As De’Ohndre Jackson looks out the window of PCL’s site office, high above downtown Denver’s 16^th Street project, he reflects on how far he has come in just seven years with PCL Construction.

“I have really loved the culture since day one,” says Jackson. “That's why I have chosen to stay here and build my career here.”

In 2015, while working towards an industrial engineering degree at California Polytechnic State University, Maria Ocampo was awarded an internship with PCL Industrial in Bakersfield.

The experiences of Jackson, Ocampo and Lamy aren’t exclusive. Interns feel valued because they are valued, according to Human Resources Talent Director Jaime McGavin.

Across offices, departments and countries, there are currently more than 900 full-time PCL employees who are former interns. It’s clear there is something that keep people with the company for years.

“When you work for a large organization like ours, you can go places," explains McGavin. You can cross borders, you can end up in Australia, you can end up in Canada or anywhere across the United States. And we have so many stories of interns who have done that.”

For Jackson, the key to keeping people with PCL from internship to retirement is the team. He says since day one he’s been surrounded by a group that takes pride in building and serving the community — while driving innovation and excellence but also enjoying the ride.

“I think that’s just the culture here,” he says. “Not only do we build better than other companies, but it’s really the people. We like to work hard, we like to have fun, and we love to build, and that all starts with our internships.”

A memory of a positive internship can go a long way when that former intern becomes a senior team member. Jackson has now taken on two interns, with a goal of making sure their experience is as rewarding as his was.

“It's just really important to me to pass the torch,” he says. “Someone gave me a great internship experience, so I want to ensure I’m helping someone else learn, succeed and have fun, and most of all, to get all the experience that they need.”  

With more than 1,100 interns per year, PCL’s internship program continues to grow. Interns-turned-leaders are now mentoring the next generation — industry leaders who will build the next great sports facilities, change skylines, and blaze new trails towards the energy transition. And it all starts with finding the best students, nurturing their creativity and talents, and setting them up for a career they can be proud of.

Learn more about PCL’s intern opportunities HERE.

Check out PCL’s student openings HERE.