Will’s Journey from Intern to Team Member

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Will Eveland, who turned his passion for construction into a full-time position at ESI. Through hands-on experience, dedicated fieldwork, and a strong commitment to learning, Will successfully navigated his path from intern to valued team member. Read on to discover the lessons and insights that have shaped his exciting transition and propelled his career forward.

Why did you choose a career in Construction?

Initially, I never considered a career in construction. I started college at MSOE to become a mechanical engineer. However, halfway through my freshman year, I switched my major to Construction Management. I researched the program thoroughly and saw a promising future in the construction industry.

Like many in this field, I had a passion for Legos growing up. Building them and following instructions was great, but I also loved using my imagination to create my own structures. Ultimately, I chose a career in construction because I wanted to leave a mark. I envision showing future kids, nieces, and nephews the buildings I’ve helped construct across the country. It’s about creating a legacy and having amazing stories to tell. The people in this industry are also unique, making it an even more rewarding path.

Did your career path perspective evolve since starting the internship?

This is a tricky question to answer. My perspective on my career path has evolved significantly since starting my internship. Initially, I thought I would move straight into project management right out of college to manage projects internally.

However, my experience at ESI made me realize I needed at least 3-5 years of field experience before becoming a project manager. I need to understand what happens in the field to make informed decisions. This realization has changed my view on advancing in the industry and underscored the importance of gaining comprehensive experience.

How has ESI’s Construction Management internship contributed to your understanding of this industry?

My multiple internships at ESI have significantly deepened my understanding of this industry. They provided me with hands-on experience in the field and insight into the entire construction project process. While my education laid the foundation, experiencing it firsthand brought a different perspective. I realized just how critical communication is in building anything. In school, I learned about the importance of good communication, but the extent of its necessity was something I underestimated until my experience in the field.

Did the internship provide you with any insights about your field of study that you hadn’t considered before?

The internship provided me with a new perspective on the construction industry. In school, they focus a lot on housing and commercial buildings. Cooler and freezer facilities aren’t touched on, so being exposed to a completely different side of the construction industry opened my eyes to how far and wide this industry really goes.

What new tools/technologies did the internship expose you too?

Procore was a new tool I was exposed to during the internship. MSOE used it, but not until junior year. Being exposed to it, doing the daily logs and pictures, and looking at the different features Procore offered gave me a leg up in school and also prepared me for starting full-time.

Did you learn any life skills during your internship?

One of the most important skills I developed was adaptability. Not every aspect of a project goes according to plan, and this was particularly evident during a project in Shawano, Wisconsin, where we unexpectedly discovered two buried barns beneath the site. Additionally, I encountered a situation where a prefabricated building did not match the provided dimensions, requiring us to maneuver it into the correct position creatively. These experiences taught me the importance of remaining flexible and finding solutions in the face of unforeseen challenges.

How did you find the process of applying what you’ve learned academically to the workplace?

I found the process of applying what I learned academically to the workplace to be both easy and difficult. What we learn in school is relatively basic and broad. Bringing the basic knowledge of what I learned to the job site was easy. Specifically, bringing knowledge of ESI was a bit different due to this being such a special field. It piqued my interest greatly to continue learning outside of school.

What factors led you to accept a full-time employment offer from ESI?

The main factors that led me to accept a full-time offer at ESI were the work, the people, and the industry experience I would gain.

The Journey Continues

Will Eveland’s journey from intern to full-time team member at ESI exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on experience and the vital role of communication in the construction industry. His story highlights how fieldwork can shape a well-rounded career and emphasizes the invaluable insights and practical skills gained through internships. Fueled by a lifelong passion for construction—rooted in childhood experiences and further cultivated through immersive projects like the Sacramento jobsite—Will is dedicated to making a lasting impact in his field. As he continues to advance in the industry, his journey serves as an inspiring example for future interns eager to forge their own paths and build their legacies.

To learn more about ESI’s career opportunities, visit www.esigroupusa.com/careers.