From Legos to Construction Engineering: Anna’s Journey at Great States Construction
Meet Anna, an intern at Great States Construction (GSC), who’s turning her childhood love for building into a promising career. Studying construction engineering at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Anna’s summer at GSC has been packed with unique experiences, project ownership, and hands-on training.
Early Beginnings
Growing up, Anna loved spending time outdoors—going to the lake, fishing, wake surfing, and hanging out with family. But when she wasn’t outdoors, she was often surrounded by Legos and blocks. “I loved building things,” she recalls. “I even built a dollhouse taller than me, complete with full electricity!”
The Path to GSC
Anna initially pursued civil engineering but found her true passion after shadowing at GSC. This eye-opening experience led her to switch to Construction Engineering at NDSU and apply for an internship with the team.
Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities
Anna’s internship at GSC has been a whirlwind of activity, offering her a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow. Her primary responsibilities include estimating project budgets, meeting timelines, and keeping her projects moving forward.
Learning to use Procore, a powerful construction management software, has been a significant milestone in her internship. This tool has equipped Anna with the skills to connect with other companies and streamline project workflows.
Interesting Projects
One of the standout projects for Anna has been working on an addition at Inspire Inc., a fantastic organization that provides support services for individuals with special needs. This addition will add ample space and storage for the growing service and even includes a large picnic shelter for all to enjoy.
This project has given her a comprehensive view of the construction process, from initial planning to final execution.
Working closely with Dustin on BLOC has also been eye-opening. “This internship has shown me just how many moving pieces there are in the industry,” she reflects.
Like any internship, Anna’s experience has had its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was learning to communicate effectively over the phone and staying on top of project updates. “Learning how to talk on the phone and make calls for project updates was challenging,” she admits. But, with persistence and support from her team, she overcame these obstacles and honed her communication skills.
Advice for Future Interns
Anna’s advice for future interns at Great States Construction is straightforward and encouraging. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember, you don’t have to know everything,” she advises. Her words highlight the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in any professional setting.
Looking Ahead
Anna hopes to continue her journey with GSC, building on the solid foundation her internship has provided. She’s excited about her future in construction and grateful for the experiences gained at GSC.
Anna’s journey from playing with Legos to working on real construction projects at GSC is an inspiring story of following one’s passion and embracing new learning opportunities.