Student

Jaymz McClelland

Building Construction

When he was offered a paid summer internship with Lithko, one of the country’s largest concrete contractors, Jaymz couldn’t have been more excited. The real-world experience he gained not only confirmed that commercial construction was the path for him. It complemented his first degree in Building Construction Technology and his current coursework. The best part? When Jaymz graduates with his Concrete Science degree, Lithko wants him back as a full-time project engineer.

Real World Ready

Internship Q&A with Jaymz

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO AT YOUR INTERNSHIP?

With Lithko, there are BURGs (Business Units Running Great). The locations are all over the United States. In Allentown, which is where I was, all the work was for various large corporations. The project I was on last summer was 1.2 million square feet. When I got there, some of the floor slabs were done and some of the columns had been put up. By the time I was done, all of the walls and almost all of the roof had been finished.

WHAT WAS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?

A typical day was showing up to the job site, having a quick team meeting, and being assigned your work for the day. It could be different every day, which is nice. All the work was hands-on, which is even better for me since that's what I like to do.

HOW VALUABLE IS AN INTERNSHIP IN DEFINING YOUR CAREER GOALS?

The internship was very valuable because I now know that commercial construction is something I want to do. I came to college wanting to do residential construction, but now I'm going to end up doing commercial construction after school for a while.

ANY ADVICE FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION/ CONCRETE SCIENCE STUDENTS?

Get to know your professors and work hard in class. Working hard in class and showing your professors that you care will go a long way for you. The professors here will do anything to help you get a job or an internship.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS STUDENTS NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Common knowledge of construction, determination and hard-work ethic, and just the willingness to learn and be teachable.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?

That it was hands-on. I love working outside and being able to do what I love. I didn't come to school to sit at a desk; I came to be able to go work outside and build things.