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 Jacob, William, and Wyatt. Today, we introduce Collin.

COLLIN ZUEHLKE – PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERN

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Collin Zuehlke. I am currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, studying building construction management with a minor in business and safety. I am a Junior, with the hope of graduating a semester early.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN INTERN WITH MIRON?
Working at Miron has been a goal of mine since early high school. I was introduced to the company by a former baseball coach, Andy Derksen. Andy is currently a Project Executive at Miron and has really helped me pursue my dreams along the way. In high school, I job-shadowed with him a few times, but the very first time I stepped into the Neenah office I was mesmerized. The building was immaculate, and the people were amazing. When that first job-shadow came to an end, I told myself, “That’s the company I want to work for someday.”

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION?
My passion for building came at a young age when I would use a variety of my toys to construct and design. I always knew I wanted to work in this field, but I really pondered between architecture, engineering, and project management. In high school, I job-shadowed several times with different companies/professions. This really helped me evaluate what I would be doing daily, confirming the path I wanted to take before entering college.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED SO FAR THIS SUMMER?
One of the coolest things I have learned is how to use the software called Procore.  We utilize Procore on our project site, and this software has helped all of us stay up-to-date with the most recent documents, allowing more effective communication. I understand communication is key on a project site, so learning how to use this tool made that communication more positive!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
My favorite part of this internship has been growing as a project manager every day. My project team was very helpful and accommodating in helping me learn.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
I worked on a school addition and renovation. The hardest part of my internship has been staying on schedule, so students and staff could occupy their rooms before the start of the school year.

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR INTERNSHIP IS BETTER PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS?
Yes, this internship has built the base for my future. This summer has given me the opportunity to see the everyday tasks of a project manager and learn more about the construction industry.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS CONSIDERING A SIMILAR INTERNSHIP?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions as it is extremely beneficial. Miron doesn’t treat you like you’re “just the intern;” you are treated like family.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?
This has been one of the greatest summers, and I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity. Miron has set the bar high for what to expect in a company.

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

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