The Interns Podcast Season 1 Episode 2

Alexandra Cosmore, a marketing intern, hosts a podcast called "The Interns" where she interviews students from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) about their work and internship experiences. In this episode, she interviews Alessa Valeria, a construction management major who is about to graduate. Alessa talks about her interest in building and her desire to work on custom homes. She explains that construction management involves managing the communication and coordination between homeowners and various trades involved in building a house. Alessa also shares her internship experience with Becker Home Maintenance in Naples, which she secured through a connection at her workplace. Hi, everybody, and welcome back to the interns. As you know, my name is Alexandra Cosmore. I am a marketing intern. This is my final year here, and the interns podcast is all about interviewing students that go to FGCU about their work experiences and their internship experiences. Last week, we interviewed Eagle Media and their interns, and they were all communications. And now, this time, we are going to view a very special guest who is a construction manager major. Management major. Construction management. Thanks for the correction. You want to introduce yourself? Yeah, I'm Alex's roommate. Let's go. My name is Alessa Valeria. I'm currently a senior at FGCU. I actually graduated in less than two months. And like Alex said, I am a construction management major. So do you want to give us a little background about, like, where you're from, if you've lived in Florida all your life, if you're an out-of-stater like me? Yeah, yeah. So I'm from this small town called Fuatula, Florida. Not everyone's very familiar about it. It's like maybe two hours away from here, central Florida. You definitely have passed by if you're heading up to Orlando. I was born and raised in Florida. But, you know, hopefully, if things go my way, I want to relocate outside of Florida post-graduation. So, I mean, I love the Sunshine State, but I think it's time to be an out-of-stater myself. So tell me a little bit about your major. Have you been construction management the entire time? Did you switch majors? Give us a background for those that do not know what construction management is and what it entails. Yeah, of course. So I actually was, I got my AA during high school. So I graduated my AA and my high school diploma at the same time. And when I did that, I was originally studying the prerequisites for civil engineering. I always knew I wanted to build houses and that's really much all I knew. So I thought I was in the right major. And then I took calculus, physics and chemistry all at the same time. And I was pretty much solving every day. And I was like, this is terrible. So I talked to my professor, Dr. Schumer, and I was like, hey, like, you know, I don't really think engineering is for me. And she was like, you should look into construction management. She's like, I really couldn't tell you the difference between the two. So I looked into it. I saw FGCU as one of the few schools in Florida that offers this major and then gave it a shot. And, you know, two years later, I'm here. So for those that don't know what construction management is, I think a lot of people get confused that it's like labor work and you're going to which nothing wrong with that. But I think a lot of people get confused that we're in college and then you graduate. You're going to be physically doing labor, which, I mean, is an option if you want to go into a trade. But in my case, I want to get into residential, you know, multifamily, custom homes. So that being said, construction management is actually more of the like in the title of the management side. So we take care of things that a homeowner doesn't want to. So we keep in communication with all the trades. We make sure everyone's up to date with their insurances, their agreements. We're basically like the messenger between the owner and the trades. So the client comes to us and they tell us we want, you know, a certain house and then we make it happen. And that's literally what the major is, is we make it happen. So we talk to the tile guys, the painting guys, the trusses, roofing. You know, we all we all they do is our job is to make sure our clients don't have to worry. So there's also like a keeping pace with that as well. Like you keep the job going and rolling. Right. Right. Correct. Correct. Yeah, that's that's very important because sometimes we will have a trade. Well, let's just say tile guys say they're going to come in Thursday and it's Thursday. No one shows up. And so I know it seems like it's only a day. But in reality, because they didn't come that certain day, the trades after them can't come until their job is finished. And then those guys can't come in. So it just backtracks. What missing one day of work and actually like schedule back the due date of a house, maybe a week or two. So it's important for us to be on top of. There's different aspects that you can do with CM, which is like really nice. I mean, you could be a scheduler, an estimator, an assistant project manager, a construction manager, a superintendent. I mean, like the roles are really flexible. But ultimately, you know, being on site and making sure that, you know, work is getting done and it's being completed in a good manner as well. Absolutely. So what got you into this major, like family members? Did you have like a friend that was telling you about it or did you just do your own research? One word, Legos. That is so cool. Yeah, like actually, I just I was obsessed with Legos growing up. Like I was never really into dolls or anything. I was always like Lego this, Lego that. And I just had like these big sets. I still do. I'm literally turning 21 and I still buy like Lego sets. But I just love the aspect of building. And then it was actually this town called Lakeland. And everyone that knows me is going to smile at this because they know I've talked about it so many times. There's this place in Lakeland called Lake Hollingsworth, and it's where Florida Southern is, which is a private college. And there's these million dollar homes surrounding a lake. And I remember driving by and it's like a loop, tons of like beautiful houses. And the first thing I thought of, it was like I remember the day I realized this. I didn't even say like I want to live in that house. I was like, I want to build that house. I want to be a part of that. Like I want to build a beautiful house and not only make it a house, but make it a home. You know, like I want to be part of that process where like, you know, family comes home to that every single day. Like I want to be a part of that. Make sure they're in love with it. Specifically, that's why I like custom homes, because that's like we're doing the house exactly the way they do it. Unlike like a development where it's like cookie cutter homes, which doesn't make them any less special. But like when you're doing a custom home, I mean, the possibilities are like endless. But I remember just seeing those houses and I was like, I'm in the right major. And it's and I'm right. I mean, you know, two years later graduating, I love what I've been studying. Absolutely. I mean, what was the deterring factor between architecture? Because you said you like to build and project management salary. I mean, that too. But it's so crazy. Because I thought I wanted to get into architecture as well. And then I found I actually went to Expo here at FGCU and I had asked a professor, what was the difference? And then I did my own research, you know, to make sure. But architecture is just drawings, which I think, I mean, is neat. I think it's really interesting. I mean, they make the floor plans, you know, but I wanted to be a longer part of the process. I didn't just want to draft up some floor plans and then be like, see the end of it and be like, oh, I drew that. And it was made into reality. Like, no, I want to be in touch with the clients. I want to see the house develop day to day or week by week. So it was definitely, I think, that just more of wanting to be a part of that every day instead of, you know, and like on the scene instead of more behind the scene. Oh, absolutely. It's way more fun to be actually physically involved in the world compared to being more behind the scenes. Getting into that. So have you done an experience through FGCU here for internship or work experience? Or do you have other experiences that has helped get you to the point that you are in your major? Yes. So I think specifically for construction management, internship is a requirement. I think there is. Alex is opening up again. Sorry, I got a little part and I needed a sip. So the construction management program requires an internship or you can take like two courses, but everyone goes for the internship. So I actually took my internship this past summer. So it would be summer of 2023. And it was actually crazy. I got this. And so our department chair does like a lot of email blasts, like promoting different type of internships. And I know, I mean, you're also aware of like the internship career expos they have here. So they're posting all the email blasts and I kind of waited until the last minute and it was maybe around like April. And I was realizing a lot of my classmates had an internship and I did it and I was starting to freak out a little bit. And I was like, oh, I feel behind. I don't really have a secure internship anywhere. Most of the good companies or quote unquote known companies were already like their spots were filled. And so I actually work at a country club and I was telling my boss about it. And she was like, actually, I know a member here that's that's like in the construction industry. Maybe I can put a word in, see if he has a spot open or wants to open up a spot. So I think the quote, it's not what you know, it's who, you know, definitely helped me in that aspect. Because shout out to my boss, Francesca. You know, she definitely put the word in for me. And I think when she said that, I probably got a call within 20 minutes. And so I internship with this company called Becker Home Maintenance in Naples. And so I did that for three months over the summer. And, yeah, so that was through FGCU. It was through FGCU. Yeah, it was for a course. So it had a course correlated to it. That leads me to my next question, which because I'm a business major, my internship that I'm currently doing is through FGCU with marketing. So, like, it's a different setup. And as I was talking to the interviewers, the interviewees from last week, they were all communications majors as well. So they had a different setup. So, like, how did you apply? Did you do it through like the FGCU service network? Did you do it through a different network? And then what entails with the course as well? So I definitely know that I think they try to encourage for the internship to be through FGCU, like the construction management department already has a list of like companies that are approved. But you're able to bring in your own company if they, you know, meet the requirements. So, like I said, my boss, Francesca, just, you know, I explained to her I was feeling and just saying, you know, I have two weeks to find an internship. And I kind of waited until the last minute. And so, like I said, she made that phone call for me with Becker Home Maintenance. And then they called me and they were like, you know, we don't really need an intern. You know, we've never had an internship position before. I mean, there are smaller companies, probably like they work on like kitchen remodels and like condo renovations and like like small projects. So he was like, you know, you've never really it's probably like a five team member, like team max. So he was like, we've never done this before. But I really like appreciate Francesca. You know, she said you needed the position. And like, I don't mind like opening up. I mean, it could be like a learning experience for both. So I was like, OK, yeah. And so luckily, like I said, I'm thankful for that opportunity, you know, from both ends, Francesca and then the owner, Blake, for, you know, opening that spot for me. Oh, absolutely. It's it is very nice of them to like, you know, be able to include you last minute, because I know for a lot of like other people, including me, looking for those internship experiences, especially when things fill up so quickly, like to have something to rely back on. That is very nice. Yeah. So what was your favorite part about your internship? Like what what do you feel taught you the most? What do you what did you take away from it? I'm going to say my favorite part was. I think finally seeing construction situations in person, because sure, I mean. The program offers hypothetical situations, textbook situations, but there's nothing like seeing it in real life or like, for example, like we've been told in multiple classes, like in the construction industry, nothing goes right. Like you'll never like 90 percent of the time, whatever that due date is for a project, 90 percent of the time it's going to be altered. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something always happens. And you're like, OK. And then seeing that firsthand in my internship, you know, I think, for example, it was maybe some towel guys didn't come in the day they were supposed to. And so, you know, seeing my supervisor upset and having to be the authority figure and having to talk to them and, you know, like withholding their paycheck and saying, you know, if you're not on site within 20 minutes, I'm like I'm not paying you guys and like just seeing that like firsthand, like how to handle that situation. Even just like being there, witnessing that, witnessing phone calls and like e-mails and like what needs to be done, you know, for a project to be done was neat to see. So I think it was just like seeing experiences firsthand was my favorite part. Oh, absolutely. Yeah. Because you run through all those scenarios like you run through the scripts and the projects and stuff, but nothing really compares to that actual experience. Right. Yeah. Absolutely. So have you done anything additional to the internship or has it just been like the internship has been really your only work experience with construction management so far? Yeah. No, I'm actually super excited to say that after my internship, I am now an assistant project manager at Marco Island. They're called KWC, Kevin Williams Construction. They're also go by KWC Holmes. And like I said, they're based in Marco Island. And so that's what I've been doing. I think my internship wrapped up late July and I got on board with this team, I would say, like mid-August. So it was just a little like maybe two, three week break. And then I hopped into this opportunity. Right. So did your internship like did they suggest you to this company or did you just use the experience to apply? So I actually just used the experience to apply. It was like I said, our department chair, Dr. Long. He always sends email blasts. And so it was I remember this. It was probably like 10 p.m. I was in the back of a car. I was back. I was in the back of my mom's car for some reason with my 12 year old sister. Yeah, I remember this. No, I remember this clear as day because I didn't think it would like I wasn't even thinking about applying. That's the thing. So we got the email blast. It's like 10 p.m. Dr. Long's like, hey, like KWC is looking for FGCU CM students, you know, apply, whatever, blah, blah. I saw it. I was like, OK, cool. And I seriously wasn't going to apply. And I don't know what made me want to check their Web site. But I did. And when I did, I was like, this is exactly the work I want to do. Like, this is exactly like the work I want to participate in. And I was just in awe because they're a custom home luxury builder. So and for those that aren't familiar with Florida, I mean, like, I mean, you know, even like being from New Jersey, not being here, what, three years, you're aware of like Naples and Marco and like Port Royal being very like, you know, very much so like a very high end neighborhood. So like, you know, the houses we make are phenomenal. And so after seeing their Web site, I applied. I was like, hey, like, you know, I heard that you guys are interested, blah, blah. Sent them my resume. And I heard I heard back within maybe five minutes. And he was like, hey, thanks for reaching out. We're still like working out some tweaks that we don't really know if we're going to hire anyone or not. Like, I just wanted to learn more information. But thanks for reaching out. And it had been like two weeks. Haven't heard from them. I had forgotten that I applied. And it was like two or three weeks later. And I hear back finally from Wade, which is the VP. And he was like, hey, are you still down for an interview? And I was like, this was three weeks ago. Yeah, I mean, I am. But I was like, yeah, sure. So that happened. And then I had my interview. And I also met the CEO, Ryan. And so they both interviewed me. And I mean, fast forward and I'm here now. I've been I've been working with them roughly two months now. Well, yeah, I bet you've seen some like pretty intense houses, some pretty crazy houses. Speaking of that, if you can, obviously, I know there might be some laws involved where you're not allowed to talk about stuff with what goes on the project site and then bring it back to others. But if you can, if you can share a little bit about some of those luxury homes, maybe like the coolest one you've worked on, just something. Yeah, so we we have I mean, like I said, it's phenomenal work. I have to brag about the team I work for. I mean, KWC is amazing. I wholeheartedly believe that we work with integrity and honesty. And I mean, and I feel like that says a lot because I've only been there for two months. And I can obviously see, though, like how much work we put into into those houses and the process of it and that everybody cares not only about the houses, but about each other. You know, I feel very supported and lucky that they took in basically an entry level person. So I really am grateful to be there. And when I first went, they took a tour of the island. So I'd never been to Marco Island before. And so they toured maybe we toured maybe like six, seven houses that they built. And every time my mouth just kept like dropping. I was just like, it got better every time. And I'm like, this is crazy. So I think the best house is my favorite house. It's called Trent Court. And it's a phenomenal modern home. It's two stories has a pool deck. I mean, just I mean, you just have to see our work like to explain the all but I think I mean, some some of our clients ask for great or cool, interesting things like a lot of them have like wet bars inside. A lot of them have certain type of luxury like kitchen features. A lot of the, you know, boat dogs. I know right now we're currently building a house with a boat house. So yeah, so it's just like the it definitely shows you like the the possibilities are endless. Honestly, like if you really have a vision, we try to make it happen. Like, obviously, according to like building codes and stuff. But I mean, if it's definitely like, attainable, like we will make sure it happens. So there's just a lot of like different type of style of homes that we've done. And they're all like I said, special in their own way. But I would definitely think Trent Court is my favorite. It's just a very modern home. Oh, absolutely. With that being said, because these are the type of people that, you know, might put a shark tank in their, their home for for luxury purposes. Have you seen anything like crazy like that? Like any modern home? Like, hey, we want a shark tank or hey, we want an ice skating rink in our place. I'm trying to think I'm sure they're just I can't think of it on the spot, I would say. I mean, well, I guess then a better question would be if you could put something like that in your house, what would you because I'm going with shark tank for sure. Conversational pit. Have you seen those? Yes, from the 70s. Yes. You know what I'm talking about? Yes. Like, I would listen to that conversational pit and then shark tank. Perfect. Because the conversation is clearly going to be about the shark. Yeah, maybe the pit, but I feel like the shark might come up. I think definitely a conversational pit and just like, why not maybe a sauna? Oh, yeah, sauna would be cool. Well, that being said, like Marco Island area was affected by the hurricane, Hurricane Ian that hit like, were they was your company? If not, did you see like other companies doing work there for hurricane anything for hurricane purposes? I want to say there has been I think it was it was a project that did get some flooding in. And so if I'm not mistaken, according to building code, wherever it was flooded, you're also going to have to go up a foot and then start replacing things from the foot above. So like, if you got four inches of water in a house, you would add a foot to that and then start replacing everything from the foot and those four inches. So I'm not sure with KWC, just because I mean, we've been roughly at a year, I'm assuming you're talking about Hurricane Ian. Yeah, the one that affected us the most. So I haven't seen much, but in my internship over the summer, that there was maybe like two or three projects that were still ongoing. From like the hurricane, and it was like, I mean, totally, like, there was probably like five feet of water getting into these condos. And so like, for like four condos, so I know that when I was there, they were still like remodeling and stuff. So I mean, there are a couple projects and I haven't personally seen any right now. But I'm, you know, I have like, I'm sure you have to like when we go to Fort Myers Beach, like some projects still being worked on and stuff. Oh, yeah, the devastation that's still over there is, um, it's definitely gonna be a slow moving process, especially with current state of climate, and then also, you know, materials and stuff like that. But we are coming to the end of our little segment. So I just wanted to ask really quickly, if you had anything else that you wanted to leave us on, share with us about either your major, your internship, about you. Um, I think, which sounds crazy, because I'm only 20. So it sounds like I feel like a lot of people won't take my advice, because I'm also their age. But I think I wish I would have been told sooner, which says a lot, because I'm only 20. And I'm learning a lot of stuff. Now. It's like, it's all about connections. Like, this may sound funny. But right now, my favorite social media is LinkedIn. Like you have seen me at home constantly on LinkedIn. My screen time says 50% email, 50% LinkedIn. I think we're just adulting, Alex. I think we're just adulting. The frontal lobe is finally closing, y'all. I mean, we still I still have five more years at least. But sometimes I do feel it just clicking and things making sense. But I think it would definitely be just like connections, community. And I mean that both in the professional world and like, just like social world, you know, like just make go out make friends. It's a lot easier than it sounds like and God and meet people branch out. I think it's been I think I got a little too comfortable freshman year. And just like found really great phenomenal people. But I also feel like I could have met much more phenomenal people. And so I think if anything, that just like, just talk more. Absolutely, which is a perfect segue. So if you guys are looking to be on my podcast, you have an internship experience and you want to just get comfortable with talking and talking to others and meeting others, please contact me. Set that up perfectly for you. And I didn't even know. Deliciousness. So good. But regardless, thank you guys so much for tuning in today. Thank you so much, Alessa, for coming on my podcast and telling us all the tea about construction management and your little slice of life. But please tune in next week for our next guest. You guys get to see who my next victim is. See ya.