The Poettker Internship Experience

Your internship is more than a summer job. It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build meaningful industry connections, and contribute to projects that make a lasting impact in communities across the country. Working alongside experienced professionals, interns are immersed in real-world construction operations, developing both technical knowledge and professional skills while exploring potential career paths. Whether your interests are in project management, field operations, engineering, safety, estimating, accounting, marketing, or another area of the business, Poettker’s internship program is designed to provide valuable learning experiences that support your growth and future success.

slbj-best-places-to-work-no-year-copy-300x116

Why Intern With Us?

  • Hands-on, Real-World Experience

  • Competitive Compensation

  • Designated Mentor

  • Continuous Training 

  • Networking

  • Employee Appreciation Events

Poettker Culture

As a family-owned business, Poettker Construction treats its employees like family, providing opportunities to learn, socialize, and team build. Safety guides everything we do and serves as the core pillar of our company culture. We believe in supporting the communities in which we live and work through volunteering and charitable giving. The Poettker CODE defines what we stand for — Committing to finishing what we start, Owning our responsibilities, Directing with clarity and respect, and Ethically treating others with dignity and integrity. And our relationships are what drive our business forward. Our quality relationships build quality projects, and that relationship-first perspective inspires us to welcome interns as valued members of the team and encourage them to contribute, ask questions, and learn from experienced professionals.

0
2026 Intern Hours Worked
0
School Partnerships
0
Promotions to Full-Time

Apply to Intern at Poettker

Poettker Construction has offered internships in the following areas. If you don’t see an internship opportunity in the area that interests you, please complete the General Internship Application and note your area of interest.

  • Field Operations
  • Project Management
  • Preconstruction/Estimating
  • Risk Management
  • Business Development
  • Accounting
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
Current Openings Location
Operations Intern Breese, IL
Preconstruction Intern Breese, IL
Operations Intern Charlotte, NC
Preconstruction Intern Charlotte, NC
Men and women stand together at a construction site
Men standing in front of a Poettker Construction sign
A man in a hard hat backs up a forklift
Two smiling men look at computer monitors
Men sit in a booth at a driving range

Career Fairs

Come meet Poettker Construction’s recruitment team at:

Southeast Missouri State University
2026 Fall Career Expo
Show-Me Center
1333 N. Sprigg Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
September 30, 2026 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

East Carolina University
Science, Engineering & Tech Job Fair
Greenville Convention Center
303 Greenville Blvd SW
Greenville, NC 27834
September 30, 2026 | 1-4 p.m.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Engineering Career Fair
MUC Meridian Ballroom | 2nd Floor
60 Hairpin Drive | Edwardsville, IL 62026
October 6, 2026 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting an internship is an exciting step, and we’re here to help make the experience as smooth and rewarding as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about Poettker Construction’s internship program, including information about responsibilities, expectations, opportunities for growth, and what you can expect during your time with our team.

A. Come prepared to introduce yourself, discuss your academic background, and share your career interests and goals. Reviewing our website, current projects, and company values beforehand can help you have a more meaningful conversation with our team. Bringing an updated résumé, dressing professionally, and preparing a few thoughtful questions are also great ways to make a strong impression and learn more about internship and career opportunities.

A. We welcome applications from college students, trade school students, and recent high school graduates pursuing careers in construction, engineering, safety, quality, business, accounting, marketing, human resources, and related fields.

A. Poettker offers internship opportunities throughout the year, including summer, spring, and fall semesters based on business needs.

A. Typically, prospective interns will submit an online employment application. If selected, the intern will participate in a pre-screen phone interview followed by an in-person interview.

A. Interns may work in our office locations and on active jobsites throughout the Midwest, depending on the position. Poettker Construction may also have opportunities at our Southeast office in Charlotte, NC and job sites in the surrounding area.

“I’d have to say that my favorite part of doing internships with Poettker Construction has just been the numerous job sites I’ve been able to get on now. I’ve been on probably 8 or 9 with them throughout the 3 years I’ve been with them. You’re seeing something new every single day — a new problem, a new challenge.”

— Dalton Fox, Former Operations Intern/Current Project Engineer – Operations

A. No, prior construction experience is not required, but preference is given to students studying construction management, civil engineering or other trade program.

“I’m fresh out of high school, and I don’t have much experience in the construction field. So I’m hoping just to get the basics down in the construction field before I attend SIUE this fall for my construction management degree.”

— William Meyer, Operations Intern

A. Yes, Poettker Construction strongly values professional development. All interns complete our standard employee onboarding with safety training. You’ll be introduced to Elevate, Poettker’s learning management system. Your assigned mentor will provide hands-on training and exposure to real-world projects. Throughout your internship, experienced professionals will provide guidance, answer questions, and help you develop the technical and professional skills to succeed in the construction industry.

“This internship has basically been a huge hands-on experience for me. I wouldn’t get this at school or possibly even at a different company. I’m doing stuff that’s meaningful; I’m learning actual computer programs that I can use for the rest of my career. I’m actually learning how to run a meeting. I’m sitting in real meetings. I’m not just sitting doing my own work on the side while the rest of the team is off working on actual projects that impact real people. I’m also actually impacting real people while at the same time doing an internship and still learning my own skills and learning how to improve and prepare for the rest of my career.”

— Aidan Toennies, Preconstruction Intern 

A. Yes, interns are paired with experienced team members who provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities throughout the internship.

“The program, specifically my mentor Landon Schroeder, has enabled me to gain crucial insight to the layers of communication and processes required to produce an accurate and competitive estimate to clients. From utilizing Excel to piece together pricing for scopes coming in from subcontractors to navigating SmartBid to locate pre-qualified subcontractors to fit the needs of the project, this experience will supplement my knowledge of the industry tremendously moving forward.”

— Nathan Houk, Preconstruction Intern 

A. Yes, Poettker internships are paid positions that provide valuable, hands-on industry experience.

A. Yes, many interns pursue full-time opportunities with Poettker after graduation, and strong performers may be considered for future openings that align with their interests, qualifications, and business needs.

“Throughout my internship, I was given so many opportunities to grow and learn from some of the best people on the Poettker team, and I had a great experience in the field and on jobsites learning things first-hand. The hands-on training and positive reinforcement really helped me become the Project Engineer I am today. It was so easy to accept their full-time offer because of how much I grew and learned in my internship and how amazing the team is. I can honestly say the people here are a huge plus. I absolutely plan to grow and build my career at Poettker’s for the foreseeable future.”

— Katie Toennies, Former Project Management Intern/Current Project Engineer

A. Internships may be available in field operations, project management, preconstruction/estimating, risk management, business development, accounting, human resources, and marketing.

“I’ve learned a lot from this internship. The entire Marketing Department has taken time out of their day to meet with me and answer any questions. I’ve also been lucky enough to sit in on multiple meetings to get an idea of each task every person is delegated.”

— Maya Bedard, Marketing Intern

  1. Interns work alongside experienced professionals on real projects and assignments, gaining practical experience while contributing to project success.

“In my summer internship, I helped the carpenters, superintendent and field engineers perform tasks like filling out daily logs and checklists, as well as helping manage RFI’s and submittals. In the field, I helped with pouring concrete footings and foundations while helping keep overall cleanliness of the site in check.”

— Seldon Kozuszek, Operations Intern

A. Intern schedules vary based on the role, project needs, and time of year. Most interns work regular daytime hours with operations intern shifts often beginning around 6-7 a.m. Schedules are designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while supporting academic commitments whenever possible.

A. Interns are often invited to company events, such as Town Halls; professional development sessions, such as lunch and learns; and team-building activities, such as food truck visits. Every summer Poettker thanks its interns with an intern outing, such as Top Golf or go-karting and obstacle courses.

A. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but students are encouraged to apply early as positions may fill quickly.

Workplace Inclusion

Poettker Construction Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class.