Now that our 2024 summer internship program has wrapped up and our interns are back at school, we’re proud to reflect on the valuable experiences they gained. They’ve had hands-on opportunities working alongside our project teams, contributing to impactful projects across different sectors. From building strong relationships with trade partners to learning the importance of effective communication and teamwork, our interns have developed crucial skills that will serve them well in their future construction careers.
Over this past summer, our interns were inspired by Dome’s progressive and inclusive culture, where they were encouraged to ask questions, step up to challenges, and engage in continuous learning. Whether it was witnessing the complexity of life science projects or developing a passion for field leadership, they took full advantage of the diverse opportunities Dome offers. Programs like Dome University and role-based learning further reinforced their growth, empowering them to see how their classroom knowledge can be applied in real-world scenarios.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm our interns brought to the table this summer, and we can’t wait to see how they apply these experiences to their future careers in construction.
Meet Nicholas Ferry, a Project Engineer intern from San Diego State, who was drawn to the construction industry for the tangible, lasting impact of the work and the collaborative nature of the field. Nicholas enjoys seeing projects come to life and appreciates that construction leaves behind a legacy that endures over time. The teamwork required to coordinate with different trades and bring a project to completion is another aspect of the industry that he finds fulfilling. During his internship at Dome Construction, Nicholas learned the critical importance of effective communication and teamwork, which are essential for ensuring that complex projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Nicholas was particularly inspired by the close-knit community at Dome, where the supportive and friendly environment made going to work each day enjoyable. He appreciated how his project team were always there to help and answer questions, which made him feel comfortable seeking guidance. This sense of camaraderie and genuine connection among coworkers is something Nicholas values deeply. His experience at Dome has solidified his passion for construction and has strongly influenced his decision to pursue a career in the industry, where he can continue to enjoy the collaborative and impactful nature of the work.
Meet Amy Vaugh, a Project Engineer intern from Cal Poly SLO who was inspired to join the construction industry by her family’s influence and early exposure to job sites. Being able to visualize herself in the field from a young age made the construction industry a natural fit for her. During her internship at Dome, Amy learned the importance of being assertive with her time and voice, especially as a woman in the field. This experience has empowered her to take charge and confidently engage with her coworkers.
Amy was particularly inspired by Dome’s supportive culture, where from day one, she was encouraged to ask questions and embrace the learning process, even if it meant making mistakes. The willingness of everyone at Dome to explain things and guide her through tasks made a significant impact on her experience. This supportive environment has solidified Amy’s passion for the industry and her commitment to growing as a professional in construction.
Meet Bryan Moreno, a dedicated Project Engineer intern from San Jose State, whose passion for construction was sparked by spending summers on job sites with his uncle. From a young age, Bryan was eager to help out, even if it was just by cleaning, and over the years, he developed a deep understanding of the industry. By his junior year of high school, he knew he wanted to pursue a degree in civil engineering. This summer, his internship at Dome Construction has been a significant milestone in his journey, reinforcing his passion for the field and shaping his career aspirations.
During his time at Dome, Bryan learned the importance of building strong relationships, a lesson he believes is key to keeping projects running smoothly and efficiently. The support and guidance from his team were instrumental in his growth, providing him with the tools, training, and insights he needed to succeed. Bryan was particularly inspired by Dome’s commitment to employee development, through programs like role-based learning and Dome University, which have motivated him to continue his education with the goal of becoming a superintendent. This internship has given Bryan invaluable real-world experience, solidifying his excitement for a future career in construction.
Meet John Houk, a Field Engineer intern from San Diego State who has always had a passion for building. From a young age, John was hands-on, creating everything from go-karts to full home remodels. This natural inclination towards construction made it an obvious career path for him. During his internship at Dome Construction, John learned the importance of valuing relationships with people and trade partners, a lesson that has significantly influenced his approach to work and his future career.
John found Dome’s progressive culture particularly inspiring, appreciating their continuous efforts to improve and innovate in the construction industry. His experience at Dome provided him with invaluable exposure to various projects, especially in life science construction, which sparked his interest in the sector’s complexity. This internship has broadened John’s understanding of the construction industry and motivated him to explore different areas, including the possibility of working on ground-up projects in the future.
Meet Cesar Paniagua, a Project Engineer intern from Fresno State who has always been fascinated by the intricate process of building construction. Growing up around the industry, with his father working for a demolition trade partner and his older brother also in construction, Cesar was naturally drawn to the field. His curiosity about the effort and coordination required for successful projects, coupled with family support, paved the way for his career path. During his internship at Dome Construction, Cesar learned the vital importance of communication and relationship-building, not just within the project team but also with trade partners and clients—a lesson he values both professionally and personally.
Cesar was deeply inspired by Dome’s inclusive and growth-oriented culture, which he cites as a key reason for returning for a second internship. He appreciated how the team at Dome always kept him engaged and learning, offering support and guidance whenever needed. This culture of continuous improvement and feeling valued as part of the team has significantly shaped Cesar’s perspective on what to look for in a company. His experience at Dome has solidified his desire to work in an environment where he enjoys the job, the people, and the company.