Meet Sydney Edwards, a proud Janesville native who’s making big strides in the world of construction. Currently entering her senior year at Arizona State University, Sydney is pursuing a degree in Construction Management and Technology while simultaneously beginning her master’s in the same field. Though she thrives in the Arizona sunshine and all the new experiences that come with it, Wisconsin—and her family—always draw her back home. This summer marks Sydney’s second internship with JP Cullen’s Industrial Division, where she continues to build on her passion for construction and gain valuable hands-on experience. Here is what she has to say about her experience as an intern with JP Cullen:
“This is my second summer as an intern for the Industrial Division with JP Cullen. Last summer, I worked on a few Frito-Lay projects as my first experience in construction. I learned a lot during that time as I traveled across the country to Texas, Arizona, and California. I was at the Beloit location the majority of the time, but also had time in Menominee Falls, where I learned what happens at the end of a project. Each experience brought many lessons learned, and I am grateful to have had the time to be able to talk with all the different employees at JP Cullen. The first summer showed me that I made the right decision about where I want to go in my career.”
“This summer, I had the opportunity to see another stage in the construction process, working with the Preconstruction team. I appreciate the time I get to spend with some very experienced people and learning how they have progressed in their time at JP Cullen. I work mainly on Alliant Energy projects and High Voltage Direct Current Conversion Station projects. I have gained an insane amount of appreciation for the preconstruction process because there are so many key pieces you have to think about. It is fun getting to see how the team works together from the very beginning to work through the process. Also, how they have the ability to process the scenarios of “if we do this now, then we need this later” and have that future-sighted thinking is a fantastic skill. Needless to say, I have learned so much this summer and now have a better understanding of the construction process as a whole.”
“Every day I have a new experience that helps me improve myself as a person, and that is one of the main reasons I enjoy working at JP Cullen. Sure, some days can be stressful and straining, but it is what you do with those days that makes you who you are. A message that goes through my head every day, thanks to Eric Plumer’s Mentorship presentation at our training day, is: It Starts With You. Every day there is an experience to be had, but it is up to you with how you go about it.”
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