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 Tyler, Ben and Makayla. Today, we introduce Mackenzie.

MACKENZIE ARNOLD – PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERN

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Mackenzie Arnold; I am a senior attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for Building Construction Management.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN INTERN WITH MIRON?
This is my second year interning with Miron Construction. I am so excited to be back for a second summer. Working with a new crew, I’m learning more about project management while gaining new experiences and insights. I wanted to come back to Miron Construction because you are treated like family and because they have a strong focus on safety and the environment. Miron Construction also offers many opportunities for interns, allowing them to show others those experiences through intern presentations. These presentations are a great opportunity because the interns get to present in front of their fellow interns, Project Managers, and Project Executives!

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION?
I became interested in a career in construction during my freshman year of college when I was able to tour a job site. I saw the different aspects of the project, including how collaboration is key to a successful project. I was intrigued by the behind-the-scenes work and impressed by how quickly projects progress with the elements that are hidden inside the walls and rarely seen.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED SO FAR THIS SUMMER?
The coolest thing I’ve learned this summer is the similarities and differences between project sites. I feel that working at different project sites gives me the opportunity to learn how the owners, subcontractors, and superintendents are all involved during the project. I also enjoy seeing how everything is built and the problem-solving tactics that are used.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
So far, my favorite part of my internship this summer has been working with the owners. I enjoy being able to step in during the meetings with the owners to explain what is going on, and I love hearing their overall thoughts about the project as well as seeing their reactions to the pace of the project.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
The hardest part of my internship is not being here for a project from start to finish. Between this year and last year, I have had the opportunity to see different parts of the projects, but I haven’t been able to see one from beginning to end. That is what I am most excited to see upon graduation and beginning my career in the construction industry.

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR INTERNSHIP IS BETTER PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS?
YES!!! This internship with Miron Construction has given me so many opportunities to learn the roles and responsibilities of what a project manager does on a daily basis. It has also helped my communication skills as well as given me opportunities to understand how plan sets work, the process of submittals, job costing, scheduling, and general construction site knowledge.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS CONSIDERING A SIMILAR INTERNSHIP?
Do it, and don’t be afraid to ask a million and one questions. Take every opportunity to learn from this experience. Talk to the tradespeople and subcontractors and find out what they believe are project strengths and challenges. Ask them questions about what they do and how they find solutions. Listen to their advice because it will make you a better project manager in the future.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?
I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity to intern with Miron Construction again this summer. I have already learned so much, and I can’t wait to continue learning about project management.

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

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