08 April 2021
Clune’s Internship Program –
Training the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
By: Annette Barbato, Corporate Training & Internship Coordinator
Established over 20 years ago, Clune Construction’s Internship Program has played an essential role in growing our talented team. In recent years the program has grown significantly. With National Internship Awareness month taking place in April, Clune is reflecting on the program’s successes and its opportunities for the future.
Since 2018, 18 interns across the country have been hired to full-time positions. They have quickly become essential members of the team. Additionally, one-half of Clune’s Executive Board members and one-third of our Managing Directors started with the company as interns. Many other former interns are working their way through the ranks and shaping the future of Clune on all levels. When we look at incredible statistics like this, it speaks volumes of Clune’s growth opportunities, and the company culture that keeps employees invested for many years.
Clune’s interns receive the opportunity to work with their teams on all phases of a project. They also gain practical experience to supplement their ongoing education at their universities. Interns also have the opportunity to gain more responsibility over the course of multiple summers or a semester-long Co-Op. Interns are eligible to receive school credit, where applicable.
Clune offers internships for students pursuing a career as a Project Manager or Superintendent. Internships in additional company functions including marketing, accounting, information technology, and safety are also offered.
Project Management
Clune Project Management Interns learn the full life-cycle of a project from bidding through closeout. They gain experience coordinating with and issuing information to subcontractors. Their teams will demonstrate how to communicate with clients, architects, and engineers and provide experience in various meetings. Clune’s PM Interns leave the program with a better understanding of budgets, drawings and contract documents.
Superintendent / Field
Field Interns will spend time working with a Clune Superintendent on one or more job sites. They learn the ins-and-outs of building a job in a hands-on environment. Interns in the field will coordinate with subcontractors, assist with safety and logistics, and learn about project scheduling. Clune Superintendent Interns leave the program with a better understanding of quality control, punch lists, drawing sets and various building rules and regulations.
The Clune Experience
Check out what some of Clune’s former interns have to say about their experience:
“Working at Clune has been such a rewarding experience. Throughout my three internships with the company, I have been able to learn firsthand what it takes to run a jobsite. As a superintendent intern I was able to learn and ask each and every trade questions. This helped me better learn what goes into their job. My internship has helped me develop my knowledge of the industry as well as my professional skills. This included sending emails, talking to other companies, and so much more. Everyone at Clune is so cheerful and always willing to lend a helping hand. Anyone looking for an internship to gain hands-on construction experience, I recommend applying to Clune.”
– Savannah Garcia, former Intern, current Assistant Superintendent
“Being a safety intern at Clune was a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally. Starting as a recent college graduate with an emphasis in safety from Northern Illinois University, I had no construction experience. With proper direction and guidance, I was given all the tools needed to succeed. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to stay on, when the summer internship was over. And when the opportunity to move to the Clune Los Angeles office came up, I jumped on it. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of Clune and to be able to grow along with the continued company growth. In the past five years, as a member of the safety department I have been able to assist in establishing the safety program. Being a part of something bigger than yourself is very rewarding.”
– Saeed Aljarrah, former Intern, current Regional Safety Manager
“Throughout the course of my internship with Clune Construction, I learned a great deal about all the roles and responsibilities of a general contractor. Attending owner’s meetings, communicating with architects and engineers, and learning how to run a project from start to finish are experiences that cannot be taught in school.”
– Matt Witkowski, former Intern, current Assistant Project Manager
“There’s no better way to test drive a company, or a career for that matter, than an internship. I learned more about cooperation and teamwork during my two internships with Clune that can’t be taught in school. At the same time it allows you to get the most out of your college career by tailoring your course selection and thereby improving your qualifications toward the type of company you want to work for in the future. Today’s interns have a distinct advantage over their peers when it comes to landing that long lasting career.”
– Chris Redpath, former Intern, current Managing Director
“I was lucky enough to receive an offer for a Co-Op with Clune Construction. I honestly believe that the decision to work with Clune has been one of the best decisions of my life. It has opened up so many opportunities to learn, network and gain experience in many aspects of the project management realm.
–Angel Estrella, former Intern, current Assistant Project Manager
Prospective interns can learn more about the program at clunegc.com/career-opportunities.
