Construction Management Students Tour $1 Billion in Active Projects
Construction Management juniors and seniors from Minnesota State Moorhead recently gained significant industry perspective during a two-day tour of major project sites across North Dakota. In April, more than 30 students visited six active developments, including the Theodore Roosevelt National Library, the Dickinson Water Treatment Plant, and the North Dakota Military Museum. This immersive experience allowed students to observe over $1 billion in active construction work, providing an excellent opportunity to connect theory and large-scale industrial application.
The tour provided an up-close look at complex municipal infrastructure and significant architectural projects, covering elements such as mechanical systems, project scheduling, and site safety. Associate Professor Rachel Axness noted that “these site visits are vital for career readiness”“It was a wonderful two days – students learned a lot.”
Students engaged directly with professionals from firms including JE Dunn, Rice Lake West, Kraus Anderson, and Mortenson. By witnessing the technical and logistical coordination required for these massive projects, students returned with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the construction management field.
Rice Lake West, a major water and wastewater treatment construction company, wrote an article detailing the Moorhead visit to its site in Dickinson, SD. The write-up notes “experiences like this site visit are exactly what bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.”