________________________________________________________________________
December 18, 2020
KA’s 2020 interns reflect on a socially distanced summer | Part II
August 28, 2020
The summer of 2020 was different in many ways. Much of the world has slowed down since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the U.S. Deemed critical, the construction industry has continued to move forward with additional safety protocols on jobsites. This allowed Kraus-Anderson to welcome 12 summer interns to learn valuable skills in the field. Although not the traditional intern experience, the group had hands-on experience during a historic summer of construction. As they wrap up, the 12 interns reflect on their summer with KA.
Cynthia Villegas – Project Engineering Intern
“It was great learning even more about construction. I saw equipment, methods, and materials that I’ve never heard of before.”
KA Office: Rochester
Project Assigned: Downtown Rochester – Heart of the City
School Attending: Iowa State University
What has been the “big surprise for you (if any) during your internship?
I wouldn’t consider it a “BIG” surprise but I find it interesting how different GCs are very similar on how they do tasks, but also different on format or software. It’s also surprising how much COVID-19 is continuing to affect the construction industry.
Carlie Ridgeway – Project Engineering Intern
“I didn’t expect the team to give me such important tasks. I appreciated that challenge.”
KA Office: Duluth
Project Assigned: Rock Ridge High School
School Attending: MSU Mankato
What has been your most positive experience for you in your internship with KA?
Getting the opportunity to work with all of the members from the KA Duluth office. This team is so in sync and cohesive. They have made me feel welcome and important from the start, and I will miss working with them.
________________________________________________________________________________
Mitch Borneke – Field Intern
“The project team has been very helpful on explaining the PM side of things.”
KA Office: Minneapolis
Project Assigned: Gustavus Adolphus College
School Attending: MSU Mankato
What has been your most positive experience for you in your internship with KA?
Learning new things and getting to be on a very detailed project.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jack Benson – Field Intern
“The most positive thing was being able to work on a great team once again, and being given more responsibilities.”
KA Office: Minneapolis
Project Assigned: MAC – Silver Ramp
School Attending: UW – Stout
What has been the “big surprise” for you (if any) during your internship?
A big surprise has been how much work is done behind the scenes and near the end of a project to make sure everything is ready and organized. Another big surprise was coming back to the same project as last year but it feeling a lot different because it the stage it is in.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Jesus Moreno – Field Intern
“Getting different aspects of the job and getting to problem solve was a great experience this summer.”
KA Office: Minneapolis
Project Assigned: River Falls
School Attending: UW – Stout
What has been your most positive experience for you in your internship with KA?
The most positive experience is switching between two superintendents with many years of experience combined. They will take the time and sit down with you to answer all the questions you have. The workers onsite from Kraus-Anderson would teach me tips and tricks while working with them on tasks.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ben Wagner – Estimating Intern
“The people at KA have been the big difference maker of what has made this internship such a positive experience for me. I find myself to be extremely fortunate to surround myself with such an uplifting and supportive organization. They really make you feel like you are part of a big family.”
KA Office: Minneapolis
Project Assigned: Various
School Attending: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
What were your expectations coming into this internship? Were they met?
I’ve only been part of the company for a little while, but very early on I was able to fully understand why Kraus-Anderson has the outstanding reputation it has. I had heard great things about the company before I started and working here has been nothing but an absolute blast. Every day is challenging and brings something new to the table for me and keeps me wanting more and more.