As the area's oldest, most established, locally owned and operated private commercial construction company, one of Halfacre’s foundational strengths is taking great pride in its internship program. Young professionals interested in a real-life glimpse into the construction industry are offered hands-on experience and on-the-job training.
“Our interns are given the opportunity to see first-hand how the construction industry works,” said Jack Cox, president of Halfacre Construction. “We’re proud to provide our interns with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to help set them up for success in their future careers.”
This summer, Halfacre is pleased to welcome four new interns to its team: Olivia Givens, Kolby Crist, Will Evans, and Jake Windham.
These talented individuals have a passion for construction, and we wanted to take a moment to share a little more about them. Continue reading below to learn more about the young talent that are part of the Halfacre team this summer!
Olivia Givens
Marketing Intern
Currently a senior at Florida Southern College
Q: What interested you in this internship with Halfacre Construction?
A: I was interested in this internship with Halfacre because I was looking for an internship with a reliable company, and I wanted an opportunity where I could really grow in my professional life, and I knew that Halfacre would provide the right environment to do so. I also felt very welcome from the moment I interviewed with them, and I knew that this was the right place for me.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I have lived in a few different places around the country such as California and Virginia, but I currently live in Sarasota and have for about seven years now, so I really consider this my home.
Q: What are you studying in college?
A: I am studying business and marketing with a focus in digital marketing.
Q: What are some of your internship responsibilities?
A: Some of my responsibilities include reviewing the website to ensure everything is in its proper place, adding necessary elements to the website, and assisting in managing the company’s social media.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: I hope that I can learn exactly what marketing entails for a business such as Halfacre, such as the social media aspect and the website design, and I am excited to learn how to work in a professional environment.
Q: What career do you hope to have after college?
A: After college, I hope to have a career in marketing, especially focusing on social media, as this is something that I really enjoy and can see myself doing for many years.
Kolby Crist
Assistant Project Manager Intern
Currently a senior at University of North Florida
Q: What interested you in this internship with Halfacre Construction?
A: My dad, Kurt Crist, does a lot of work with Halfacre so when I was looking for an internship for school, he told me about Halfacre and how great of a company they are.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from right here in Sarasota, Florida.
Q: What are you studying in college?
A: I am studying Building Construction Management.
Q: What are some of your internship responsibilities?
A: Some of my responsibilities include following up with subcontractors about bids, submitting documents and drawings to Procore, and creating subcontracts.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: I hope to take away a better understanding of what a Project Manager does.
Q: What career do you hope to have after college?
A: I would like to pursue construction management after college and work my way up to becoming a Project Manager.
Will Evans
Assistant Superintendent Intern
Currently a junior at University of Florida
Q: You have interned with Halfacre before. What interested you in interning with them again?
A: The past few summers have been a great time interning at Halfacre. I think the reason why I enjoy coming back is the people. Every time I’m back, I meet new people and each one welcomes me and is eager to help me learn the industry.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Sarasota. My entire family has lived here for 4 generations now!
Q: What are you studying in college?
A: I am studying civil engineering and want to one day become a structural engineer.
Q: What are some of your internship responsibilities?
A: Some of the responsibilities I have are organizing and planning out projects and communicating with subcontractors. I have also learned a lot from working with other superintendents, such as Mike Lawton and Jim Wiggins, including how to read blueprints and solving problems that come up day-to-day on site.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: I hope to learn more and more about the ins and outs of the construction industry, like the methods that we need to take to get a job started and completed. I think learning these while I am still in school will give me an advantage when I graduate.
Q: What career do you hope to have after college?
A: I hope to become a structural engineer and be able to design large buildings or bridges.
Jake Windham
Assistant Superintendent Intern
Currently a junior at the University of South Florida
Q: What interested you in this internship with Halfacre Construction?
A: This opportunity intrigued me as I grew up around construction. I’m excited for the work experience and all that I will learn from my time with the company.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Bradenton.
Q: What are you studying in college?
A: Business Marketing.
Q: What are some of your internship responsibilities?
A: Site supervision, site safety, quality control and scheduling.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: Construction work experience and company management skills.
Q: What career do you hope to have after college?
A: A management position in construction.