This summer has flown by, I can’t believe that my summer with Alberici comes to a close in two weeks. It’s hard to describe how much I’ve learned over that last few months, but I feel as though I couldn’t have cut my teeth on a construction site with more going on than here at BJC. I’ve focused on the building enclosure, so whether its curtainwall panels being hung, setting masonry units, or installing flashing on the roof, there are always activities to keep track of.
While the job site always keeps everyone busy, last week I had the opportunity to get off of the site for two days and participate in Alberici’s inaugural Intern Summit. Interns from across the United States and Canada came to our Saint Louis office for the two day event. Between Alberici and their sister company, Flintco, about 30 interns were at the event.
Day one began with a focus on the history of the company. John Alberici walked us through the company’s development and growth decade by decade. Then, the design and environmentally friendly features of the headquarters building were explained to us in depth. After we toured the building and ate lunch we headed to Hillsdale Fabricators for a tour and presentation over some of their major projects. It was a very unique opportunity to learn so much detail about the operation of the company. After the day one events, we headed downtown for a Cardinals game. The game offered us a chance to get to know each other and learn about the different projects and offices that we all came from. As hot as it was, I think everyone had a good time and met someone new. Plus, the game was great, the Cards came back in the 8th and 9th innings for 6-5 win!
The next day we visited one of two project sites in the area. I attended the Monsanto project in Chesterfield. This was the first time I had seen a project other than my own this summer. Having spent this summer on a project site for the first time, I noticed things on the tour that I would not have seen in the past. As questions about the site came to mind, I realized how much more I understood a construction site now as compared to the beginning of the summer. The Monsanto project was very interesting, with plenty of challenging situations for the team there.
After our project tours, we headed back to the office for the conclusion of the event. The two day summit was a great opportunity for all of the interns to learn the culture of Alberici and what it means to be a part of the company. It was a truly unique learning opportunity, and I am very thankful to have been allowed to participate.