Summer Intern (App State Career Fair)

J.M. Cope, Inc; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Construction Internship at J.M. Cope, Inc. provides hands-on field and office experience for students pursuing a career in commercial construction, spanning project planning, management, field operations, and safety compliance.

The program combines field and office tasks over 10–12 weeks, offering exposure to multiple departments and guidance from seasoned construction professionals to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a construction-related degree program at an accredited college/university.
• Knowledge of technology, computers and software, including MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• ProCore, Adobe, BlueBeam experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating on-site construction and engineering activities.
• Interpret design drawings, specifications, submittals, and other documents.
• Assist team with project-related technical and logistical functions.

Skills

Enrolled in construction-related degre

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PPT)

Procore

Adobe

BlueBeam

Good listening skills

Dependable and punctual

Team player and self-motivated

Strong work ethic

Driver’s license + transportation

Education

Construction-related degree program (Engineering, Construction Management)

Tools

Procore

Adobe

BlueBeam

Job description

Our Internship Program is designed to provide hands‑on experience for students pursuing a career in the construction industry. The program offers interns the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of commercial construction, from project planning and management to field operations and safety compliance.

Great people achieve great results. At J.M. Cope, we have put together a dedicated team that values both the quality of our work and our relationships. Our goal is to improve the lives of those around us. This internship is crucial for empowering others to take on leadership roles.

The internship will span 10–12 weeks (with flexibility depending on school schedules) and will involve both field and office-based tasks, allowing interns to gain a well‑rounded understanding of the commercial construction process.

Key Program Dates

Program Start

May 18, 2026

Program End

July 31, 2026

Final Presentations

Week of July 27, 2026

PROGRAM GOALS

• Provide real‑world experience in commercial construction and project management.
• Expose interns to different departments, including project management, estimating, and field operations.
• Foster professional growth through guidance from experienced construction professionals.
• Develop strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

WHO ARE WE?

Everything we do at JM Cope is centered around Building Leaders Who Build Community. Driven by a desire to improve our communities and build leaders, J.M. Cope team members focus on honesty, collaboration, and strong work ethics.

Our Values

• Team First - As we are "All In" together
• Integrity - That is built on trust, driven by honesty
• Humility - To Listen, Learn and Lead
• Proactive - By running towards & solving the problem
• Excellence - By raising the bar with every project

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Option 1 – Project Management Program (10–12 Weeks)

• Onboarding & Company Overview
• Field Operations
• Project Management
• Office Exposure (BD, VP or President)

Option 2 – Field / Trades Program (2–3 Summers)

• ½–1 Summer in Carpentry / Laborer
• ½–1 Summer in Field Operations
• ½–1 Summer in Field Engineer / Project Engineer

Job Description

The Construction Internship at J.M. Cope, Inc. provides relevant field and office experience for construction/engineering students. Our internship program provides a realistic view of what it's like to work in construction through meaningful, hands‑on experiences. Our interns assume a wide variety of responsibilities during their time with J.M. Cope, Inc. The Construction Intern is responsible for performing various task to aid daily operations at the jobsite during all phases of construction. You will learn by performing task under the guidance of more experienced workers. The Construction Intern is able to understand instructions and carry them out efficiently within the given deadline.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Enrolled in a construction‑related degree program (Engineering – EE, ME, CE, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related degree program) at an accredited college/university; prior construction experience or military service a plus.
• Knowledge of technology, computers and software, including standard MS Office applications
• Project, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc), ProCore, Adobe, BlueBeam
• Good listening skills – the ability communicate with coworkers
• Dependable and punctual for all work‑related commitments.
• A good team player, self‑confident, motivated, and independent.
• Dedicated teambuilding, interpersonal, decision making, problem solving and negotiating skills needed.
• Candidates must possessa strong work ethic.
• Background check and Driver’s License required. Transportation to and from jobsite.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the coordination of on‑site construction and engineering activities for construction projects.
• Interpret design/drawings, specifications, submittals, and other construction documents.
• Assist Superintendents, Project Managers, Engineers, and Coordinators with project‑related technical and logistical functions. May include subcontractor and supplier planning/administration, work assignments, etc.
• Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
• Assist in placing and setting slabs and sidewalks
• Assist in framing wood, metal studs and blocking.
• Tie rebar, wire mat and poly
• Capable of using basic hand tools and power tools
• Capable of moving and climbing ladders
• Capable of performing physical task in areas that are dirty and loud.
• Perform task such as job clean up, assisting coworkers with installation of accessories.
• Measure materials or distances, using square, measuring tape, or rule to lay out work.
• Cut or saw boards, timbers, or plywood to required size, using handsaw, power saw, or woodworking machine with supervision.
• Update project records as needed.
• Understands overall safety culture of J.M. Cope.
• Assist PM with applications, contracts, cost estimates and change orders
• Learns the meeting processes, able to record and distribute correct meeting minutes and notes when required. Understands importance of proper means of communication and teamwork. (PROCORE Certified on meetings – OAC, Subcontractor coordination, internal staff/team, ETC.)
• Helps with the punch list to completion.
• Must be able to follow company policies and procedures.
• Take initiative to complete task and look for opportunities to assist other employees.
• It must be understood that these are minimal duties and other duties will be assigned by the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties, actions and responsibilities as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• This is a paid internship position, but a temporary position through the typical spring, summer, and fall months. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as well as, evening and weekend work that may be required as job duties demand. Prolonged periods of walking job site.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, climb, squat, kneel and bend. Occupation requires physical activity most of the day.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
• Able to travel as needed. Must be able to visit multiplejob sites if needed.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and risk of vibration. The noise level in the work environment is loud.

Relationships:

• Interacts with staff, leadership and is a representative of the company.
• Report to the area office lead.

Founded over 40 years ago, J.M. Cope is one of the region’s most respected commercial construction and program management firms. Serving clients in healthcare, industrial, institutional, municipal, office, retail, and worship markets, J.M. Cope is built upon a foundation of integrity, quality, and faith.

J.M. Cope is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

All interns are required to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

**This Job Description does not cover all the required duties, activities, skills, functions, responsibilities of the**

**position, and working conditions, any of which may change at any time according to the sole and absolute**

**discretion of company with or without notice**

Disclaimer: This internship program description is intended to provide a general overview. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Interns may be required to perform other duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of J.M. Cope, Inc.