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Best tip for current college student to land paid internship which will lead to future career #constructionmanagment?

Best tip for current college student to land paid internship which will lead to future career? #constructionmanagment

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Subject: Career question for you

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Laura’s Answer

Make the most of every connection you have—whether it's professors, alumni, career fairs, or LinkedIn. Combine these with a personalized resume and outreach that highlights your eagerness to learn, reliability on-site, and commitment to the industry.

Here's how to put this into practice:

🔹 Use Your School Network Wisely
- Talk to your professors: They often have industry contacts and know about job openings.
- Career Services: Get help to tailor your resume specifically for construction management internships.
- Job Fairs: Attend all construction-related events. Dress well, bring a strong resume, and show interest in the company’s work.

🔹 Create a Targeted Resume & Cover Letter
Highlight:
- Any project work, field experience, or leadership roles you have.
- Soft skills like time management, communication, and teamwork from job sites or class projects.
- Safety training (OSHA 10/30), software skills (like Procore, AutoCAD), or relevant coursework.

🔹 Reach Out on LinkedIn
- Find project managers, alumni, or HR reps in nearby construction firms.
- Send a brief, polite message saying:
- You’re a student looking for hands-on experience.
- You're committed to a career in construction.
- You’re eager to learn about opportunities at their company.

🔹 Follow Up and Be Dependable
- After interviews or networking, always send a thank-you note.
- Employers in construction value initiative and dependability over flashiness—demonstrate this from the start.
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Alexandra’s Answer

Internships are an excellent way to provide hands-on learning opportunities in your chosen career path. I've found getting the internship takes a few steps:
1) Networking - meeting the right people. There are a multitude of ways to meeting the right people in the right places who can offer your a PAID internship position. I found the best opportunities at my college's career fairs, and have now gone back to my alma mater to offer full time jobs and paid internships to the next round of students. My recommendation would be to attend any and all career fairs your school may host (spring AND fall). Also, some schools offer supplementary activities around your career fairs such as resume workshops, presentations from visiting companies, etc., it is in your best interest to attend as many of these activities as possible. Introduce yourself to the company representatives early and have a conversation. Construction can be extremely 'old school, boys club' and having a conversation can really help your visibility with prospective companies. Side Note: The large companies (Hensel Phelps, McCarthy, etc.) will be difficult to secure internships early in your college career. Make yourself known to them (apply, interview, attend their info sessions), but don't forget about the smaller companies. The smaller more local companies are going to be more likely to offer internships to younger students because the older students usually want the big name internships.
2) The interview - sell yourself. Once you secure an interview, you need to sell yourself to the prospective employer. An employer is not looking for someone who knows everything for an intern, they are looking for someone who is resilient, dedicated, and will absorb all the information being thrown at them.
3) The internship itself. The internship will be one long interview so put in 100% effort each and every day. Construction is a small world and I can guarantee future employers will call up someone from your previous internships to ask about you and their experience with you. Start on the right foot and do not burn bridges.

BEST OF LUCK!
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Sneha’s Answer

The best tip for landing a paid internship in construction management is to network early and often. Talk to professors, attend career fairs, join student chapters of professional organizations like CMAA or AGC, and connect with alumni on LinkedIn. Many internships come from relationships, not just applications. Also, keep your résume sharp by highlighting any hands-on experience, even if it's from class projects or volunteering. Show that you’re reliable, detail-oriented, and willing to learn, these are qualities employers in construction value highly. Lastly, don’t wait for junior or senior year. Start applying as early as possible and follow up with a genuine interest in growing with the company. Companies are looking for proactive students and want to fill their internships up sooner than later! I applied to my junior year internship sophomore year of college and work for the same company full time now! I have been in their system for 3 years before even working full time. Companies will invest and value people who apply early and show dedication. Good luck!
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Joe’s Answer

You could also look into apprenticeship programs through ABC or Ace.
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