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What better way to gain real world professional experience before graduation than on-the-job training? Interns here at Miron Construction get to do just that and more! Every summer, Miron welcomes a number of interns to work in all areas of our company. Every intern has a unique story, so we have invited ten interns to share their journeys on our blog over the next several weeks. Now let’s dive right in and get our hands dirty! Last week we met Amber Ronsman and Charlie Hill; this week’s interns are Cole Schilling and George Sterner.

Cole Schilling – Project Management Intern

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Cole Schilling, and I am going into my last year at Michigan Technological University where I am studying civil engineering with a major in economics and minor in municipal engineering. At Michigan Tech, I am heavily involved with the concrete canoe team, which placed 10^th overall at the national competition this summer! When I was growing up, my dream job changed every week, but some of the jobs included astronaut, pilot, grill master, car designer, and being a farmer.

What are your future career goals and how do you plan to reach them?

I hope to obtain a job in the Civil Engineering/Construction field. As long as concrete is being poured, I should be happy. I believe the experience I have gained through internships will help me greatly!

What interests you about a career in construction?

I love seeing the physical progress that has been made each day and watching the project come together. There is nothing better than showing an owner around a construction site and sharing in the joy and excitement that comes from having their dreams fulfilled right before their eyes. I also enjoy being able to get away from a desk and walk around the job site to see how work is progressing.

Why did you choose Miron for your internship?

Several of my friends had internships with Miron and they all had  wonderful experiences. I’ve had previous internships with an engineering firm but wanted to gain experience related to construction and project management, so Miron was the perfect company to intern for. Additionally, I wanted to experience living in Wisconsin. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, but have known for a while that I do not want to live in Chicago/Illinois. With 5 offices in Wisconsin, Miron gave me the opportunity to escape Illinois and I am happy to say that I have really enjoyed my summer in Wisconsin so far.

What aspect of your internship do you love the most?

I have really enjoyed being on site and learning from everyone including the superintendent, carpenters, laborers, operators, plumbers, and electricians. My site is only a few miles from the office, so it is easy to spend part of a day in the office learning from other Miron employees as well. I have enjoyed getting my hands dirty working with concrete. I also really enjoyed being able to volunteer at Feed the Body, Feed the Soul with Miron and I even made a very brief appearance on the news!

Have there been any eye opening or mind-blowing aspects of your experience so far? What has surprised you the most about this internship?

I was blown away by how nice and welcoming everyone at Miron has been. Everyone has been more than willing to take time out of their day to sit down and explain a new idea or task to me. I was also amazed when our regional risk manager spent half a day on site cooking an amazing lunch for all the Miron employees and subcontractors as well as the Owner.

What advice would you have for next year’s interns?

Do not be afraid to ask questions. As an intern you are here to learn as much as you can. If you come to work with an open mind, you will go home each day having learned something new. Also, if you are able to, try to attend company outings. They are a fun way to meet more Miron employees and get to know your co-workers better.

George Sterner – Project Management Intern

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is George Sterner, I will be a junior at MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) in the fall, and I am studying civil engineering. I enjoy being active and anytime I can be outside hiking, biking, swimming, and moving, I am happy. I am currently working as a project management intern on the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Greenfield Clinic addition.

What are your future career goals and how do you plan to reach them?

In the future, my goal is to be a project manager in the state of Wisconsin. I plan on reaching my goal by continuing my education and intern experience over the next two years before graduating. I believe the best experience one can get is hands-on field experience, so I am trying to learn as much as possible this summer.

 What interests you about a career in construction?

The construction industry interests me because of the fast-paced environment and the constantly changing nature of the field. I am also interested because of the impact you can have on the client’s life. I find it amazing to be able to share your work in real time with the client and the community.

Why did you choose Miron for your internship?

Last fall, I attended a presentation given by Miron through my school’s chapter of ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers). I was attracted to the people-centered approach Miron takes in construction, and after hearing about the experiences of previous summer interns, I knew Miron would be a great fit!

What aspect of your internship do you love the most?

So far, I have enjoyed the fast-paced daily hustle of the internship. There is never a dull moment or a shortage of things to get done on the jobsite. I am constantly moving, talking to people, and getting things done, which makes for an exciting workday.

Have there been any eye opening or mind-blowing aspects of your experience so far? What has surprised you the most about this internship?

During the first week of my internship, the first phase of the steel erection was completed. I have never had the opportunity to see this part of construction, so it was definitely eye opening to see the steel be placed. Another eye opening aspect of my project’s construction is to see how hard the tradespeople work. It is inspiring to me to see their daily work, and it’s definitely something I aspire to.

What advice would you have for next year’s interns?

If I was to give advice to next year’s interns, I would say to come into the experience with an open mind and be ready to learn. No matter how much you think you know, the superintendent and everyone on the job site have many more years of experience than you. But, in my experience, they are always willing to teach if you are ready to learn.

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