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Classrooms to Careers: Well-rounded experience affords Ferris State’s Erick Hannahs opportunity to flex construction management skills

Erick Hannahs construction management major on site
Erick Hannahs, a Ferris State University Construction Management major from Muskegon, is doing his second summer internship with Grand Rapids-based Triangle Associates. 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — 

Maintaining a relationship with Triangle Associates, a Grand Rapids-based construction company, has paid big dividends to Erick Hannahs, a Ferris State University Construction Management senior from Muskegon.

Hannahs’ second summer interning as an associate has him enjoying opportunities in management roles.

“We have contracts with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources in several West Michigan counties. I have served as a project engineer for three to five,” Hannahs said. “That includes the Gun Lake campground in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area and a concession building there.”

Hannahs has had some balance in his work environment.

“Some of my work has had me in the office, but I have also been serving at construction sites,” he said. “I also had a month’s worth of participating in a superintendent’s role, as one of the staff changed careers and I took on his duties until another superintendent came free. It was a great experience.”

Hannahs said his ability to contribute during a second summer with Triangle is mainly due to what Ferris State’s Construction Management curriculum provides to students.

“We are given a good deal of perspective on what our internships will involve, whether in the office or the field,” he said. “Our classes allow us to gain certification in relevant technology. This is helpful because there are many instances where the work is done through that system.”

Hannahs is also doing well by continuing with Triangle rather than pursuing another firm through the College of Engineering Technology Career and Internship Fair.

“I was allowed to sit on a $90 million bid presentation. I believe that is just one experience unique to their approach with interns,” Hannahs said. “Triangle gives you a strong glance into what is required in the field. Management opportunities are there for the asking. We are allowed to get work, start, and close out projects.”

Erick looks forward to finishing his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management in the Fall 2024 semester.

Hannahs has thoughts on how Ferris State students can make the most of their internships.

“You have to find what avenue works for you in your chosen field and go for it,” Hannahs said. “If you will do the work, construction is a great choice, but it calls on you to respond to be successful. I am totally excited to be in the field full time. Construction has many professional opportunities; with my degree and experience, I believe that can take me anywhere.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction managers are in demand. The agency reports about 39,000 construction manager openings each year between 2022 and 2032, growing at a rate faster than the average for all occupations. The annual median wage for construction managers was $104,900 in May 2023.