The Gilbane internship program is unique. Throughout the summer, our interns participate in a variety of peer group meetings, during which they learn about different aspects of the company apart from their immediate job functions. Following these meetings, a team-building event is hosted, encouraging networking and the “One Gilbane” mindset.
Gilbane believes in our interns ending the summer with a well-rounded experience, including visiting numerous job sites, connecting with like-minded industry professionals across different markets, and being given opportunities to immerse themselves in their area of interest. Interns round out their experience by giving an end-of-summer presentation to their peers and company leadership. This presentation helps to home in on public speaking skills and serves as a reminder about the tools they now carry due to what they have learned.
Transitioning from an intern to a full-time hire has proven valuable in terms of retention, skill levels, and overall adaptability when beginning a career with Gilbane. The best feedback about our internship program comes from the team members who have experienced it themselves:
How do you feel like your internship prepared you for a full-time job with Gilbane?
“I had the chance to work with VDC and Estimating department for 7 months of the internship that I had with Gilbane’s Arlington office. What stood out in both experiences was the welcoming environment and everybody’s willingness to share their knowledge. I really enjoyed the culture here. As a graduate intern, I had ton of new ideas which I had no clue about their feasibility but regardless of how practical my ideas were, preconstruction, VDC and even Ops team were always eager to hear about those ideas. Long story short, I found our office a nurturing environment for innovation and productivity and when I was leaving in August, I had no doubt I am going to be here back as soon as I graduated.”
– Milad Ashtab, Washington DC Preconstruction Engineer
1 year full-time with Gilbane
What is a piece of advice that you would give to a current Gilbane intern?
“Take full advantage of this opportunity by actively asking questions and seeking feedback from your supervisors and colleagues. This will help you gain valuable skills and insights that will benefit your future career. Build relationships with your colleagues and collaborate on team activities. Embrace the challenges and step out of your comfort zone. Internships are meant to be learning experiences, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and explore different roles. Lastly, have fun and enjoy this season of your career.”
-Henry Castro, Texas Project Manager
9 years full-time with Gilbane
What did you learn during your internship that encouraged you to accept a full-time position from Gilbane?
“Through my internship at Gilbane, I was able to learn enough about myself to know a career in construction management was the way to go! As an engineering student, I had previously considered a career in design, but was not convinced through coursework or previous internships that this would be a fulfilling future. After getting to spend time on jobsites and interacting with Gilbane employees/project partners, I returned to my university confident that my future would be bright if I returned to Gilbane.”
-Jake Sperling, New York City Project Manager
7 years full-time with Gilbane
Are there any differences you’ve experienced in working at Gilbane since transitioning from intern to full-time hire that you were surprised about?
“My internship allowed me to gain valuable insight into my desired career path with Gilbane. This was particularly helpful as I was deciding between professions like project engineering and superintendency. Having worked here full-time for a year, I can say the transition has been smooth and without surprises. Credit goes to the intern program and all the individuals responsible for setting proper expectations.”
-David Agudelo, Cleveland Project Engineer
1 year full-time with Gilbane
How do you feel your experience as an intern led you to be a champion for the internship program/a mentor for Gilbane’s current interns?
“When I interned with Gilbane, I was studying structural engineering and thought I was ultimately headed toward a career in the design field. My internship experience opened my eyes to this side of the business and led to me choosing a career in construction instead. I believe that real, on-the-job experience is the best way to determine if a particular field or company is the right fit for you, which is why I am a strong advocate for Gilbane’s internship program today.”
-Kate Casey, Upstate New York Project Executive
12 years full-time with Gilbane
How have you been able to make your role uniquely yours since accepting a full-time position?
“I feel encouraged to continue growing and learning through new opportunities that are available to me. Gilbane has allowed me to feel comfortable and supported not only during my internship but in my full-time role in trying new projects and expanding my interests into different areas.”
-Emily Beck, North Carolina Sales and Marketing Coordinator
1 year full-time with Gilbane
As this summer continues on, we are excited to continue to support our nearly 300 interns as they are learning where they want their careers to take them. Meet some of them in the video below, and see why this group of emerging talent is so easy to celebrate on this National Intern Day.
