Internships
Developing Future Industry Leaders
We offer various internships to encourage and engage new talent in our industry and Opus.
Project Interns
Join us and complement your construction-related degree with real-life, hands-on experience with project pursuit, preconstruction planning and project management on diverse building types. As you gain experience and confidence, we'll continue to challenge you with new tasks that will expand the breadth and depth of your design-build capabilities.
Our Project Interns gain practical experience in our unique design-build model and have the opportunity to determine which path they want to take — Project Management or Field Management. Through on-the-job training and mentoring, our internships bring classroom learning to life. This engaged learning approach leads to greater practical understanding when interns return to the classroom.
We've had tremendous success with our internship program. Current leaders including Tom Becker, President & CEO of Construction; Jeff Walker, Director of Operations; Oscar Healy, Regional Vice President of Construction; and George Parrino, Project Executive, began their careers as interns with us. We invite future leaders to join us and Build More at Opus as an intern!
All available internships will be listed on our Current Openings page.
Open Doors Internship
Have you ever walked past a building wondering how it came to be? Perhaps you've traveled to a new place amazed by the unique structures, curious about their purpose or the story behind their existence. Or maybe you've looked at a building and thought, "I would have done that differently."
If any of this sounds familiar, The Opus Group has an opportunity for you. The Open Doors Internship invites you to explore your interests in greater depth and gain insight into the development, architectural design and construction efforts that go in to creating impactful structures all over the country.
Whether you already know you're interested in learning more about architecture, development and construction, or you're not sure but think you might be, this internship will help create and expand your skills in these areas. You'll work alongside architects, construction project managers and real estate development managers to acquire knowledge in all facets of the industry through a three-week rotation in each of these three areas of expertise, gaining exposure to and mentorship from top industry leaders over the course of 10 weeks.
No previous experience or commitment to real estate, architecture or construction is required, simply an interest to explore future career pathways and learn more about the commercial real estate industry.
Below is an outline of the program, what to expect, and how to apply; or access the application directly here.
Real Estate Development
During the Development rotation of the program, Open Doors interns will experience various components of the development process firsthand from site acquisition and understanding how building projects are funded through capital structure formation, all the way through the design and construction process and ultimately the leasing and sale of the building asset. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with various partners involved in bringing projects to life including municipalities, consultants, attorneys, design and construction teams, capital markets experts and many others.
Architecture and Design
The Architecture and Design rotation offers interns the ability to learn from all phases and aspects of the architectural process, including client relations, site research and planning, code research and documentation and drawing set development. In addition, intern positions will have the opportunity to support the development of building plans, elevations, interior layouts and elevations, virtual 3D views and design graphics.
Construction
The Construction rotation of the internship will have the opportunity to assist with management of the construction and "activation" of assigned projects and see how our teams work collaboratively to ensure the project meets budget, schedule, quality and client satisfaction criteria. Interns will also be involved in reviewing drawings, budgets and schedules and resolving challenges, in addition to assisting with other project-related matters. Interns will have the chance to strengthen their interpersonal skills, help coordinate a project team and learn to optimize team effectiveness by working closely with one or more project team leaders.
Minimum Requirements
- 18 years of age and older
- Plans to or is currently attending a two-year technical school or is in the first two years of a four-year program
- Must be able to work on site in our Minnetonka, Minn., office (housing / transportation stipend available)
- Black, Indigenous, people of color and women applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Details
This is a paid internship from June 10 through August 16 (subject to change based on intern's school schedule) for the duration of 10 weeks at $17/hour, plus a stipend for transportation and living expenses. Interns can expect to work 32–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
How to Apply
An online application and letter of recommendation will be required to be considered. Applications must be received no later than March 15. If you require assistance with your application, please refer to your guidance counselor or advisor at your school. Internships will be awarded on or by April 30.
Additional questions can be submitted to joel.prater@opus-group.com.
Key Dates
Application deadline: March 15
Selection notification: April 30
Internship start: June 10
Internship end: August 16