When Michael Saunders joined ESI Group as a summer intern, he brought with him hands-on construction experience—and a strong desire to expand his skills on the project management side of the industry. What he found was more than just an internship: it was a launchpad into a full-time career.
“I was eager to build my on-site skills as a construction manager,” Michael shared. “I had worked in construction before, but this was a new role with different responsibilities. The internship really pushed me to grow—especially in how I solve problems on the job.”
One of the defining moments of his internship came during a project that required coordination between the automation group and union workers—an unfamiliar and complex situation. “It pushed me outside my comfort zone,” Michael said. “We had to navigate some challenges to get everyone aligned and keep the project moving. That’s when I saw how critical communication and coordination are in this industry.”
Learning by Doing
Throughout the internship, Michael leaned into every learning opportunity. Whether it was gaining deeper experience with project management platforms like Procore or applying classroom knowledge of tools like Bluebeam, he found that being proactive—and asking questions—was key to his success.
“I already had a solid foundation thanks to my education from UW-Platteville and prior experience, but there were still tools and processes I hadn’t used before. The team encouraged me to ask questions, which made it easier to adapt and grow quickly.”
Mentorship also played a pivotal role. Working alongside both project managers (PMs) and construction managers (CMs), Michael gained insight into how field and office teams align to bring projects to life. That exposure, he says, made all the difference.
“I was lucky to work under great mentors who were always willing to guide me and share what’s worked for them. They took the time to answer my questions and show me how to be effective in both field and office roles.”
A Standout Project: US Foods Aurora
Among the projects Michael contributed to during his internship, the US Foods Aurora job stood out as a milestone in his professional development.
“There were a lot of moving parts and challenges that came with that site,” he said. “But it was also one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. It gave me real-world insight into how to adapt, lead, and problem-solve under pressure.”
Making the Transition to Full-Time
After completing his internship, Michael accepted a full-time position as Assistant Construction Manager—a transition that felt natural thanks to the strong foundation built over the course of his internship.
“The internship prepared me well. I knew what was expected and felt ready to take on more responsibility. The team made it easy to step into the role.”
When asked why he chose to accept the offer from ESI Group, Michael didn’t hesitate: “It was the people and the culture. Everyone—from the design team to the construction team—is committed to success. That kind of environment is hard to find.”
Looking Ahead—and Advice for Future Interns
Now in a full-time role, Michael is tackling new challenges every day and continuing to build on the skills he developed as an intern. For those hoping to follow a similar path, his advice is simple but impactful:
“Ask questions. The more you ask, the more you learn—and the better prepared you’ll be to take the next step.”
Michael’s journey from intern to Assistant Construction Manager is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity—and when a company invests in hands-on learning, strong mentorship, and a supportive culture. At ESI Group, stories like his aren’t the exception—they’re the goal.
To learn more about ESI’s career opportunities, visit www.esigroupusa.com/careers.
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