College students with a background in construction management are in high demand by contractors. 

To expose college students to careers in specialty contracting and begin developing qualified employees to fill its management positions long-term, Western Specialty Contractors, an AGC of Missouri and Master Builders of Iowa member, recruits candidates from leading construction management colleges and universities across the country for its comprehensive, hands-on internship program. 

"We believe the growth of our workforce depends on a strong internship program. If the intern enjoys their internship experience, then there is a good chance they will be receptive to long-term career opportunities within Western," said Maria Traina, director of human resources at Western Specialty Contractors. 

Visits to colleges and universities are typically made by a combination of senior human resources staff and Western's branch managers who offer students a first-hand perspective into the specialty field of restoration construction and preventative waterproofing. Those students who take part in Western's internship program have the opportunity to gain much more than traditional work experience. 

"With various levels of opportunities and an individual approach, our interns are exposed to everything from sales and project management to work in the field," said Tom Brooks, Western senior vice president of operations. "Those who become part of the Western team can look forward to great promotion opportunities. Of the 64 percent we hire from the program, the average number of years they spend with Western before getting promoted to a management position is just five."

Over 85 percent of Western's managers have been promoted from within the company. Initiative and hard work are rewarded with competitive salaries, excellent benefits including a 401K match, and tuition reimbursement, as well as advancement opportunities.

"With 100 years of experience, and in a constant state of growth, Western hasn't lost sight of its roots as a hard-working, family-operated business striving to exceed expectations," said Western Specialty Contractors President Jeff Kelley. "That is why we have been able to attract, hire and most importantly keep some of the best talent in the industry. You come aboard with Western, I can tell you we have a very good training program and a good career pathing process where you start at this level and you want to be at a higher level, here are the things you have to do to get there. We know what it takes to be successful and to be profitable, all you have to do is be willing to do it." 

Josh Woolard, a former intern at Western's Chicago Branch, was hired by Western and is currently working as a project manager at Western's Springfield, Illinois Branch. For Woolard, the hands-on experience he received while an intern was the most beneficial. 

"I didn't want to be with a general contractor. I liked the specialized contracting. I got to look at a set of plans and figure out exactly what was going to need to happen and the best way to get it done, pleasing the customer and also helping Western. I got to go on-site. It was really interesting," said Woolard. 

For Teddy Williams, gaining a well-rounded perspective of the construction business through his internship at Western helped him to determine his career path. Williams currently works in Western's Dallas, Texas Branch as an assistant business development manager. 

"They really teach you the ins and the outs of the business," said Williams. "Western is going to make sure you learn everything you want to in all aspects of the business."

For more information about Western's college recruiting and internship programs and current job openings, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com/careers/.