Jul 23, 2024

Celebrating our summer interns!

Posted by Construction

We are thrilled to spotlight the incredible contributions of our summer interns here at Miron! These talented individuals have brought fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and innovative ideas to our team. Each of our interns has made a significant impact on our team and our projects. They are not just learning from us; we are learning from them too! Why we love our summer interns: 

  • They bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
  • They show unmatched enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
  • They help us stay ahead of industry trends and technologies.
  • They helped us earn our spot on Employ Humanity’s Best Internship Programs list. Check it out!

Let’s hear from some of them!

 

Tarun Kumar

Tarun Kumar, project management intern at the University of Iowa Health Science Academic Building project | junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato 
“I believe my internship has provided me with valuable insights into project management, as well as a broader understanding of design, emphasizing key aspects, reviewing documents, networking with diverse professionals, and learning from my experiences. My favorite aspect, I would say, are the people here, especially my manager. She has been exceptionally kind and helpful, assisting me in better understanding various aspects and always being open and supportive.”

 

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Lucy Krieg, risk intern | junior at UW-Stout:
“I chose Miron because of the culture. I did a lot of research prior to accepting my position. Miron is known to be one of the top performing construction companies in my area. Their values and testimonials made me feel welcomed before even starting. I also have a lot of friends who are repeat interns for Miron and spoke extremely highly of how amazing it was to be a part of their team. This internship has prepared me for the real world in many ways. First, I am working on site at a large and fast-moving project every day. This project has helped me get comfortable with the site environment. Leading Stand Down and the site safety walks have helped grow my confidence with public speaking. I also get real world experience with the software that risk managers use daily. My favorite thing about working at Miron is the environment. Each day is a new experience. I can visibly see the project progressing every day, both when I arrive and leave the site.”

 

Sabeel Samrah

Sabeel Samrah, project management intern in Masonry Self-Perform Group | senior at UW Madison: 
“What made Miron stand out were their core values. They were easy to find and align with the values I have, and the Recognize It! program shows that these values are a big part of company culture. Another part of the reason I stayed on was the flexibility for working hours/locations and career opportunities. I’ve seen and experienced them, and in today’s world, those are two things that are highly sought after. There are a lot of things you learn in an internship that you can’t fully appreciate in a classroom. The paperwork is easy enough, but there a lot of intangibles in this industry that you just have to experience. Every interaction – be it with owners, subcontractors, or other PMs – has unquantifiable teachable moments. As a commercial PM, you get to see the project-specific applications of each trade. This summer as a self-perform PM, I’m discovering the finer aspects of the Masonry trade as applied to a variety of projects. There are a variety of opportunities for coworkers to rally together around each other and in the community. This could be through volunteering and charity work, or a get-together for a lunch or dinner outing. Either way, they’re usually a lot of fun and help you connect with others beyond surface-level association with them. I truly value Miron’s efforts to invest in their communities and employees.”

 

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Ellie Zagel, project management intern at Bayside Middle School project | sophomore at Purdue University: 
“I chose to do my internship at Miron Construction because Miron is a leader in the Midwest. Miron also made me feel supported in my journey of becoming a project manager from the moment my interview started. Through my experience at Miron, I have been exposed to various parts of a job which allow me to see the ins and outs of each project. As a first-year intern, being placed on a project site has allowed me to interact with those working in the field. These individuals take time out of each day to explain things to me, which to them may be small and insignificant, but to me are integral in allowing me to learn something new each day. In addition, I have used my knowledge gained in the classroom on the project site to be an asset for my team. My favorite thing about working at Miron is the camaraderie of working on a project site. Each day I look forward to going to work because I know that I have a good group of people to work with and be surrounded by.”

 

Nathan Schley

Nathan Schley, project management intern at the Menominee Indian School District project | junior at UW-Platteville:
“This is my second internship with Miron. I chose to return because Miron is a great company to be a part of. I was able to return to Menominee Indian High School, a project I have been involved with since last spring. I have witnessed each phase of the construction process and have had the privilege of working and learning alongside a great crew and project team. Being able to stay on the same project from beginning to end has given me the opportunity to see the entire construction process, from bid day to punch listing. Having a chance to see the entire process has been a great learning experience. I have also been fortunate to see different roles within the company and how they work together when visiting and working at the Neenah and Green Bay offices. I think it has been important to learn how the company works together. My favorite part of being a member of the Miron team is the people you meet and get to know at work. I also enjoy the employee trips/gatherings and holiday events!” 

 

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Andrew Pappas, project management intern at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire project | senior at UW-Stout
“Originally, I didn’t know much about Miron. I would hear professors and students talking about the company and how large it was. Eventually it almost sounded like Miron was all I was hearing about. After looking into the company and seeing how large it was, I was drawn to it. The more I investigated Miron the better things I heard. One of the biggest being the company culture. My goal has always been to work for the biggest and best general contractor and that is exactly where I ended up. After working with the Eau Claire team full time for the summer and part time for the school year, it was an easy choice to come back and continue my second internship with Miron. There is no doubt that Miron’s internship program is one of the best. Starting with a great introduction to Miron’s history and core values gets you excited to jump into your projects. I am directly part of my project team, coordinating meetings and actively making sure the critical path isn’t obstructed. In short, yes, the internship prepares me for the real world but not through practice. Miron prepares me by exposing me and getting me involved in real situations that the project team has to work through by being an active member in the problem-solving process. By far the people is what makes it so amazing to come into work every day. My coworkers view me as an equal and push me to be better every day. I get tasked with things that will challenge me but always have a huge support system behind me if I have any questions or need a hand. The Miron outings provide great opportunities to converse with more than just our team and in many cases each other’s families. We truly get to know everyone and embrace the family culture here at Miron.”

 

Bryce Werch

Bryce Werch, project management intern at the Aligned Fond du Lac project | senior at UW-Stout: 
“I chose to do an internship with Miron because of their reputation and opportunity to grow within the organization. I wanted to be with a company that I could see myself spending my career at and I see that opportunity with Miron. Throughout my internship I’ve developed valuable skills that I never could have received from any amount of schooling. One of the most valuable skills that I’ve evolved is the ability to communicate effectively between various different types of people. From subcontractors to architects and owners, it is important to be able to connect with a variety of personalities and my internship has given me that exposure. My favorite thing that I’ve experienced while working here at Miron is everyone’s willingness to help me grow. In only my second summer with Miron, I have developed a variety of connections within the company that are always more than willing to give a bit of advice or help when needed. That speaks volumes to the culture and quality of people at Miron.”

 

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Michael Buntin, project management intern at the Green Bay East High School project | junior at UW Stout: 
“I chose Miron because of the amazing things I’ve heard, including the company’s employee-oriented culture, strong focus on safety, and impeccable reputation in the construction industry. My internship has helped prepare me for real world experience by allowing me to gain valuable knowledge in the construction industry and safety best practices. I have also grown my skillsets in project management, communication, public speaking, and more. My favorite thing about working at Miron is the culture. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help each other.”

 

Lindsey Rihn

Lindsey Rihn, marketing & events intern | senior at UW Oshkosh: 
“When deciding how I wanted to spend my summer, I knew I wanted to gain real world experience and build new connections. When I heard about the marketing & events internship being offered, it’s safe to say I was interested. My “end goal” in life is to help make people’s lives better. I believe Miron Construction will help me reach that goal because they are so involved in the community and changing people’s lives by helping clients’ dreams come true. Not only am I able to gain more experience in the corporate world, but I’ve also had the opportunity to apply my skills out in the field when I am helping with external events. One of my favorite things about working for Miron is the people I work with. Everybody here is so passionate about their work; it provides an inspiring experience and a sense of excitement to come to work every day.”

 

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Patrick Marx, project management intern at the Kerry Riverdance project | junior at Michigan Technological University:  
“I chose Miron for my internship because it seemed to be the best program geared towards project management. The other companies I interviewed with seemed to be more interested in putting me to work as a laborer rather than learning the management side of construction. Though the physical part of the job is important to learn, this program allows for you to learn both even if you don’t have previous background in construction. The biggest way my internship has prepped me for the real world is the importance of communication and relationships. With the multiple subcontractors on site and the large management team of the owners, I have had to use communication skills to build relationships with these people to perform my tasks as well as help others with theirs. These communication skills are hard to be taught in a classroom so getting out on a job and interacting with industry professionals is a great way to learn. I have really enjoyed how willing and able my superintendent and project manager have been at helping me learn the job and provide guidance on my career options heading forward. There seems to be a stereotype with construction that it’s not a welcoming industry to newcomers but my experience with Miron has broken that stereotype and everyone I have worked with so far has been inviting and excited to share their part in the project with me.”

 

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Jenna Johanknecht, virtual construction intern | senior at UW-Stevens Point:
“In 2018, I attended Build Like a Girl at Miron. It was there that the compelling narratives of the women in the field ignited my passion for construction. This experience influenced my decision to major in Interior Architecture over Marine Biology at UW-Stevens Point, as I discovered a preference for drawing over dissecting. Miron, having already made a significant impact on me, was the first and only company I wanted to work for. Although they do not offer design internships, the virtual construction position piqued my interest, offering an interest in architectural aspects rather than design. My internship experience has offered professional growth by engaging with professionals and working on real-world tasks. Under the guidance of my mentor and virtual construction specialists, I delved into complex tasks such as Sequence & Duration, Site Logistics, Utility Planning, and Animations; skills not typically taught in the classroom. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my preference for commercial construction, where I have had the privilege of contributing to diverse projects, from healthcare to government. The connections made and the community impact has been the most rewarding aspects of my job, reinforcing my passion for commercial construction and the joy of contributing to the community’s growth. At Miron, the aspect I cherish the most is the endless stream of connections. It’s not merely about erecting structures; it’s about building a community. Witnessing dreams take shape and the joy that lights up faces is my passion. Each day is a fun adventure, brimming with possibilities. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a team united by a shared vision of success and community enrichment.”

 

Jackson Ellis

Jackson Ellis, virtual construction intern | freshman at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College: 
“I chose Miron for my internship because of the opportunities they provide, their cohesive team environment, and their active engagement in the community. Introduced through Winneconne High School’s STEM classes, I developed an interest in virtual construction (VC) and sought to learn more through job shadows with Miron’s VC team. I was particularly drawn to the company’s innovative approach and impactful community projects, which underscored their commitment to making a difference beyond construction. I look forward to contributing to their projects and expanding my skills in virtual construction. My internship has provided invaluable preparation for real-world experience by equipping me with practical skills that I can apply both in my academic pursuits and future career. Through hands-on involvement in real-world scenarios, I’ve learned the importance of problem-solving and effective decision-making. Asking numerous questions daily has been instrumental in understanding best practices and choosing appropriate tools for various situations. This experience has not only enhanced my technical abilities but also sharpened my interpersonal skills by fostering collaboration with experienced professionals. Overall, my internship has been a crucial stepping stone towards confidently navigating challenges and succeeding in the real world. When reflecting on what I appreciate most about working at Miron, the first thing that stands out is the sense of community. Regardless of the task at hand, there’s a collective commitment among everyone to contribute fully and ensure the success of each project. However, it’s hard to limit my favorite aspect to just one. As someone immersed in technology daily, I’m particularly impressed by Miron’s dedication to embracing innovation. Whether it’s implementing new programs, upgrading systems, or adopting cutting-edge equipment for field operations, Miron consistently leads the way in integrating new technologies. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances efficiency but also inspires continuous growth and improvement across all facets of our work.”

We’re proud to be part of their professional journey and excited to see all the amazing things they will accomplish in the future. Thank you, interns, for your hard work and dedication this summer! 

To learn more about our internship program, click here. To hear from three of our interns-turned-project-managers and what their experiences were like, click here.

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