advice. I cannot pick one professor that has stood out to me because the all have. 

• Favorite course: CSM 2240 – Material and Methods I; this was my favorite because we got to learn how to weld and had a lot of hands-on time
• Most impactful / beneficial course: CSM 3451 – Scheduling Construction Projects; in construction you have to plan the work and work the plan. If you schedule is not set up correctly and you are doing out of sequence work, you will shoot yourself in the foot. The schedule drives to project and highlights the key players and activities. This class gave me a lot of insight on how important schedules are and how they can be used in your advantage to successfully run a project.

7. What advice would you have for underclassmen in your discipline?

There is way too many things I wish someone told me throughout my time in the major like the following;  

• Get in the field, go to a job site, go see actual construction and learn how things go together, what things need to come before, and what activities cannot be done without others
• Ask questions, no question is a bad question, you cannot learn what you do not know, but investigate it for yourself first, you will be surprised with what you already know and can find with a little bit of work. Instead of leading with a direct question, ask if your understanding is correct. 
• Make connections, you never know who your next coworker will be.

8. What are your plans for after graduation?

Post graduation I have accepted a position with Miles-McClellan construction as an Assistant Superintendent, I will continue to work in the field on job site. I plan to remain in the commercial construction industry focusing on vertical construction.

9. Do you feel like this department has prepared you for post-grad? How so?

Yes, I feel like this department has provided me with all vast amount of skills where I can enter into the workforce with enough skills and abilities to be “dangerous”. I feel that this department has provided me with enough overall general knowledge in the different departments and practices in construction to where I could confidently enter into a position and hit the ground running providing excellent service to not only my company but meeting owners construction expectations. This department has provided me with top notch technology and instruction. One thing I apricate the most about the FABE department is that the instructors, staff, and students are not only invested in your education, but your wellbeing and overall success in life.