Celebrating National Intern Day

Welcome to Owner Impacts, a series dedicated to showcasing innovations, solutions, and leadership driven by our employee-owners—and powered by our people-first culture. 

In celebration of National Intern Day, we asked some of our current employee-owners, who started their Shawmut journey as interns, to provide advice for current interns. From how to make the most out of their internship to the skills needed for long-term success, here’s what they said. 

Shawmut Intern Experience:

• 2022: Project Management Intern, Los Angeles

What advice do you have for current interns to make the most out of their internship at Shawmut?

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your managers or trade partners. Everyone we work with takes pride in the work that we do and is eager to help people learn. There are no dumb questions, so putting yourself out there will only leave a lasting impression and ultimately help you learn as much as possible about the projects we do, technologies we use, or the industry as a whole.”

Shawmut Intern Experience:

• 2015: Project Management Intern, Boston

What’s one thing you wish you’d known before starting at Shawmut?

“During my internships I wish I had known how diverse the industry is and how there can often be multiple solutions to a single problem. There’s a lot of people on a jobsite and in the office who are happy to talk to you and share their experiences, so keep asking questions and stepping outside your comfort zone to learn as much as you can.”

Shawmut Intern Experience:

• 2006: Estimating Intern, New York

What advice would you give to a current intern to stand out during their internship at Shawmut?

“Learn the drawings of the project and scopes you are working on. Be curious (and don’t be afraid to google a word or material you don’t know). This self-study will take time, but it will teach you how to digest drawings and help you ask more concise questions.”

Shawmut Intern Experience:

• 2021: Estimating Intern, New York

What advice would you give to a current intern to stand out during their internship at Shawmut?

“Create a LinkedIn account, if you haven’t already, and connect with everyone you meet and interact with over the course of your time at Shawmut. It’s a great way to maintain professional relationships, stay visible, and show your commitment to growth in the industry, so building that network now can open the door for future opportunities.”

Shawmut Intern Experience:

• 2018: Estimating Intern, Los Angeles

What attributes, traits, or skills do you attribute to long-term success at Shawmut?

“Over-communicate! Share your interests, curiosities, mistakes, problems, goals, successes, and questions to anyone and everyone. Shawmut creates an environment where everyone is excited to learn from one another, listen, and share feedback, so it never hurts to over-communicate.”

Shawmut Intern Experience:

• 2004: Accounts Payable Intern, Boston

What is one thing a new intern can do to make the most out of their time at Shawmut?

“Meet as many people as possible, network across different departments, and visit job sites if you can! When I started, I initially joined the payroll team but quickly learned that the work that I enjoyed the most was the field. You never know what doors and opportunities may open, so keep your ear to the ground and take on new tasks to get a truly comprehensive perspective of the organization and the industry. Most importantly, absorb as much information as you can. There are so many highly knowledgeable people working at Shawmut, that helped shape my own career and development here and are eager to mentor and support you along your journey as well.”