June 20, 2024
Ferris State Building, Construction, Technology, Management major Ian Thibault explores opportunities for new careers while interning at Rieth-Riley Construction
Ferris State University student Ian Thibault is setting the foundation for a career in the construction industry by interning with Rieth-Riley Construction for a second year.
The Ludington native is a Building Construction Technology Management major said he already has been exposed to opportunities he could pursue in his professional career, possibly as a project manager overseeing jobs from start to finish – including proposal, planning, execution and close-out.
“The hands-on experience opens my eyes to a part of the industry that we weren’t able to cover within my program,” Thibault said.
This summer he’ll be working on job sites for the company, which is based in Indiana but has offices in Big Rapids.
“I am making a difference there by providing an extra pair of hands during busy periods on job sites and executing estimation and planning for private and commercial jobs,” Thibault said. “I am also on-site to assist and answer questions from numerous clients.”
Thibault took advantage of resources Ferris State made available to him to help secure his internship. Ferris State’s Career and Internship Fair helped Thibault come face to face with industry professionals such as those at Rieth-Riley, an asphalt paving company handling projects of all sizes.
“The credentials that I have as a Ferris State student opened the door for me because many employees at Rieth-Riley are Ferris graduates,” said Thibault, who can provide an extra pair of hands during busy periods on job sites. He also executes estimation and planning for private and commercial jobs. Thibault also on-site to assist and answer questions from numerous clients.
Thibault urges students to pursue internships, including opportunities not required as an official part of the curriculum.
“It can’t hurt to put yourself out there and start making connections early,” he said. “The more experience you can gain, the better.”
Thinking of Ferris State’s core values, the one Thibault relates to most is learning. He enjoys the hands-on experience that his program offers.
“It’s one thing to learn the material, but being able to dig in and learn more enhances the learning experience,” Thibault said. “I appreciate my internship because it allows me to be hands-on and learn about the processes of how the world is built up around us.”
Ferris State Building Construction Technology and Construction Management graduates have career opportunities in a high-demand industry with options in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors of the construction industry.
Construction managers are in demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 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.