Bridging Industry and Academia: Faculty Externship for Applied Construction Education in Electrical Contracting Case Study

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the outcomes of a faculty externship program at Purdue University’s Bowen School of Construction, emphasizing faculty and curriculum enhancement through an experiential learning framework. Initiated with the encouragement of the department’s Industry Advisory Council, the externship program connects faculty with industry partners each summer to strengthen academia-industry collaboration while translating industry practices into classroom applications. The study employed a qualitative methodology integrating observational research, reflective journals and guided debrief exchanges to document observations and insights. Data was analyzed using content analysis informed by Kolb’s experiential learning framework and the American Council for Construction Education’s student learning outcomes. The findings were synthesized into teaching units focusing on (i) electrical contracting workflows, (ii) digital technologies and project coordination, (iii) innovation and prefabrication (iv) career pathways, and (v) project delivery dynamics within specialty contracting environments. Beyond units’ development, the program deepened faculty understanding of industry methods, technologies, and workforce expectations, thereby enhancing teaching effectiveness and fostering research collaboration. As an ongoing initiative, the next phase will include pre- and post-assessments of the developed units to evaluate their impact on student learning and to refine the externship model for continuous improvement and sustained academia-industry engagement.