Launch Your Construction Career: Understanding Clark Construction Internship Requirements

Clark Construction is one of the most respected building and civil construction firms in the United States, known for its innovative approach, large-scale projects, and commitment to excellence. An internship with Clark Construction offers students and recent graduates a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience in the construction industry, working alongside skilled professionals. This article will guide you through the requirements, benefits, and overall experience of a Clark Construction internship.

Overview of Clark Construction Internship Program

Clark Construction’s internship program is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Interns are immersed in the day-to-day operations of major construction projects, gaining firsthand experience in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, safety management, and field coordination. The program typically lasts 10 to 12 weeks during the summer, although opportunities may also be available throughout the year, depending on project needs. Each summer, between 25 to 35 students participate in our robust internship program on jobsites and in the four office locations across the State of Michigan.

Hands-on Experience and Learning

Clark Construction’s internship experience focuses on experiential learning. Interns work under the guidance of project managers, engineers, and superintendents who provide mentorship and technical support. Interns learn in a hands-on manner, working side by side with Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents as well as our trade partners and architectural partners. Interns are a valuable member of each project team, and the mentorship offered allows each intern to apply the education that they’ve received to the field tasks at hand, including but not limited to project administration tasks, and submittal, change order, RFI, punch list, inspection logs and trade hour management. The company also conducts structured training sessions, safety workshops, and professional development seminars to enhance interns’ understanding of the industry. These sessions may cover topics such as sustainable building practices, project controls, design-build delivery, and innovative construction technologies.

As an intern, you will assist with submittal packages including schematics, spec books, rough ins, utility schedules, and project schedules. You will conduct market research, engage in design “jams” with the design team in laying out new commercial kitchen spaces and understanding the customer’s operation, and conduct site visits with sales, design and project management.

Internship Opportunities

Work in a variety of roles on and off the jobsite to learn the fundamentals of the industry and our business. Play a critical role in ensuring the safety of thousands of team members on our jobsites each day.

Benefits of a Clark Construction Internship

Interns at Clark Construction become part of a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and performance. The company fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every intern feels valued and heard. These interactions often open doors for long-term relationships and potential full-time opportunities.

Clark employee contributions do not go unrecognized. Daily and weekly recognitions include job performance, notable milestones, and displaying our core values. Our focus is on YOU and where you want to go in your career, so we provide the leadership and mentorship to get you there. We create a tailored plan together and review annually, as well as provide learning and training support. The commitment to support goes far beyond pay and benefits. Clark is committed to providing an environment that fosters life outside of work. We staff our project teams appropriately to manage the demanding workload of our industry. We want our employees to be present for key family events and manage their physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being. We offer extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, including structured training programs through our Campus learning information system training program, peer group support, on the job learning, and coaching and mentorship programs.

Capstone Project

The capstone project brings together summer associates from across the country to help find solutions to obstacles Clark teams are facing. You’ll present your findings to Clark executives at the end of the summer.

Networking Opportunities

Summer associates are purposefully exposed to Clark team members from across the organization through lunch and learns, community service activities, coffee chats, and jobsite tours. I had the opportunity to tour the Noman Cole project site. I love being part of an industry that is constantly evolving.

Eligibility and Application Process

The internship program is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or related fields. We encourage students who are enrolled in construction management, architectural, civil, or another relevant degree program to apply. We seek out our interns in the Fall and spots fill up quickly. The application process typically involves submitting an online application, followed by interviews with recruiters or project teams. Clark's 2025 summer associate application is open through the end of December. Applicants who exhibit strong communication skills, technical knowledge, and a proactive attitude are highly regarded. The Clark Construction Management Internship is available to applicants who are ambitious to succeed in a fast-paced team environment, able to multi-task, able to display excellent organizational skills, and possess excellent communication and time management skills. There are physical requirements, such as being capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Construction, design or drafting experience or major would be beneficial but is not required.

Read also: Employment at Clark University

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Clark’s JEDI initiatives are at the very center of our core values. Our goal is to cultivate women leaders within our company. We provide all the training resources, sponsorship, and mentorship, to support women in an industry where they are at a disadvantage. Clark participates in the Paradigm for Parity® initiative. We also offer a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship to support women, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities to create an equitable playing field for the construction industry.

At Clark, we commit to support and empower the heroes who have served our country and continue to serve. We believe in the strength, dedication, and unique skills that veterans bring to the table. Clark has implemented a robust hiring policy that prioritizes veterans and family members of veterans, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our workforce. Our commitment to hiring veterans goes beyond mere rhetoric. We currently employ many who have served and those who continue to serve in active duty and reserve. We actively collaborate with local veteran support organizations such as the VFW National Home in Lansing, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and create partnerships with local and state veteran organizations to facilitate a smooth transition from military service to the civilian workforce.

Apprenticeship Program

Clark's Apprenticeship Program actively seeks individuals interested in pursuing careers in construction, provide them with necessary training and support to kickstart their journey in the industry. The program presents students with an introduction to opportunities within the construction industry, as well as helps identify and recruit students into Clarks apprenticeship and training program. Company paid training, Incentive programs for students with perfect attendance or superior grades, Evaluation and salary review at each six-month semester break, A nationally-recognized Clark certificate of completion, Learning a trade on company time, Exposure to the most up-to-date skills, training curriculum, and tools. Duration: Maryland-3 years;DC-2 years. On-the Job Training: 1,900 hours/ year.

A Culture of Support and Recognition

Join a team that values craftsmanship. Informed by our core values, Clark’s company culture creates an environment of trust and support that permeates our team from the top down. Our commitment to support goes far beyond pay and benefits. Our Living Our Values committee creates opportunities on a quarterly basis for service projects across the State. We encourage time away from the jobsite to serve the communities where we build because we believe serving a community is more than just building buildings. We offer a competitive match to your 401(k) contributions, generous project-based bonuses, and a flexible PTO policy. All Levels of the Leadership group are very approachable and personable. They do a phenomenal job of recognizing teams and project success, as well as personal achievements at work and outside of work. Personally, I have been given as much opportunity and room for development and growth as I could ask for. The group is trusting and welcoming. My team members care about our work and are good at what they do. I enjoy the collaborative atmosphere and openness to new ideas and processes.

Testimonials

"Clark Construction showed me what a professional and successful company is. It was a great experience working with my team, they taught me so many things that I will use throughout my career. I'm very thankful that I was able to work for such a great company that treats all of their employees with respect." - Dale Farrell, 2022 Intern & Project Engineer

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"My experience with Clark Construction has been amazing! Wonderful team and projects were awesome to be a part of. Thank you Clark for giving an inner city kid from Detroit an opportunity of a lifetime!" - Marquise Thorns, 2022 Intern

"It has been an amazing opportunity working at Clark Construction Company this past summer. I would like to thank my team for their support in expanding my knowledge of the construction industry." - Zakaria Al-Aswar, 2022 Intern

"Interning at Clark helped to elevate my construction knowledge considerably through real world experience."

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