|
NAHB Intern Encouraged About Future in the Industry
|
|
 |
|
|
Donald Stanley | Donald Stanley, a senior at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. who was one of two students attending an eight-week internship at NAHB, learned enough about residential construction during the program to be encouraged about his future in the industry.
The internship has “reaffirmed my passion for home building,” Stanley said. “With my experience at NAHB, I feel enthusiastic, confident and prepared for entering the job market.”
Along with Christopher DeHaan, a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Stanley participated in the pilot NAHB Residential Construction Leadership/Internship Program funded by the National Housing Endowment ― a special internship for students attending universities funded by the Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP).
Through the program, Stanley learned about legal, legislative and regulatory issues that affect the building industry. He also learned about building products and management best practices while interning for a week at the NAHB Research Center. As part of the internship, Stanley also worked for five weeks with builders in the Washington, D.C. area.
In addition to being exposed to many different aspects of the industry, Stanley said he learned enough to know that finding a job in residential construction once he graduates next year will take some time.
“The current status of residential construction has discouraged some of my classmates about home building, but I feel otherwise,” Stanley said, noting that the internship has helped ready him for when the market strengthens.
“Entering the job market at a slower pace may be a good thing. Initially, learning techniques and procedures at a slower pace will help to establish and solidify my skills,” he continued. “In a way, I am excited to enter the market during a downturn. Companies are looking for the best and the brightest. I am confident I will give it my best to fulfill that role,” he said.
“Opportunities for advancement will exist when the industry picks back up. It is encouraging to know that I may be in the right place at the right time,” Stanley added.
The pilot internship program “was just a fabulous experience,” said Andy Rosenthal of Rosenthal Homes in Rockville, Md., one of the program’s participating builders. “The students were interested, focused and willing to learn. I have participated in hosting other interns before and this is by far the best experience I have ever had. I give this program my highest endorsement.”
“I am very proud of these two young men,” said Gary Garczynski, endowment chairman and 2002 NAHB president. “They are both excited about working in our industry and over the summer they took advantage of a great opportunity with this internship to learn more about housing.”
“By supporting programs like this internship and the Homebuilding Education Leadership Program, the National Housing Endowment is investing in the future generations of home builders,” he said.
Stanley and fellow intern DeHaan will report on their internship experiences to endowment trustees during the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas in January.
 More Endowment Scholarship Programs
The endowment administers 12 scholarships and awards more than $350,000 each year to students pursuing careers in residential construction and related fields.
For more information about endowment scholarship programs and the HELP grant initiative, visit the endowment's Web site at www.nationalhousingendowment.org.
|
