To find the best construction internship for you, first figure out what type of construction you want to work in. If you want to work on highways, bridges, or tunnels, look for an internship with a civil engineering construction firm or a government transportation agency. Look for a construction internship with a general building contractor or an urban planning firm if you want to build houses or commercial buildings. When looking for work, gaining the most directly applicable experience to the construction field you want to work in will help you stand out.
Paid and unpaid internships are available. Consider smaller construction companies and builders for your construction internship if experience and college credits are most important to you. A smaller company may not offer paid internships or may only pay a stipend for your time, but it may give you the opportunity to do more things and learn more aspects of the construction process during your internship. If money is a major concern, limit your search to paid internships, but keep in mind that competition for paid internships can be fierce.
What you learn during a construction internship is often the most important thing you will learn. Look for internships that introduce you to various aspects of the bridge-building process, such as design, hiring and managing subcontractors, construction project management, and other areas, if you want to become a bridge engineer. Also, look for internships that allow you to work in the field on actual construction sites rather than being stuck in an office cubicle every day. Consider the internship’s responsibilities and challenges, as well as how they will help you advance your long-term career goals, when selecting the best construction internship.
Another factor to consider is the internship’s schedule. Some internships last a semester, while others are only available during the summer. There are full-time and part-time construction internships available. Make sure to inquire about the internship schedules you’re considering.
When choosing a construction internship, it’s also important to consider a building contractor’s or construction company’s reputation. An internship with an organization that will look good on your résumé — or at the very least not detract from it — is advantageous. When looking for internships, look for companies that you are unfamiliar with and that are offering internships. You can inquire about specific companies with your instructors, visit company websites, and conduct online searches for company names to see if anything negative comes up. Another option for finding the best construction internship is to contact companies that interest you, explain your qualifications, and politely inquire about the possibility of performing an internship.