Dallas High School Students Explore Construction Careers in Summer Internship

Ten high school students in Dallas began exploring potential career paths during their summer break by participating in an internship with the district's Construction Department. Over the course of six weeks, the students climbed rooftops and explored crawl spaces to learn about the work involved in district construction projects.

Under the guidance of Joseph Rockett, the district's contracts manager, the students visited various architect offices and schools to learn from industry professionals about design, engineering, project management, and safety. Rockett stated that the goal was for the students to see how other vendors operate. He noted that visiting different branches of the industry to see how they renovate schools was a significant educational experience.

Jonathan B., who is preparing to enter his senior year at the School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, said the internship allowed him to deepen his understanding of his father's profession as a commercial architect. It also provided insight into his own future career in custom home design.

He remarked that he previously did not fully appreciate the requirements of architecture, thinking construction was limited to buildings. Seeing how all the pieces fit together gave him a better understanding and appreciation of the collaborative process.

The internship mirrored the process of a construction project, teaching students that a successful plan begins years before the first shovel hits the ground. Julianna V., a senior at Trinidad "Trini" Garza Early College High School, described the weekly structure, which involved learning about project management frameworks, visiting offices, and testing knowledge on job sites.

As the students completed their final group projects and individual portfolios, many shared that the program provided self-affirmation. Interacting with professionals who chose non-traditional career paths showed them that the architecture field welcomes a variety of life experiences. Jonathan advised students to stay curious, ask good questions, think analytically, and maintain high grades.