When Juan Lopez joined Pulice – a FlatironDragados company as an intern, he expected to learn about construction. What surprised him most was everything that happens before crews ever begin work.
"I've learned that there's a lot more planning and coordination behind the work than I realized," Juan says.
A rising senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley studying manufacturing engineering, Juan is spending his internship on the 365 Tollway project, where he's working alongside project engineers and field teams while gaining exposure to project controls, planning and construction operations.
Throughout his internship, Juan has seen how communication, coordination and detailed planning help keep major infrastructure projects moving safely and efficiently. He's also had the opportunity to witness key construction milestones firsthand, including a major concrete pour and paving operations.
The experience has strengthened his interest in the construction industry while giving him practical insight into the collaboration required to deliver complex transportation projects.
His advice for students considering an internship in construction is straightforward:
"Practice communication skills. It will carry you far in this industry."
At Pulice internships provide students with meaningful, hands-on experience alongside experienced professionals, helping bridge the gap between the classroom and the jobsite. By investing in future engineers and builders, we're helping develop the next generation of industry leaders while delivering infrastructure that serves communities across Texas.