Industrial Project Innovation (IPI) introduced our rotational internship program last month. It is open to college juniors and seniors in good academic standing who are pursuing degrees in construction, engineering or business management. Generally, interns spend 2 to 3 months in the field gaining a first-hand account of construction operations followed up with important office experience such as how to manage submittals and assist with project close-outs. The program also provides valuable training that can be used throughout an intern’s career including 30-Hour OSHA Certification and Procore Training Modules. IPI hopes to provide a valuable learning experience that aspiring construction professionals can draw from well beyond the semester spent with our team.
Cameron Krogstad is this week’s featured intern. Cameron is a student at North Carolina State University’s College of Engineering where he majors in Civil Engineering. He has spent two consecutive summers with IPI. Last year, he worked at the Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing US (MTMUS) site in Huntsville, AL where he specialized in progress reporting and environmental monitoring. He also gained valuable lessons in civil and site work.
This summer, Cameron is on site at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee (TMMTN) in Jackson, TN. He shadows leads in mechanical and electrical trades. He develops progress reports to present to the Toyota management team. He also acts as a liaison between the Program Management team, the General Contractor, and the Environmental Management Contractor to ensure BMPs and Environmental Controls are current based on site activities. Cameron is excited to further his construction management knowledge and sharpen his communication skills.
We asked him about his vision for the future and his overall internship experience:
What are your future career goals?
I would like to grow with IPI and continue to work for them after graduation. One of the things that motivated me when I first got this internship was how lucky I was to work with such experienced people in such a young company. I would hope that I can continue to grow with this company and eventually become a mentor to others.
How does the business align with your career goals?
I am not one to enjoy staying in one place. I have an adventurous mindset and I love moving and traveling to new places. From what I have noticed, this business aligns with those aspirations. Through working with the company, I will continue to grow and meet new people. Meeting new people and networking should be a goal for anyone in life and I believe this business maximizes those opportunities.
What is your favorite aspect of the internship so far?
My favorite aspect of the internship are the people I have worked with. Though I have little experience and merit, my colleagues are willing to share their knowledge and value my opinion in matters. The inclusiveness of those I have worked with is inspiring.
What is one unexpected thing that you have learned during your time at Industrial Project Innovation?
I have learned that my coworkers are here to help me learn and help me grow. They aren’t here to expose my inexperience, but they are a resource to mentor me.
Thank you, Cameron. We are pleased you have decided to join our team for a second summer! We appreciate your continued hard work!