Q: Why did you decide to major in construction engineering and management?

Papp: I initially decided to major in construction engineering and management because of my background in construction. Growing up, I worked as a laborer for my father’s general contracting company, where I gained firsthand exposure to the industry. As I learned more about the major, I realized it offered much more than construction alone. The program provides opportunities to explore project management, real estate development, sustainability, estimating and operations. What attracted me most was the ability to combine technical problem-solving with business and leadership skills. That versatility has allowed me to discover a strong interest in real estate and development.

Q: Who has been your favorite instructor at UD so far?

Papp: I have had many great instructors at UD, but Ashish Asutosh stands out as my favorite. I have taken multiple courses with him, and his ability to combine real-world industry experience with an engaging, humorous teaching style makes every class enjoyable. He challenges students to think critically while creating an environment where learning feels approachable and rewarding. Professor Ashish also mentored my team during the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Competition. His encouragement and confidence in our abilities helped us earn second place in the Design-Build track at the ASC Region 1 Competition. His mentorship has had a lasting impact on my growth as a student and future construction professional.

Q: How do you spend your time outside of class?

Papp: I stay involved in activities that support my professional growth and personal interests. I joined the Delaware Atmospheric Plasma Probe Experiment (DAPPEr) as a member of the management team, where we are working to develop Delaware’s first-ever orbital satellite. I also spend time preparing for my fall 2026 TEDxUniversityOfDelaware talk, where I will discuss how building design can influence human health and potential, an opportunity I am incredibly excited about.

To relax and recharge, I regularly go to the gym, play golf, watch Chelsea FC and Baltimore Ravens games, update my Letterboxd with new movies and spend time with friends. I believe in working hard while maintaining a healthy balance, and these activities help me stay calm and energized.

Q: What advice do you have for incoming first-year engineering students?

Papp: My advice is to try new things and not be afraid of failure. College is one of the few times in life when you have the freedom to explore different interests, meet new people and discover what truly motivates you. Pursue opportunities that even slightly interest you, whether it’s a club, research project, internship, competition team or leadership role. Some experiences will confirm your interests, while others will show you what isn’t the right fit, and both outcomes are valuable. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you, learn from your experiences and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. The lessons you learn and the relationships you build will help shape the path you take long after your time at UD.

Q: In summer 2026, you interned at Brixmor Property Group. What was the most interesting thing you learned about the industry?

Papp: Seeing how business strategy, real estate investment and construction all work together gave me a broader understanding of the industry. It also helped me better understand the purpose behind many of the projects I worked on and reinforced my interest in real estate development and redevelopment.

Q: Looking ahead, how might your experiences in construction, real estate and finance shape the kind of career you want to pursue?

Papp: I am still exploring exactly where I want my career to take me. What I have learned, however, is that I enjoy being at the intersection of these three disciplines. Growing up around construction gave me an appreciation for how projects are built, while my internship with Brixmor introduced me to the business side of real estate.

I hope to continue gaining experience across these areas while discovering where my skills and interests align best. I plan to apply to deferred MBA programs during my senior year. Ultimately, I want to pursue a career that combines problem-solving, leadership, finance and project development to create lasting value for communities.