In this employee spotlight series, we hear from former interns who have completed their 12-week summer internship program and have since accepted a full-time position at Ruppert Landscape.
Miah Magallanes began her Ruppert career with an internship in the summer of 2024 and is now an Assistant Project Manager in our Maryland landscape installation branch.
How It Started:
How did you first hear about the internship opportunity? What motivated you to apply for/accept the internship?
I first found the Ruppert Internship while searching for internships to jumpstart my career. I was looking for a company that I would want to pursue a career with after the internship was over, not only for the work that is done but also for the values of the company. I have heard great things about Ruppert and after speaking with Melanie Anderson a few times over the phone and meeting with Casey Cook for my interview, I knew this was a company I wanted to be a part of. Both Melanie and Casey were very personable and believed that I would succeed within the company. They played a large role in my acceptance.
Can you share your experience during the internship? What were some highlights or memorable moments?
I enjoyed my internship experience a lot. It opened my eyes to all the different career opportunities within the construction industry. One of the most memorable moments was when Ethan Russell and Casey Cook took me out to see some of the past jobs the company has completed. Another was setting up for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Summer Networking Event. A lot of hard work went into that between all the interns at the Maryland landscape installation branch (MDL), and it was a rewarding feeling to see everyone appreciate it!
How did the internship contribute to your personal and professional growth? What skills or knowledge did you gain during your internship that have been valuable in your current role?
My internship experience helped me gain many skills in my personal and professional growth. It helped me to better communicate with others, and build a network with other Ruppert Employees, vendors, subcontractors, and GC’s. It also helped me figure out which path I wanted to take in my career. Being exposed to all the departments within the company helped me determine which path I would both enjoy and succeed in.
When/how were you offered a full-time position at Ruppert, and at what point did you realize that Ruppert was a company where you wanted to establish a platform for your career?
From the first day of my internship, I could tell that everyone at the MDL branch cared about each other and their success. If you need help with something, there is always someone willing to provide an answer or solution. My internship was ending a little early as I was leaving for my sister’s wedding, so we planned a time to discuss my future beforehand. After a conversation about how much I enjoyed my internship and the environment of the company, I was offered an opportunity to stay as an Assistant Project Manager (APM) when I returned. Safe to say, it was an easy yes!
How It’s Going:
Can you share some differences between your role as an intern and your role now as a full-time employee?
For the last few weeks of my internship, we shifted my focus solely to project management because I knew that was what I would want to pursue. This made my transition from intern to APM smooth, as I was already working on some of the projects I later became assigned to.
How has your perception of the company or industry changed since becoming a full-time employee?
As a full-time employee, you become more involved in the planning and execution of projects. This means keeping an open line of communication with GC’s, Vendors, Subcontractors, Field Managers, etc. It also means you make sure the Field Employees have everything they need for the project to be successful. The switch from intern to APM has given me the opportunity to fully understand the everyday challenges and successes of the construction industry.
What advice would you give to current or future interns who aspire to become full-time employees in the same company or industry?
I would recommend that future interns show that they are truly dedicated to what they are learning and the experience they are gaining. Ask questions if there is anything you may not understand. Take initiative on a skill you believe you are succeeding in. Keep an open mind and grasp all the information thrown at you because everything you learn can be very useful in your career, no matter which department you choose.
How do you see your career trajectory evolving within the company or industry in the future?
Eventually, I would like to grow within the company. Right now, I am focused on getting myself to a point where I am ready and prepared to move on to the next thing. I want to master the skills I have and am still learning before I consider my next opportunity, so I can succeed in whatever comes next.
Is there a Ruppert manager or coworker that you would consider as a mentor, and if so, why?
I believe there have been a few mentors throughout my internship that really worked with me to get me to where I am. One that stands out to me is my Project Manager, Matt Stanislav (also a former intern). From the very beginning, Matt took me under his wing and pushed me to succeed in all aspects of the company. He answers all my questions and is constantly quizzing me to help me fully understand everything. Matt has also let me take more responsibility on our smaller projects and will assist when I need, which has helped me to grow at a faster rate and become a better project assistant.