CONTRIBUTORS: Adam Schonbrun, Anna Fulbright, Catherine Stava, Cooper Kane, Emanuel Palacios, Evin Biddle-Axelrod, Graham Orren, Max Mendoza, Michael Barela, Olivia Beals, Quinn McCormack, Samuel Ovesen, Samson Orlinsky, Stefan Lukinic, Teju Gadag, Tyler Crispin, Wyatt Skidmore, Zane Vargason, Michael Baksa, Jody Cole
PRODUCED BY:
Every summer, Saunders’ internship program brings together students from different universities, backgrounds and corners of the country with a shared goal — gaining real-world experience in the construction industry.
While classrooms provide the foundation, construction is ultimately a hands-on profession. Saunders’ internship program is designed to bridge that gap by immersing students in active jobsites, project offices and preconstruction environments where they can see firsthand how projects move from concept to completion. Throughout the summer, interns worked alongside project managers, superintendents, project engineers and field teams, gaining exposure to the people, processes and problem-solving that drive successful projects every day.
Beyond technical knowledge, the program is an opportunity to explore career paths, develop professional skills and build relationships with mentors and peers across the company. Whether learning about safety, scheduling, quality control, estimating, field operations or client service, interns are encouraged to ask questions, take on new challenges and discover where their passions fit within the industry.
What makes this collection special is that it is told in the interns’ own words. Throughout the summer, weekly prompts captured a snapshot of their journey, showcasing not just what they worked on, but how they grew as emerging professionals. Together, these stories paint a picture of a summer defined by curiosity, mentorship, teamwork and hands-on learning.
As you turn the pages, you’ll see construction through the eyes of the next generation of builders. Their perspectives serve as a reminder of why investing in young professionals matters — because today’s interns are tomorrow’s project engineers, superintendents, estimators and industry leaders.
This is the story of their summer.
COLLEGE
Elon University
DEGREE
Project Management
“Lunch?” or “Y’all want to get food?”
Although proper communication has always been emphasized, I continue to learn and grow every day with help from my team! One of my favorite aspects has been developing my understanding of industry jargon and effective communication. I’m grateful for every opportunity to improve and gain knowledge through these new experiences.
One of the aspects I look forward to most on my jobsite is going into the field, taking on new challenges, and learning directly from subcontractors about their specialized practices. It is exciting to be hands-on with the project and complete tasks as I learn them. I have gained valuable knowledge from every subcontractor I have worked with, and these experiences have broadened my understanding and skills in meaningful ways.
The experience I’ll remember most from my internship is the genuine respect I felt from every Saunders team member. Their willingness to share insights and answer questions made me feel valued and part of the team. I’m grateful for the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained, with lessons I’ll carry long after this summer. And, of course, getting to smash boulders with a sledgehammer was pretty fun too.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to spot an issue before anyone else.
COLLEGE
Cornell University
DEGREE
Mechanical Engineering
PRECONSTRUCTION
The best part of my department is the people and specifically my mentors.
One lesson I’ve learned so far is how important it is to go from broader details into smaller details when understanding the drawing sets so that you can always see what a specific detail is referring to and where it is called out.
My dream project is to work on what would be some sort of music or concert hall. One of the reasons I like construction is that you are building something tangible for people, and I like the idea that a space I helped create would be used to share music with others.
A favorite memory from this summer was driving from Boulder to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and getting to know the other interns throughout that drive. Getting to see the work getting done to the hotel was also very cool. And we saw an elk!
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to think like an estimator.
COLLEGE
Carnegie Mellon
DEGREE
Mechanical Engineering
CASTLE ROCK SPORTS COMPLEX
CASTLE ROCK, COLO.
The best part of my project is the unique design of the building and being able to see the different stages of the project, from concrete pours to drywall installation. The project team has also been amazing, having site cookouts and bringing candy for the trailer.
My favorite experience so far has been our site-wide cookout. Also, I’ve enjoyed being able to see the different aspects of this project, from floors being poured to drywall install, and even elevator install!
I would say the most exciting part of construction is being able to translate the plans to the actual building. Being able to see the process of each part being built and making decisions and corrections in the field. I usually see designs through 3D modeling so being able to translate that to a physical structure is super exciting.
One of my favorite memories from this summer was when we placed all the rooftop units. The PDU units required a 500-ton crane, which was incredible to see in person. Watching a crane of that size be assembled on site and the amount of coordination required to lift and place each of the units was an incredible experience.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to have the most daily step count on their jobsite.
COLLEGE
University of Wyoming
DEGREE
Construction Management
The best part about my jobsite is being out in the mountains every day, working on a historic site. Also, shoutout to the fantastic team out here!
Strong organization early on during a project helps make workflow and team communication more efficient, especially as the project documents and responsibilities grow quickly.
A project I would love to work on someday is a brand-new international airport. I have a passion for aviation and want to be involved in the complexity of building an airport.
My favorite experience from the summer was hosting a barbecue at our project site for everyone working on the job and for the visiting interns.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to step up when it matters most.
COLLEGE
University of Denver
DEGREE
Construction Management, Entrepreneurship
One of my favorite parts about my assigned jobsite is the early start. Being on site at 5:45 a.m. gives me the chance to watch the sunrise on my way to work each morning. It really shows me what the construction industry is all about, getting things done before most people are even awake. I enjoy seeing the crews arrive, how the site comes to life, and the progress being made every day. The early schedule also gives me my afternoons free, which is a great balance and helps me stay productive both at work and in my personal life. Overall, it’s a great way to start the day and has made me appreciate being out in the field even more.
One of my favorite experiences during my internship has been working on multiple schools within CCSD. Knowing that my contributions are directly helping improve the community where I live makes the work especially meaningful and rewarding. Being part of a team that helps make these schools as beautiful, functional and welcoming as possible gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride.
I’m most interested in becoming a superintendent. I enjoy being hands-on in the field, working directly with trade partners, coordinating day-to-day operations, and helping keep the project moving forward. I like seeing the work come together and being actively involved in solving problems on site.
One experience I’ll never forget from my internship was crawling through the tiny crawl space under Thunder Ridge Midde School. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a firsthand understanding of the field conditions our crews work in every day.
COLLEGE
Colorado State University
DEGREE
Construction Management
PRECONSTRUCTION
I enjoy being able to work on many different projects while in preconstruction, because it allows me to get experience reading different plan sets and getting familiar with a variety of jobs.
I’ve learned the importance of always double-checking what trade partners explicitly say they are covering in their quote and not. For large items, never assume they have something they don’t directly say.
I am the most excited about learning how to deal with problems in construction through experience and knowledge of how things are built. I enjoy learning something new every day and growing in confidence with construction.
My favorite memory from the summer was going up to Estes Park with the Saunders North Preconstruction team to visit the Stanley Hotel Addition, Event Center, and the Stanley Chocolate Shop. I learned a lot about those jobs and now I understand how a new building gets tied into a very old building.
Colorado State University
DEGREE
Construction Management
THE STANLEY HOTEL EVENTS CENTER
My favorite part of my job is my team! They are great to be around and hilarious, but productive and get the job done.
One lesson I’ve learned so far is that relationships are extremely important when it comes to getting things done. People will be more productive when they feel supported and respected by their peers.
My dream project would be either large rec center or something like my project right now. I really enjoy being in the mountains and building something that brings people together like our event center.
My favorite memory from my internship with Saunders was when my team barbecued for all the interns. It was nice to hang out with everyone and eat some burgers and hot dogs while enjoying the beautiful view of Estes Park!
COLLEGE
Colorado School of Mines
DEGREE
Construction Engineering
BOULDER WESTERN CITY CAMPUS
My favorite part of my jobsite is getting to work with cross-laminated timber (CLT). The CLT and MEP on the floor are unique to the site. The location is also great!
My favorite experience is getting the opportunity to walk around my site and analyze all the processes occuring. All the different crews working together to achieve a common goal, and the outcome being a really cool building. Seeing progress daily towards this common goal is really neat.
The part that excites me most about construction is taking a seemingly complex project and simplifying it through coordination, teamwork and hard work. It’s really cool to see how large projects are completed with this simple strategy.
My favorite memories have come from the weekly site tours with other interns. This allowed me to see the variety of projects Saunders works on, as well as gain insight into the other interns’ experiences working on those projects. I found this extremely valuable.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to leave with a notebook full of ideas.
COLLEGE
Milwaukee School of Engineering
DEGREE
Civil Engineering
The best part of my assigned job is since I get to bounce back and forth between St. Joseph’s and Good Samaritan Medical Center, I am able to meet new people and learn different work styles. I get to see how healthcare construction works and how unique it is.
I was pleasantly surprised that people are so willing to help you learn and understand everything that is going on. The Saunders team has done a good job of making me feel included and important. As well as some of our trade partners taking time to explain to me in detail what they are doing and why.
I enjoy construction because of how many opportunities it presents and different types of career paths it offers. I find it hard to get bored because there’s always something going on or new to learn.
I have learned that it is okay to ask questions and have a lot of them to ask. It is harder to sit there and be confused then it is to ask the dumb questions and learn.
Most likely to master the RFI process.
COLLEGE
Colorado State University
DEGREE
Construction Management
CONFIDENTIAL FEDERAL INSTITUTION
Denver, Colo.
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK
DENVER, COLO.
My favorite part about my site is the unique challenges that come with accommodating the bank as a construction team while the bank is still actively operating.
My favorite experience so far has been gaining a better understanding of the different stages of a construction project. Through working on several projects that are all at different points in their schedules here onsite.
A part of construction that excites me is how each problem is unique. Every challenge that you run into onsite requires a new and different approach, which keeps the work fresh and interesting while also pushing you to think more critically about problems that come your way.
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that it is always best to try to see every mistake as a chance to learn and grow. No matter how big or small the mistake is, there is always a lesson to be learned.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to ask the question everyone else was thinking.
COLLEGE
University of Denver
DEGREE
Real Estate Development
My favorite part about my jobsite is getting to watch the shotcrete get placed. Also, everyone is extremely helpful and willing to teach me new things.
My favorite experience so far has been showing my fellow intern class my site and getting to share everything I’ve learned this summer. I have also enjoyed building relationships with my project team.
My dream project is to work on a skatepark! Ideally, I would be able to work with the architect during the design phase to help design the skatepark and then be the superintendent during construction.
The experience I will remember the most from my summer internship is conducting my first concrete pour. I did all the calculations, ordered the concrete and pump truck, and even helped pour and vibrate the concrete. I was extremely proud of myself for ordering the right amount and only having ½ yard left over.
Most likely to know everyone on site.
Penn State University
DEGREE
Landscape Contracting, Management
LESHER MIDDLE SCHOOL HVAC
I’m enjoying watching a project come together step by step. Being on the Lesher project from day one (mobilization) has been quite the journey. It has involved problem solving and has been a great opportunity to broaden my knowledge of different process and trades.
My favorite experience so far (but also stressful) was watching 3,000 lb RTUs getting picked and set on the roof. It involved a lot of coordination developing a pick plan for the crane, but getting to watch them fly the units up to the roof was a very cool experience!
Someday I would like to construct a professional or collegiate sports athletic facility or stadium. Given my athletic background, I feel as if I would enjoy working on a project that closely relates to that. It would be fascinating to be part of a ground up project like that, combining my construction experience with my interest in sports.
Time and people management. Being on such an expedited project with an experienced team has helped me to develop management skills that are essential for being in the field and ensuring a positive final product. I’m grateful to have learned how to deal with this from the best team that has overcome challenges along the way.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to make everyone feel welcome.
COLLEGE
University of ColoradoBoulder
DEGREE
Master of Engineering
Most likely to be a lifelong learner.
“Layout for backing.” It’s a big part of what I’m working on, and it’s been interesting to see how much planning and coordination goes into it.
One of my favorite experiences overall during this internship has been the opportunity to learn beyond my assigned role. I was able to visit different job sites and work alongside various departments, which gave me valuable exposure to many areas of the construction industry. This internship has helped me better understand what I enjoy, where my interests lie, and the type of work I want to pursue in the future. Having the flexibility to explore different scopes of work has been an incredible opportunity and has helped me get to know myself and my career goals much better.
The most valuable skill I learned during my internship was understanding people in construction. Every project is different, the scope changes, the location changes, and the people you work with change, but learning how to understand different personalities, communicate effectively, and build strong working relationships is a skill that applies everywhere, and it is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
The role that interests me most right now is preconstruction. Before this internship, I didn’t know much about estimating or the work that happens before construction begins. I always believed to show up, work hard, and give my best effort regardless of the assignment, so I never really stopped to think about finding a role that I genuinely enjoyed. This internship changed that perspective. Getting exposure to preconstruction showed me a side of the industry that I found both challenging and exciting. It made me realize that it’s okay to pursue work that truly interests you, not just work that you’re capable of doing. No matter where I work, I know I’ll continue to give my best effort, but now I have the confidence to seek out opportunities that I’m passionate about. Preconstruction is the area I want to continue learning about, and I hope to build my career in that field.
Colorado Mesa University
DEGREE
Construction Management
DENVER, COLO.
My favorite part of my assigned jobsite has been getting to see both the office and the field side of construction. It has been a great opportunity to meet people from the different trades.
I’ve learned how important clear communication and attention to detail are for keeping projects on track. I have also noticed that taking the time to confirm things early with the different trades help prevent issues later.
The part of construction that excites me the most is the opportunity to see a building go from an initial concept to a complete set of drawings and plans, and then become a finished project.
One of the most valuable skills that I learned this summer was learning how to communicate effectively with both my team and different trade partners, and how strong working relationships contribute to a successful project. Whether it was confirming details, asking questions to better understand their work or my own responsibilities, or just checking in and seeing how their weekends were, I became a better communicator.
Most likely to run a jobsite one day.
COLLEGE
Colorado State University
DEGREE
Construction Management
PROSPECT PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT
The best part about my jobsite has been seeing how many moving pieces go into a project of this size. I’ve really enjoyed being out in the field, walking units, and watching the progress happen day by day. It’s been a great experience learning and seeing how decisions conect to the overall project.
One thing that has surprised me about the construction industry is how much coordination happens behind the scenes. It’s been interesting to see how many teams, trades, and stakeholders have to work together to keep a project moving forward successfully.
What excites me most about construction is seeing a project go from an idea on paper to something tangible that people use every day. In 5–10 years, I could see myself growing into a project management role, helping lead complex projects and seeing them through from start to finish.
The most valuable skill I learned this summer was how to communicate and coordinate effectively with different teams. Being able to ask the right questions, follow up on details, and work with multiple stakeholders has helped me better understand how a project comes together from start to finish.
SUPERLATIVE: Most likely to keep the schedule on track.
University of Colorado Denver
DEGREE
Construction Management
OVERLAND HIGH SCHOOL
The best part of my summer internship has been the project team! Their leadership and willingness to teach has contributed tremendously to my industry growth. The experience and knowledge gained thus far has been unparalleled. Shoutout to the OHS team!
One of the lessons I’ve learned so far is that sequence of events is one of the most critical things on a jobsite! For instance, if you’re moving large equipment into a space, it’s important to have a suitable access route. If the equipment has a longer lead time, it’s important to develop an alternative plan so other trades can complete their work in the meantime.
The part of construction that excites me the most is seeing project milestones being hit. Whether it be large or small, witnessing forward progress is always an accomplishing feeling.
The experience I’ll remember most about my internship is the punch list process. From the punch walks to the final completion of work, it takes non-stop and effective communication between us and the trade partners to ensure a quality product. This process has vastly improved my QA/QC knowledge, taught me the procedural and documentation side, and enhanced my communication skills.
Most likely to bring people together.
CLASS SUPERLATIVE:
Most likely to be the team’s trusted teammate
Most likely to ask “have we thought about this?”
Colorado State University DEGREE
Construction Management
This summer, Saunders welcomed two Colorado State University Construction Management students to the company’s Work Experience Program at the Prospect Plaza Redevelopment project in Fort Collins. As one of Northern Colorado’s most significant student housing developments, Prospect Plaza provided an ideal environment for interns to gain firsthand exposure to the construction industry while contributing to a project that will directly serve future CSU students.
The Work Experience Program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world construction management. While students spend years developing technical knowledge through coursework, the internship experience allows them to apply those concepts in an active jobsite environment. Through hands-on involvement with project operations, safety, scheduling, quality control, procurement and field coordination, interns gain a deeper understanding of how successful projects are planned, managed and delivered.
For Saunders, the Work Experience Program represents an investment in the future of the construction industry. By partnering with CSU’s Construction Management program and providing meaningful project experience, Saunders helps cultivate the next generation of builders, leaders and innovators. For the interns, the program offers more than a summer job — it provides a foundation for long-term professional growth and a clearer understanding of what it takes to build successful projects and successful careers.
5.19 - INTERN ORIENTATION
6.5.26
Interns stepped away from the jobsite this summer to support a different kind of building effort — one focused on families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Through Building Confidence in Kids (BCiK), interns volunteered at Brent’s Place, a unique Colorado organization that provides safe, supportive housing for families of children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
During the volunteer event, interns had the opportunity to learn more about Brent’s Place’s mission and the impact it has on families navigating medical treatment far from home. The experience offered a meaningful reminder that building strong communities extends beyond construction projects. It also reinforced one of the core values of the internship program: creating opportunities for young professionals to connect with the people and communities their work ultimately serves.
6.12 - PROSPECT PLAZA
As part of the summer internship program, interns had the opportunity to hear directly from some of Saunders’ senior leaders during an executive panel discussion. The session provided a unique look beyond day-to-day project work, giving interns insight into the broader construction industry, company leadership and the experiences that shaped the careers of Saunders’ executives. Throughout the discussion, interns asked questions about industry trends, career development, leadership challenges and lessons learned along the way.
The candid conversations offered valuable perspectives on what it takes to build a successful career in construction, while reinforcing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and strong relationships. For many interns, the panel was a chance to connect the work they were doing on projects with the larger vision of the company. More importantly, it demonstrated that every career path is different, and that growth often comes from being willing to ask questions, embrace new opportunities and learn from those around you.
6.19 - LOOKOUT POOL
6.26 - BWCC
6.26 - STANLEY EVENTS CENTER
