August 06, 2025
Many organizations waver when it comes to offering internships, often unsure if the investment of time and resources will truly pay off. However, when internships are designed with long-term goals in mind, such as supporting succession planning and preparing future team members, they can become a powerful and strategic part of the hiring process.
Over the last 30 years we’ve been in business, we’ve grown our team carefully and strategically through a very selective interview process. In doing so, we have ensured everyone on our team fits the mold of our core beliefs as a company. When it comes to our internship program, we’re just as selective.
Every summer, we hire a number of college interns to help further their knowledge of the construction industry while assisting with a variety of different projects that Alten Construction is currently working on. With guidance from seasoned professionals and exposure to real project work, our interns made meaningful contributions while soaking in all the experience they could.
We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity and dedication that this year’s group brought to the team, and are grateful they chose to spend their summer with us. Continue reading below to learn more about the young talent we had the pleasure of working with!
Gwyneth (Gwen) Parker-Wong, Estimating Intern Incoming Junior at Chico State majoring in construction management
Q: What's been your favorite part of this internship so far?
A: I love doing takeoffs and color coordinating them. Also, I love calling and getting quotes/proposals.
Q: What's been your favorite part of this internship so far?
A: I love doing takeoffs and color coordinating them. Also, I love calling and getting quotes/proposals.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: Gain more knowledge and get quicker at things, as well as get better at problem solving.
Q: What's been the most challenging part of this internship so far?
A: Definitely writing emails or knowing what to say when I call subs/manufacturers — trying to sound as professional as possible.
Asher Labinski - Project Engineer Intern Incoming Junior at Chico State majoring in construction management
Q: What has been your favorite part of this internship so far?
A: My favorite part of the internship so far has been getting to know all of the Alten employees. Everyone I have talked to this summer has been super nice and supportive. This company has a team oriented culture, and the employees want to see this company succeed on a personal level.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: I want to learn as much as I can and gain valuable work experience. Alten has put me in a position to do this and I'm excited to take advantage of it.
Q: What's been the most challenging part of this internship so far?
A: The most challenging part is trying to anticipate problems before they arise. Whether it is, packing a lunch the night before work so I don't have to do it in the morning or planning out my daily tasks for the day so I use my time efficiently at work. Trying to stay ahead of things is the most challenging part at the moment, but I'm getting the hang of it.
Jesse Calkin - Carpenters’ Apprentice Intern Incoming Sophomore at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in construction management
Q: What's been your favorite part of this internship so far?
A: Being able to learn about the different aspects of the project, and interacting with the crew.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: I hope to take away a better understanding of what goes on in the field during different projects. I hope to be able to better gauge time frames for completion as well as common issues that may occur.
Q: What's been the most challenging part of this internship so far?
A: The most challenging part so far has been finding ways to adapt to issues that affect the way I take on a task, and doing it in a timely manner.
Scott Bell - Project Engineer Intern Incoming Junior at Cal Poly majoring in construction management
Q: What has been your favorite part of this internship so far?
A: Being on the job site everyday and watching the progress of the project.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: Being a valuable team member to the project and learning how managing a project works.
Q: What has been the most challenging part of this internship so far?
A: It is challenging to talk to the subcontractors and get a full understanding of certain aspects of the project.
Brandon Little - Intern Incoming senior at Marin Catholic High School
Q: What's been your favorite part of this internship so far?
A: My favorite part has been building relationships with the crew, learning from their experience while sharing laughs along the way. It’s been rewarding to see how teamwork and communication drive progress on-site, and I’ve gained valuable lessons just by observing and engaging with them daily.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: One of my main goals is to determine whether construction is a long-term passion for me. I want to evaluate if I truly enjoy the hands-on, problem-solving nature of the field and whether I can see myself building a career in it. Beyond that, I hope to gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and a clearer sense of which trade or role might be the best fit for me.
Q: What's been the most challenging part of this internship so far?
A: The biggest challenge has been balancing observation with active participation, knowing when to step in to help without disrupting workflow. Since every trade has its own pace and methods, adapting quickly and staying aware of my surroundings has been crucial. It’s pushed me to improve my situational awareness and communication skills on-site.
