Allison Klein, vice president of member services for the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, will speak at the Construction Management Career Fair Sept. 28 in the Bone Student Center.

Keith Rahn, instructional assistant technology professor, said tickets to the dinner are limited. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception for students to interact with companies from the career fair. Klein will speak at 8 p.m. about the road and bridge construction industry from the perspective of Washington, D.C.

“It’s a hot topic right now, road [and] bridge construction, at the federal government level, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association is an association for those contractors throughout the country who deal with this type of work. They also tend to be a lobbying agency,” Rahn said.

Klein travels around the United States to represent ARTBA throughout the industry. She also meets with industry executives and conducts grassroots lobbying training. Keen on membership development, her duties focus on employee involvement and retention.

Rahn said the college of applied arts and sciences began an initiative to give students internship opportunities in Wash., D.C. ARBTA accepted two students from the college to intern at its offices.

“This was a unique opportunity, and it was important because, it’s hard to tell students this, but the political, the legislature, all that is very important in these industries. It’s funding. What’s going to be happening? What type of business atmosphere?” Rahn said.

The career fair will begin at 2 p.m. with a meet and greet for students and potential employers. Many of the companies attending have alumni from ISU who want to give back to the university and help students get their foot in the door.

“It really gives the students an opportunity to get one on one. It’s not a formal interview, but it gives them the chance to find out more about the companies and give them a chance to get used to talking to employers,” Rahn said.

For more information about the event or to reserve a ticket for the dinner, contact Keith Rahn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .