Meet the 2016 Interns: Part 1

Summer is intern season at Kraus-Anderson, when students complement their coursework with real-world experience in offices and on jobsites. Interns gain exposure to operations, project delivery and the workplace culture while working alongside project teams and experienced mentors.

“KA’s reputation makes us a destination employer for some of the most promising students in our industry,” said Al Gerhardt, chief operating officer of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. “Yet we know it is the personal relationships they make during their time here that become instrumental in shaping their intern experience and convincing them to make KA their career choice. Our employees set the example with insight, perspective and day-to-day work ethic that cannot be found in the classroom.”

Here is a snapshot of several 2016 interns.

Al Anderson, Project Engineer Intern

Office: Minneapolis
Studying: Senior, construction engineering management, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mentor: Aaron Zabel, project manager
Working on: 2700 University and Mount Olivet projects

Responsibilities: Supported daily jobsite activities at 2700 University, assisted Aaron with the Mount Olivet project startup and completed quantity takeoffs.

What I value: “I gained exposure to many different aspects of the construction industry. Working on two projects in very different phases gave me insight into project flow that can be difficult to find during a summer internship.”

Advice for a new intern: “Ask a lot of questions. The people at KA are willing to help with anything you want to learn.”

Benjamin Pederson, Field Intern

Office: Bismarck, North Dakota
Studying: Senior, construction management, North Dakota State University
Mentor: Ross Wilmes
Working on: University of Mary

Responsibilities: Worked on-site with Matt Blaskowski, field superintendent, to support daily operations and verify subcontractor details. Completed requests for information and submittals. Also traveled with project managers Tucker and Jeff to jobsites across North Dakota to observe project-management responsibilities.

Advice for a new intern: “Take every advantage you can.”

Brad Pastika, Project Engineer Intern

Office: Rochester, Minnesota
Studying: Senior, construction management, Minnesota State University Moorhead
Working on: 501 on First

Responsibilities: Prepared requests for information, submittals and pre-punch lists, and followed up on product manufacturing and deliveries.

Takeaway: “It was an amazing experience and a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone was more than happy to help when I needed it, and they helped me learn more than I expected.”

Haylee Albrecht, Accounting Intern

Office: KA Realty
Studying: Senior, accounting and business administration, University of Jamestown
Mentor: Jason Faith
Career goal: Become a traveling certified public accountant

Responsibilities: Entered accounts-payable invoices, prepared budgets and reforecasts, and supported other projects.

Takeaway: “Everyone is very friendly and has a great work ethic.”

Joseph M. Erickson, Field Engineer Intern

Office: Circle Pines
Studying: Fourth year of a five-year construction management program with minors in actuarial sciences, business administration and mathematics, Minnesota State University Mankato
Mentor: Rob Puncochar, project superintendent
Working on: New Ulm JE-MS

Takeaway: “Kraus-Anderson is a smart and contemporary operation with an emphasis on customer and employee relationships. It would be a great company to work for because it appears to treat employees exceptionally well.”

Advice for a new intern: “Work hard. Show up early. Stay late.”

Kenzie Hart, Human Resources Intern

Office: Circle Pines
Studying: Sophomore, human resource management, University of Minnesota Duluth
Mentor: BriAna Vogel

Responsibilities: Supported the human resources team with filing, data entry and related tasks.

Highlight: “One of my most valuable experiences has been exposure to different duties in the human resources field.”

Seamus Kelly, Accounting Intern

Office: Minneapolis
Studying: Senior, accounting major with a management minor, Iowa State University
Mentor: John Rogoz

Responsibilities: Supported insurance compliance, subcontractor prequalification and special accounting projects.

Takeaway: “Two words I would use to describe KA are growth and education. Over two summers, I have seen the time and energy KA invests in the growth of employees as workers, people and as a company.”

Highlight: “I learned not to be afraid to ask questions and speak up when something is unclear.”

Advice for a new intern: “Own the experience. KA gives you resources and tools to succeed, but you need to be active in the office and learn as much as you can.”

Megan Geiser, Project Engineering Intern

Office: Wisconsin
Studying: Senior, construction management, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Mentor: Peter Linsmeier
Working on: Subaru and Kia dealership in Janesville, plus Toyota dealership in West Allis

Responsibilities: Took jobsite progress photos, prepared requests for information, made calls to solicit bids, attended weekly progress meetings, maintained drawing logs, completed drawing audits, maintained stormwater-pollution-prevention-plan information and helped prepare an initial egress plan. She also attended a groundbreaking event and public bid opening.

Highlight: “The intern program is set up for you to succeed. You have resources through your mentor and project teams, so help and clarification are available. The work is meaningful to the outcome of the project, and interns are encouraged to take on more responsibility as they are ready. New assignments help you grow throughout the experience.”

Learn more about internship opportunities, summer interns reflecting on their experience, construction career pathways and the ACE Mentor Program.