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. Today, we introduce Mary.

MARY KNUTSON – RISK INTERN

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hi everyone! My name is Mary Gail Knutson. This fall I will be a senior at Iowa State University studying Occupational Health and Safety.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN INTERN WITH MIRON?
This is my first year interning  with Miron Construction. Last fall, at the school’s career fair, I was dared to go up to a company and acquire one of those squishy hard hats. Low and behold, the company was Miron. I ended up talking with Dave and Lindsey from the HR department for longer than I had talked to any other company. They made me feel comfortable and showed me how much they loved working for Miron. That initial meeting led to an interview with Kevin and Dexter from Miron’s Risk department. My discussion with them brought back the same feelings about the company as I experienced during the career fair. It was then that I knew Miron was the right company for me.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION?
Previously, I worked with radiation and utilities companies performing safety functions. Although I enjoyed working in these fields, I felt there were better opportunities to expand my knowledge and passion for safety.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED SO FAR THIS SUMMER?
I have been given the opportunity to conduct my own project. Currently, I am working with the other Risk Managers to edit the Risk manual. This consists of leading meetings with other Risk Managers, and documenting their edits in the Risk manual.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
My favorite part of the internship has been working with the supervisors and foremen — specifically, Pat, Dan, Dustin, and Rick. They all go above and beyond, not just with their projects, but with safety. They make my job easier because whenever an issue is brought up, it gets addressed immediately.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?
I find it hard to present and talk in front of large groups of people, but every time I do it, it gets easier.

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR INTERNSHIP IS BETTER PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS?
Definitely! All of the skills and tools I learned in class, I use every day. These include applying OSHA Standards, technical writing skills, completing audits, and so much more.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS CONSIDERING A SIMILAR INTERNSHIP?
If you see a problem, do not just stand there; become part of the solution. Also, do not be afraid to fail.

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

Did you enjoy what you just read? If so, sign up for our e-newsletter to receive the latest information on industry trends, Miron projects, and so much more.