Construction interns are vital to the future of Catamount Constructors. Our internship program supports our ESOP culture by giving employee-owners the chance to grow as mentors, while also strengthening the next generation of construction leaders and contributing to a thriving industry.

This summer, we’re proud to welcome 21 interns, including two continuing from the spring program and one returning from the summer of 2024. The summer 2025 intern program represents 11 different universities across the country. Over the next several weeks, they’ll gain hands-on experience in preconstruction, project management, and field operations, contributing to high-profile, real-world projects in healthcare, industrial, municipal, and specialty sectors.

Strategic Recruiting with Long-Term Vision

Catamount’s construction intern recruiting starts nearly a year in advance, with recruiters and division presidents working together to align intern headcount with future hiring needs. The goal? Secure top talent early, deliver a standout experience, and retain high performers through full-time offers. Recruiting is tailored, not just to projected openings, but to returning interns and long-term workforce planning.

“We’re not just filling seats, we’re investing in future leaders,” said Merrill Bottoms Diaz, Talent Acquisition Manager with Catamount. “That means starting early, being intentional with our headcount, and aligning internships with our long-term business goals.”

Flexible, Personalized Program Structure

At Catamount, interns aren’t brought in as extra hands; they’re developed as potential future employee-owners. Rather than follow a large, one-size-fits-all model, our internship program offers a flexible, yet intentional framework tailored to each intern’s interests and goals.

“Being part of a hands-on experience where I could apply what I learned in school, grow my problem-solving skills, and build confidence to help lead the Catamount San Antonio office expansion was incredibly rewarding,” said Alex, spring 2025 Intern with Catamount. “Building relationships and gaining the respect of the project team made a lasting impact on me. That kind of trust and exposure to leadership isn’t something you find everywhere. I learned so much, not just from the team but from the other interns in my cohort. Every day felt exciting because we were all committed and supported in getting the job done right.”

Whether it’s project management, preconstruction, or field operations, construction interns are given meaningful responsibilities and real exposure across roles. When interns return to the program, they are rotated to new areas to gain a well-rounded experience.

“I started my program supporting two roles, Field Engineer and Project Engineer, on neighboring jobsites. That structure gave me the chance to understand how those roles work together,” said Raul, spring 2025 Intern with Catamount. “A few weeks in, I had the opportunity to take on project management responsibilities for our office expansion, collaborating with Alex. It was an incredible experience working alongside a wide range of subcontractors and the Catamount team. I learned so much about building relationships, and that really shaped how I see my career path. Being trusted to lead that work gave me confidence and showed me what my future can look like.”

“We don’t believe in a cookie-cutter internship,” said Bottoms Diaz. “We give each intern room to explore, to find their strengths, and to be part of meaningful project work. That flexibility is what makes the experience so impactful.”

Building Reputation and Brand

Construction interns bring energy, curiosity, and a fresh perspective. Even when they don’t accept full-time offers, they leave as ambassadors of Catamount’s culture.

“Every intern who joins us becomes an ambassador for Catamount,” said Bottoms Diaz. “Whether they are full-time or take their next steps elsewhere, they leave with a real experience, and that builds our reputation as a company that invests in our employee-owners, delivers on its promises, and takes talent development seriously.”

Proof in the People

Like Pate Strickland, a former intern from Appalachian State who relocated to Atlanta to join our team full time as a Project Engineer, many interns are choosing to continue their careers at Catamount. They are not just returning for the job, but for the people, the culture, and the growth opportunities they experienced as an intern.

Catamount’s construction internship program is far more than a summer job; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our company and the construction industry. By cultivating real-world experience, building strong relationships, and setting high expectations, we’re not just shaping careers—we’re shaping the next generation of builders, leaders, and employee-owners.

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