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Today, we cast the spotlight on a vital component of our organization – our interns. Beyond their roles as learners, they are active contributors who infuse our workspace with new ideas, fresh energy, and diverse viewpoints. By embracing these budding professionals, we not only invest in the future, but also tap into the advantages of their innovative thinking.
Learn more about some of our interns from past and present below!
What school do you attend and what are studying?
I am currently a senior at Temple University studying Communications with a minor in General Business.
Why did you choose to study this?
I chose Communications coming to Temple because media is so prevalent right now and I have always been an avid consumer of it, so it seemed like a good industry to get into. Originally, I wanted to become a sports journalist because I am such a huge Philadelphia sports fan, but I moved away from that plan in recent years. I also liked the versatility of Communications being transferable across numerous sectors and industries. Marketing, journalism, social media, etc. all play big roles in growing a company, which is why I wanted to learn all of those various skills.
What are your career goals?
My career goals in the short term include continuing to gain experience in the marketing industry and expand my skills. This being my first internship, I still have a lot to learn and areas to grow professionally. In the long term, I hope to land a job after college in a company where I can continue to develop and move into higher positions. After furthering my development, I hope to take what I learned from my experiences and apply it to my own business. I am not sure what type of business I want to start, but I have always had aspirations of starting my own company.
What brought you to EDA?
I found my way to EDA when I was applying for summer internships and came across their job post. Once I read through the post and did some research on the company, it seemed like a great spot for me to get my feet wet in marketing and gain some valuable experience. After interviewing with Jacky and getting to learn about each other and EDA, I felt it was a great fit for me.
What are some things most people do not know about you?
One thing most people do not know about me is that I am a huge UFC fan. I started getting into MMA and the UFC around my freshman year of college and my fandom has only continued to grow. It has quickly become one of my favorite sports to watch. Being able to attend a live event would be a bucket list moment for me.
What do you do in your internship?
The primary tasks I completed included writing blogs and updating the website. I would write and post a blog about every two to three weeks which covered various topics dealing with the company and construction. I would also publish projects on the website that were to be highlighted; these pages detailed the scope of the projects, the specs, as well as pictures. In addition to those main tasks, I would attend team meetings in which everyone discussed their checklist and collaborated with one another on projects. I also attended one-on-one meetings with team members in which they would run me through some of their tasks and the software that they used.
What do you like most about your internship?
The part I like most about my internship is the weekly team meeting. This being my first internship, I had never been in a team meeting before and feel there is a lot I could learn and take from the team meetings. Seeing how everyone collaborated, expressed ideas, and helped one another out is cool to be a part of. It helps give me an idea of the mindset required to work in marketing and the types of things you should be thinking about. I also like the free-flowing environment of EDA. It isn’t dead serious all of the time or overly stressful, which made me feel more comfortable.
If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere else, it would have to be either Florida or one of the Carolina’s. I would like to live in a place with relatively nice weather all year round, and of the places I have been, those are my favorites.
What challenges do/did you face as an intern?
The toughest challenge for me as an intern was the learning curve at the beginning or when being given an unfamiliar task. There were a lot of different technology to learn and programs to navigate. I would get in my head that I was moving too slowly but realized it will all become quicker with time and experience. Another challenge that I faced early on was the nerves that I had coming into a new position with no experience outside of school. I was nervous about how the transition would go, but it was smooth with my team's help.
What are some things you have learned at EDA during your internship?
I have learned a lot in my short time at EDA so far. One of the most important, especially for a marketing career, is being able to navigate a CRM system. Working with HubSpot, there is so much versatility with it and numerous beneficial functions. As I was taking interviews before the summer, a lot of companies were looking for experience with a CRM, which I did not have at the time. Another important skill I was able to learn is time management with numerous tasks. I usually have a couple different tasks I am working on at one time, so I had to find a good balance of allocating a certain amount of time towards each one.
How do you think your internship will help/helped you in your career?
I think this internship will help my career because it has been a valuable learning experience for me. I have been exposed to all various aspects of marketing like internal and external, content marketing, and a little bit of advertising. Being shown the various aspects can help me early on identify which roles interest and fit me best and begin to improve in them. The ability to work with a team is another huge skill I learned at EDA which I can take to any future job as well.
In what ways has your internship changed your thoughts on the construction industry/professional life?
This internship has certainly changed my perspective on the importance of the behind-the-scenes people for construction. When thinking of a construction company, you think of the workers on the jobsites completing the manual labor, but not all the people in the office building. Coming into the role, I was not sure how the marketing team would operate in comparison to a company that is selling a product directly to a consumer. I quickly learned that the marketing team is almost just as important to the success of the company as the construction crew. There is so much value in showcasing the company's work and getting exposure so that people and commercial building owners know you are out there. It is so important that potential customers can easily find you and be able to browse your work.
What school do you attend and what are studying?
I am studying master’s in construction management at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia.
Why did you choose to study this?
In 2016, I completed my bachelor’s degree in architecture at L.S. Raheja School of Architecture in India. Following my graduation, I dedicated six years to building my career in the design and construction sector. During this time, my curiosity grew, leading me to develop a keen interest in delving deeper into the intricacies of the construction industry.
What are your career goals?
I aspire to excel in the construction industry, aiming to master both estimation and project management, thereby achieving a harmonious blend of these skills.
What brought you to EDA?
I was drawn to EDA Construction Inc. due to its outstanding reputation in the construction industry, its commitment to excellence, and its impressive portfolio of projects. Moreover, the company's values align closely with my career goals, particularly in the areas of estimation and project management. This made EDA Construction Inc. the ideal place for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the success of challenging construction ventures.
What are some things most people do not know about you?
I have a keen interest in experimenting with cooking and trying out dishes from various cuisines. It's a hobby that brings joy to both me and those I share meals with. I'm an avid reader, particularly of science fiction and philosophy. I find that reading broadens my horizons and helps me think creatively in my professional life. I also have a passion for painting. Exploring different forms of visual art, whether it's with acrylics, watercolors, is something I deeply enjoy. It's a means of self-expression and a way for me to tap into my creative side beyond the professional realm.
What do you do in your internship?
I am an estimating intern, I am learning to carry take-off and read specs and other documents, for Metal Panels and Roofing Division under the guidance of Mr. Hans & Mr. Mitch.
What do you like most about your internship?
In my internship, my primary role as an estimating intern involves acquiring essential skills related to performing take-offs and comprehending specifications and various documents. Specifically, I am focused on the Metal Panels and Roofing Division. Throughout this learning process, I am fortunate to receive valuable guidance and mentorship from Mr. Hans and Mr. Mitch.
If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
If I could choose to live anywhere else, my top pick would be Dubai. The city's unique blend of culture, economic opportunities, stunning architecture, high quality of life, diverse leisure activities, and global connectivity make it an attractive destination for both personal and professional growth.
What challenges do/did you face as an intern?
As an estimating intern, I've encountered challenges such as grappling with complex construction documents, ensuring accurate material take-offs, managing tight deadlines, and effectively communicating with team members. Navigating the learning curve of industry-specific terminology and processes, adapting to changes in project details, and handling pressure in competitive bid situations have also been notable challenges. However, these experiences have provided valuable opportunities for growth, enhancing my skills in construction estimation and project management.
What are some things you have learned at EDA during your internship?
During my internship at EDA, I've learned essential skills in construction estimation, including performing accurate take-offs and interpreting complex project documents. I've also honed my communication and teamwork abilities by being an introvert, gained insights into industry-specific software, and developed a deeper understanding of the construction process which is completely different to how it works in India.
How do you think your internship will help/helped you in your career?
Undoubtedly, my internship has and will significantly benefit my career. It has provided hands-on experience in construction estimation, honed my technical and communication skills, and allowed me to work with seasoned professionals.
In what ways has your internship changed your thoughts on the construction industry/professional life?
My internship experience has transformed my perspective on the construction industry and professional life how I looked at in it back in India. It has shown me the dynamic and challenging nature of construction projects, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and teamwork. It's also reinforced my belief in the value of continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic field like construction.
What are your career goals?
I like to set very attainable goals for myself. Achieving daily goals repeatedly will snowball into something great. My current goal is to be a sponge and soak up all the knowledge I can from my project management team. I want to be the best APM I can be and play my role here, at EDA, to the best of my ability. I’m surrounded by a great team, and I believe in time I will develop the skills to be a successful Project Manager.
What brought you to EDA?
It’s not just what brought me to EDA but who. During training one night, I was talking to one of my teammates about how I decided to go back to school and was pursuing a career in Construction Management. He mentioned EDA’s internship program and told me to do my research, and so I did. I grew up in a construction family, so when I saw how the culture and values aligned with my family values, I knew it was a company I wanted to work for.
What are some things most people do not know about you?
People that know me say I’m a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ because my life experiences have taken me to completely different environments (one of my favorite people here at EDA even gave me the nickname “Many Hats”). For example, I’ve worked at Victoria’s Secret folding panties in the suburbs and I’ve worked for a Police Department in the city where foot pursuits and running towards gunfire were the norm. I’ve learned many things through my life experiences but the useful things I’ve tucked away in my toolbox to use for my career in Project Management.
What do/did you do in your internship?
My internship consisted of creating material and submittal logs, material takeoffs, purchase orders, change orders, schedules, other submittal packages and attending project meetings.
What do/did you like most about your internship?
What I liked the most about my internship was the ‘Shadow Program’, which I would like to continue participating in. This program allowed me to shadow Superintendent, Steve Christina and Inventory Manager, Mike Garvey. Through these experiences I learned what their workday consists of and how I can coordinate with them to ensure a project is completed efficiently.
If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere outside of New Jersey, I’d choose ‘TrackTown USA’, Eugene, Oregon. I’m a big fan of Steve “Pre” Prefontaine and the school of thought ‘live high/train low’, which means living at high altitude and training at low altitude for peak athletic performance. I also would enjoy scenic hikes in the surrounding areas.
What challenges do/did you face as an intern?
Becoming more familiar with carpentry, roofing and masonry scopes is a challenge that I’m still working on every day. My background is in ground construction, not vertical construction. So really understanding the materials we can use and their compatibility with other materials within specific projects has been a learning experience. Knowledge is power and I still have a long way to go until I tap into my full potential.
What are some things you have learned at EDA during your internship?
During my internship at EDA, I’ve learned to ask questions because I know I will get a concrete answer from someone knowledgeable.
How do you think your internship will help/helped you in your career?
I think starting my career as an intern at EDA was the best decision I could have made. I like to think I’m a very coachable person and this team has done a great job of molding me into the APM I am today. I’m still learning, and I believe I will still be learning something new in construction 20 years from now. I’ve played a lot of sports in my life and still do. There is always something to work on and get better at and with that I keep the same mindset in my career. I will continue to work hard and grind in this field to be a great asset for EDA.
In what ways has your internship changed your thoughts on the construction industry/professional life?
My internship at EDA has given me a new perspective of the construction industry. I’ve worked in the field for a family-owned business and nonunion construction companies throughout my life. I had a small sample size of what a Project Management team does on a day-to-day basis then, and now being on the office side of things has made me a more complete professional in this field. EDA has been very accepting of my background and learning curve. I’ve become 1% better every day and that wouldn’t be the case without the team here at EDA. I’m very grateful to start my career with EDA and hope to become a familiar face/name here.
What are your career goals?
I consider myself lucky to start my career as an Assistant Project Manager with EDA. I aspire to continue gaining knowledge through the expertise at EDA. I aim to manage larger and more complex projects which can showcase my leadership and project management skills and elevate my career. I aspire to be up to date with all technological advances in the construction industry and become proficient in these technologies. I would love to be involved in international projects and expand my career.
What brought you to EDA?
I had heard a lot about EDA Contractor and its family culture. The thing that attracted me more towards EDA Contractors is its unique culture and supportive and quirky workplace. Along with that I knew working with EDA would only help me elevate my knowledge with the best of employees who will help me shape my career path.
What are some things most people do not know about you?
I am a very good cook and love to host dinners. I love to paint but have lost touch in recent years but might start pursuing it soon. Also, I come out as a shy person but am really different when I get comfortable with someone.
What do/did you do in your internship?
I gained a lot of exposure in the construction industry and management. Being an International student from India, I was always fascinated by construction outside India. I performed tasks like creating submittals, Change orders, RFI’s, purchase orders. Communicated with vendors and filed crews for material deliveries on site and made sure everything is delivered on time. Furthermore, maintained the project lifeline that helped track project at every step. Visited jobsites to track progress and understand practical issues during construction.
What do/did you like most about your internship?
I was always treated as the family member of EDA Contractors. Never felt someone from outside and always welcomed by all I had a chance to work with. The knowledge gained during internship helped me a lot during my final project. Also, cannot forget to mention that management was a new stream for me and everyone at EDA made sure I excel in that too with all their guidance throughout my internship. After stepping into the practical world got to learn a lot and my mentors Fred Slade and Aseem Kashyap and not to forget Michael Coar have played a vital role in that.
If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
Haha! Would always love to live in India with my family.
What challenges do/did you face as an intern?
Like I said before, I am from India and totally unfamiliar with the work culture in USA. Took sometime for me to comprehend the processes that are followed here and also understanding certain terms that are used in construction industry. I guess that is what made it more fun for me as I could share my experience from back home with my colleagues and they had so much to share as well.
What are some things you have learned at EDA during your internship?
The most important thing that I learnt is standing for yourself no matter what. EDA always treats its employees as one family and you never hurt anyone in your family. But you can have your own opinion that every family member respects.
How do you think your internship will help/helped you in your career?
Internship with EDA has shaped me to become a better individual with ample of knowledge about project management. This experience will always be a part of my journey wherever I land in future.
In what ways has your internship changed your thoughts on the construction industry/professional life?
I have turned into a more patient person with a distinct attitude towards construction industry. I got a chance to showcase my organizational and communication skills but along with that also learnt where I lacked. This will help me work on these skills and polish them for future professional life.