Joseph Hirsch is currently in his 5th year of coursework at The Pennsylvania State University.  He is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering, Construction Management Option and is on schedule to graduate in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.  He is a member of the Student Partnership for Achieving Construction Excellence (S:PACE).

During the past three summers Joe has completed three different internships to obtain a broader understanding of the Construction Industry.  His first internship was completed with Penn State Facilities Engineering Institute better known as PSFEI.  In this experience he focused on estimating and take-offs as well as some field inspection of existing buildings.  Joe completed his next internship with Foreman Program and Construction Managers working in Lower Merion School District Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on their two new high schools.  This experience taught him the role of the agency construction manager on a state funded project.  Most recently Joe worked with HESS Construction + Engineering Services in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They also have sponsored his thesis project, Carderock Springs Elementary School, where he worked this past summer.  At Carderock Elementary, Joe concentrated on Project Management.  He worked on budgets, payment applications, and submittals amongst many other tasks.  Both of his past two internships were LEED building projects giving him valuable experience in LEED construction. Joe has signed an offer to work with Hess Construction + Engineering Services and will begin his career with them after graduating.

Joe has taken the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam administered on October 24, 2009.  He has passed the exam and will qualify as an EIT upon graduation.  He also studying to take the LEED Green Associate Test in early January of 2010.  Another credential he has obtained is the OSHA 10 Hour course in Construction Safety and Health.