Construction Administrator Internship | Commercial Construction

Description

Michael Kinder & Sons is a fourth-generation family-owned design-build construction firm serving commercial clients throughout Indiana. The company specializes in planning, design, construction, commercial interiors, and real estate services, with a strong commitment to excellence, accountability, safety, and collaboration.

The work-based learning program for the Construction Administrator position provides hands-on experience supporting commercial construction projects from project startup through closeout. The learner will work closely with Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, Operations staff, and Accounting personnel to gain a comprehensive understanding of construction administration and project coordination.

The learner will receive direct supervision and mentorship from experienced Project Managers and Operations team members. Training will include project documentation management, construction software and systems (including Procore and Sage, as applicable), contract administration, compliance tracking, project financial support, procurement tracking, and project closeout procedures. Ongoing coaching, feedback, and exposure to real-world construction projects will help the learner develop industry knowledge and professional skills.

Learning goals for the learner include:

1. Understanding the full lifecycle of commercial construction projects.
2. Developing strong organizational and project coordination skills.
3. Learning industry-standard construction administration processes and documentation.
4. Building proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and construction management software.
5. Gaining experience with project tracking, submittals, compliance requirements, and change management.
6. Strengthening professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
7. Developing the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
8. Preparing for long-term career opportunities in construction administration, project coordination, and project management.

This work-based learning experience is designed to provide meaningful exposure to the commercial construction industry while helping the learner build transferable administrative, technical, and professional skills.

Responsibilities

The learner will participate in a structured, project-based experience that provides meaningful exposure to commercial construction administration and project management processes. Responsibilities are designed to develop industry knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies rather than focus on routine administrative duties.

Key responsibilities may include:

1. Assist with project startup activities, including organizing project documentation, reviewing plans and specifications, and preparing project tracking tools.
2. Support the creation and maintenance of submittal logs, procurement logs, and project status reports using construction management software.
3. Monitor material procurement schedules, delivery timelines, and project milestones, identifying potential delays and communicating updates to project teams.
4. Participate in project turnover meetings and assist in documenting project requirements, schedules, and key milestones.
5. Assist with tracking Requests for Information (RFIs), Architect Supplemental Instructions (ASIs), Proposal Requests (PRs), and change management documentation.
6. Collaborate with Project Managers to review project documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance requirements.
7. Assist in collecting and organizing certificates of insurance, warranty information, operations and maintenance manuals, and other project closeout deliverables.
8. Support project financial processes by assisting with contract tracking, change order documentation, cost tracking, and project reporting activities.
9. Attend project meetings and gain exposure to communication and coordination between contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and project stakeholders.
10. Learn and utilize industry-standard software such as Microsoft Office 365, Procore, Bluebeam, and Sage to support project management functions.
11. Complete a capstone project or process-improvement assignment focused on enhancing project documentation, reporting, tracking, or operational efficiency.

The learner's experience will emphasize project coordination, construction administration, compliance tracking, procurement management, and project lifecycle understanding. More than 75% of the learner's time will be dedicated to hands-on project work, industry learning, and professional development activities rather than routine administrative tasks.

Qualifications

This opportunity is designed for individuals seeking to gain hands-on experience in construction administration, project coordination, or business operations. Prior construction experience is not required.

Preferred qualifications include:

1. High school diploma or current enrollment in a high school, college, university, technical education, or workforce development program.
2. Interest in construction, project management, business administration, operations, or a related field.
3. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
4. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
5. Ability to communicate professionally with team members and project stakeholders.
6. Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new processes and software systems.
7. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
8. Dependable, professional, and eager to take initiative.
9. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Successful learners will demonstrate curiosity, a positive attitude, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to develop professional and technical skills through hands-on project experience and mentorship.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this work-based learning experience, the learner will be able to:

1. Understand the Commercial Construction Project Lifecycle by gaining exposure to project startup, procurement, construction administration, change management, financial tracking, and project closeout processes.
2. Develop Project Coordination Skills through participation in project meetings, schedule tracking, document management, and coordination with project stakeholders.
3. Build Proficiency in Industry Software and Technology by utilizing Microsoft Office 365 and gaining exposure to construction management platforms such as Procore, Bluebeam, and Sage.
4. Strengthen Professional Communication Skills by interacting with project managers, subcontractors, vendors, and other team members in a collaborative business environment.
5. Apply Organizational and Time Management Techniques to manage multiple assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
6. Learn Construction Documentation and Compliance Processes including submittals, procurement tracking, certificates of insurance, change documentation, and project closeout requirements.
7. Develop Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills by identifying project challenges, researching solutions, and supporting continuous improvement efforts.
8. Gain Exposure to Project Financial Management through involvement in contract tracking, change order documentation, billing support, and cost monitoring activities.
9. Understand Workplace Expectations and Professionalism including accountability, teamwork, safety awareness, ethical decision-making, and professional conduct.
10. Explore Career Pathways in Construction and Project Management by receiving mentorship from experienced professionals and gaining an understanding of roles within the construction industry.

By the end of the experience, the learner will have developed practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional competencies that prepare them for future employment opportunities in construction administration, project coordination, business operations, or project management.

Contact Information