At Denark Construction, our construction internship program in Tennessee gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on active jobsites across Knoxville and East Tennessee.
Unlike classroom learning, a construction management internship places students directly in the field—working alongside superintendents, project managers, and subcontractors to bring projects to life.
This summer, our interns are contributing to projects like TCAT Jacksboro, TCAT Knoxville, and the Apex Bank/YMCA Childcare Facility, gaining real-world experience in coordination, safety, and problem-solving.
Meet the next generation of construction professionals.
Construction Management Intern Spotlight: Wilder Vaughn
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
B.S. Construction Science & Management (Minor: Environmental & Soil Sciences)
Graduating Spring 2027
Focus Project: TCAT Jacksboro
Why construction?
Wilder’s path into construction started with hands-on work in painting, cabinet installation, and materials supply. Initially pursuing civil engineering, he realized he preferred being in the field and transitioned into construction management at UT.
After connecting with Denark at a career fair, he joined the team and has now been gaining valuable on-site experience for over a year.
What does a typical day look like?
- Monitoring jobsite safety
- Reviewing blueprints and specifications
- Coordinating subcontractors
- Managing site cleanliness and labor crews
As the project progresses, Wilder will also take on punch list management—an important step in project completion.
Key takeaway
“Even if you don’t fully understand the job, use your resources and contacts to find the solution.”
Architecture Intern Spotlight: Danielle Bergeron
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
5th-Year Architecture Student
Focus Project: TCAT Knoxville
Why pursue a construction internship?
Through her architecture studies, Danielle became interested in how designs are executed in the field. This construction internship experience allows her to better understand how drawings translate into real-world structures.
What does a typical day look like?
- Early morning site walkthroughs
- Reviewing progress with supervisors
- Communicating with subcontractors and teams
- Identifying and addressing potential issues
What stands out most?
“In the classroom, projects are controlled. In the field, conditions change constantly, and teams must solve problems quickly.”
Key takeaway
Danielle has developed a deeper understanding of how critical communication and coordination are across all trades on a jobsite.
Architecture Intern Spotlight: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Lacy
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
5th-Year Architecture Student
Focus Project: Apex Bank / YMCA Childcare Facility
Why construction?
As an architecture student, Lizzie is driven by seeing designs come to life. She values being part of the process that transforms ideas into functional spaces that serve the community.
What does a typical day look like?
- Conducting subcontractor safety orientations
- Managing jobsite access
- Performing site walkthroughs
- Tracking progress and documentation
- Building relationships with subcontractors and teams
What has she learned?
Working on a renovation project has shown Lizzie how often unexpected conditions arise and how important adaptability is in the field.
Best advice received
“Trust but verify.”
Key takeaway
Her construction internship experience has strengthened her ability to problem-solve in real time and understand how architectural designs must adapt during construction.
Why Construction Internships Matter
A construction management internship provides real-world experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom.
Through hands-on learning, interns gain:
- Experience coordinating subcontractors
- Insight into jobsite scheduling and workflow
- Strong communication skills across teams
- The ability to solve problems as they arise
These opportunities help prepare students for successful construction careers in Tennessee and beyond.
Building the Future of Construction in Tennessee
At Denark Construction, we are committed to developing the next generation of industry professionals through meaningful, hands-on internship experiences.
By investing in students today, we’re helping build stronger teams, better projects, and a more innovative future for the construction industry.
Interested in a construction internship with Denark Construction?
Learn more about working for Denark Construction and contact us.