Blog Entries

Internships are a great opportunity to gain real world professional experience before graduation. Each summer, Miron Construction welcomes a number of interns to work in all areas of our company. Every intern’s experience is unique. Rather than us tell you about it, we have invited fifteen interns to share their journeys on our blog over the next few months. In previous posts, we met Mackenzie, John, and Nick. Today, we introduce Alex.

ALEX DANIELS – PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERN

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hello, my name is Alex Daniels, and this fall I will be a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I am majoring in construction management, while also pursuing a minor in risk management.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN INTERN WITH MIRON?
I decided to come back to Miron for a second year because of the many beneficial experiences I had last summer. I learned a lot, not only from my mentors in the office, but also in the field. I enjoy being able to learn alongside employees in many different areas of the project.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION?
I have always been interested in construction, but I think I realized this was the career I wanted to pursue early in high school. An in-depth remodel of my parents’ house, and helping my uncle build his cabin, made me realize I enjoyed seeing projects come together piece by piece, resulting in the final product.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED SO FAR THIS SUMMER?
One of the coolest things I have learned, and been able to experience on site, is architectural precast. With over 2,300 pieces, I have been exposed to all different types of detail and difficulty. Another part I’ve enjoyed is learning the owner’s explanations and inspirations on why the building has certain features. For example, one owner chose an architectural feature to surround the windows because it reminds the owner of the White House.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
So far, my favorite part of the summer has been seeing the building take shape. I am lucky enough to work on a one-of-a-kind building in a popular area of Milwaukee. I have also really enjoyed working and making connections with all the team members. The hardest part of my internship has been learning all the ways I can use newly introduced software.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
My internship with Miron has shown me many different areas of the construction industry. The knowledge I have gained over the past two summers will be immensely beneficial in my future endeavors. This internship has taught me how to have tough conversations and work through problems to find the right solution.

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR INTERNSHIP IS BETTER PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS?
The most important piece of advice I would give to students looking for an internship is to be open-minded, listen, and watch what experienced employees are doing. Additionally, if there is an opportunity to get your hands dirty, do it. I am a very hands-on learner, so being out in the field has helped me better understand the process of seeing the plans to completing the project.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS CONSIDERING A SIMILAR INTERNSHIP?
In coming back to Miron this summer, I was lucky enough to be placed on the same project as last summer. Being able to experience a project of this scale, from the beginning stages to almost completion, has been a one-of-a-kind experience.

Thanks, Alex. Check back next week to meet another Miron intern who will be joining our blog for the summer.

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