A good example is our Informational/Developmental Internship program. The ten-week program, introduced in summer 2023, allows interns to learn about the various aspects of our business. With pinpointed mentors in each rotation, Informational/Developmental interns observe and learn about Gerken operations in the following areas:

• Quality Control
• Quarries and Sand Yards
• Paving and Trucking
• Concrete and Building Materials
• Asphalt Plants

The first day in the program consists of a welcome breakfast where interns introduce themselves to Gerken leaders and discuss their plans for the future. Program mentors also introduce themselves and their roles within the organization.

During their time in the program, interns also attend a luncheon with interns from other areas within the company. They hear from a panel of senior leaders and can ask questions and get some great advice regarding success in the construction industry.

Devin Dietrich and Zane Frey-Quick were this year’s Info/Developmental interns. Devin will attend UT in the fall, while Zane plans to enter the workforce immediately. Both are candidates for future careers with The Gerken Companies.

The 2024 program concluded on August 15. Hannah Montana, HR Manager, sat down with Devin and Zane to discuss what they learned from the program and what improvements Gerken could make to ensure it benefits both the interns and the company.

“What I liked most about the program was meeting so many successful people and learning about how they started in the industry and got to where they are today,” says Devin. He has expressed interest in returning to Gerken in the future.

To see a complete list of Gerken internship programs, visit gerkencompanies.com/internships.