In 2026, the CAWP Student Estimating Competition celebrates 10 years of success. Over two intense days, university teams tackle a real heavy highway project, building bids, schedules, and project plans before presenting to industry judges. Many past competitors have gone on to successful careers in the industry, proving this event is more than a competition- it’s a professional springboard!
Farrah Alkanaan is one success story, rising from a successful competitor in 2024 and 2025 to her current role as a Project Engineer for Trumbull Corporation.
Each year, Farrah competed with the Benedem Builders from the University of Pittsburgh while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and serving as President of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) student chapter.
Ahead of this year’s CAWP Student Estimating Competition, Farrah shares her experience, what the competition meant to her, and advice for this year’s competitors.
What was the most challenging aspect of the competition for you, and how did you work to overcome it?
The most challenging aspect of the competition for me was time management. The first time I competed, I did not fully realize how quickly the day would go by, and I waited too long to ask for help.
The second year, our team made time management and organization a priority. We assigned roles from the start, communicated consistently, and supported one another throughout the entire competition. The day before the competition started, when the bid documents were released, we did everything we could to prepare for competition day. We approached each aspect of the competition calmly and intentionally, with the exception of running to submit the bid.
What did the competition teach you about the highway construction industry?
The competition taught me that working well as a team is crucial in the industry. It is all about working towards a shared goal, respecting one another, embracing each other’s strengths, and communicating. That is the key to a successful project within the highway construction industry.
What were the most challenging and rewarding parts of working with your team?
The most rewarding part of working with my team was the pride we felt in our work and effort. My teammates gave it their all, and we worked cohesively throughout the competition.
Even before they announced the winners, we all expressed that it truly didn’t matter what we placed because we were so proud of our bid. That sense of teamwork and shared success was incredibly rewarding.
What is your current position, and how did the competition help you get and/or prepare for this role?
I am currently a Project Engineer for Trumbull Corporation, working on the Longbridge project in Washington DC. The competition taught me a lot of things, both technically and professionally.
As an engineer, solving issues and getting the “correct answer” is important, but being able to explain and present the reasoning behind your work is even more important. The competition showed me that early on and helped prepare me for those situations.
Also, the competition and the role I had in college took me out of my comfort zone. In the industry, the best opportunities come from accepting challenges. I’ve made a point of that now, and it’s produced invaluable experiences.
What advice would you give students participating in the estimating competition?
I would say: just do it! Don’t overthink it, don’t give yourself excuses, do it, and you will not regret it. It truly is an incredible experience, and you will learn so much through the competition. No matter how much you know, how you perform, or what path you end up taking in your career, it is a major accomplishment, and you will be proud of yourself and your team.
Looking ahead, please share your career goals and what you hope to accomplish in the construction industry.
Looking ahead, I want to build a career focused on producing high-quality work that makes a positive impact on communities. I want to continue taking on challenges to grow both as a person and a professional.
I also hope to help create a more inclusive construction industry by encouraging and supporting the growth of women and minorities in the field.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
2024: Benedum Builders
2025: Benedum Builders | Second Place
