What do you do if you want to boost your resume and job prospects through construction internships?

As a construction owner seeking the greatest interns on earth, here are a few planning phase goals to consider; 1. General contractor vs. Specialty contractor. Would you like to be the manager of subs or crafts? Do you prefer tools and the equipment or the entire general building process? 2. Civil vs building? What appeals to you…going vertical or horizontal? 3. Geography: Are you a cold or warm weather builder? Low or high altitude? Finding passion in and outside of work matters. 4. PM/CM vs. owners rep vs. At risk contractor; your relationship to the project’s owner, “your customer,” will uniquely differ with your decision. 5. Start thinking about the company's purpose, values, and mission as they relate to you. #constructiontitan??????

To boost your resume and job prospects through construction internships, focus on gaining hands-on experience, developing key skills, building a strong professional network, and showcasing your achievements and contributions in each internship.

If you are early in your education, don't stress too much about a goal. Your co-op/internship should expose you to an aspect of the construction industry that will allow you to determine if you want to do that when you graduate AND if the company offers a career path you will eventually be interested in/is your end-goal profession. The company you choose should introduce you to various operations. You may be primarily employed by one group, but they should have internal "job fairs", mentoring opportunities, and the ability to interact with senior staff in other groups/offices so you CAN figure out whether the firm would support your professional growth and development. Most companies want to see experience on your resume, so Co-op!

SME-USA offers summer internships and six-month winter and summer co-ops. Internships are typically offered to returning co-ops, and interviews start in the fall and our positions are usually filled by late February/early March. So get your application in early. We understand first-timers won't have industry experience, but most employers do expect some sort of work experience by the time you are in college. Whatever your work experience is- include it. Maybe you played sports in high school and your parents weren't comfortable with you working your first year of college. How you explain your lack of work experience is important. If you played sports, emphasize teamwork, hard work, and the ability to get up early on a regular basis!

If you are hired through a campus job fair process, you may or may not be reporting to someone you previously met. Ask your supervisor if they are available to answer general industry questions, if they are not available- who you should talk to instead, and demonstrate you're responsive and responsible. Show up promptly. Take rush hour traffic and construction into consideration. Remember- on time is late and 15 minutes early is on time. Be willing to listen and learn and check any ego you may have. Be willing to lend a hand, have a positive attitude, and demonstrate a good work ethic. Being willing to come in early, stay late, and actively seek out opportunities to learn makes an impression. Work ethic/attitude often supersede grades.