First year intern Paris Jackson has learned a lot about construction this Summer. Working on a W. M. Jordan project at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Paris has gotten to experience many different aspects of construction management.
A mechanical engineering student at Old Dominion University, Paris comes to WMJ with a strong background in photography thanks to her parents, but not much experience in construction. This summer will change that!
Working with Superintendent Victor Chriscoe, Project Manager Danny Lee and Project Engineer Cameron Wetzler has given Paris the opportunity to learn quickly while on the job.
“I get to shadow pretty much anyone on the jobsite that I would like to,” said Paris. “They have given me a lot of hands on work out 
in the field and I get to see a variety of different trades doing their jobs. It has allowed me to learn so much and everyone is great about answering any questions I have.”
The basis of any construction career starts with safety. W. M. Jordan interns are all OSHA 10 certified and receive more safety training on their jobsites as well.
“Not only did we do the OSHA 10 training, but I’ve gotten to spend time with the jobsite safety inspector when they have been here. There is more to safety on a jobsite than just PPE and that is something that I will use for the rest of my career,” said Jackson.
Paris chose mechanical engineering as a major because she likes to solve problems and enjoys new experiences, two things she says have applied to her time in the field this summer.
“I’ve been exposed to so much so far, and there is a lot that allows me to be creative and come up with a solution. From learning to read and analyze the blueprints, to spending time with site surveyors and trade partners, my knowledge and confidence in construction management has grown a lot in a short time.”
Being new to construction, Paris says the favorite part of her job has been the people she has met and how nice everyone has been to her.
“I have loved talking to people and getting to know not just the W. M. Jordan team, but our trade partners as well. Getting one on one experience out in the field on an actual jobsite has been so rewarding. Being new to construction, I am still finding what path is best for me, and this has given me the opportunity to learn much more than just construction management.”
We are excited to see Paris’s journey this summer as she continues to build a strong foundation for the rest of her career.
Stay tuned for more intern updates this summer!
