From Intern to Inspector: Building a Career in Construction

October is Careers in Construction Month, a time to recognize the dedicated professionals shaping our infrastructure and highlight the paths available in this vital industry. To celebrate, we’re sharing the story of Bekah Leonard, a bridge inspector at RS&H whose journey from a college freshman intern to a full-time associate shows the incredible growth possible in construction management and inspection. 

Bekah’s story is a perfect example of how early opportunities, supportive mentorship, and hands-on experience can build a lasting and purposeful career. Her path demonstrates how curiosity and a willingness to learn can transform an unexpected internship into a full-fledged profession. 

How did you get your start with RS&H, and what drew you to the company? 

My career started with a surprising, happenstance connection. I was a freshman at Michigan State University, studying civil engineering and teaching dance lessons back in my hometown. It turned out one of my students’ dads worked at RS&H. He noticed my major and asked if I might be interested in an internship.  

To be honest, I was hesitant. As a freshman, I felt like I had very little hands-on experience to offer. But what really drew me in was the chance to see the engineering world up close. I wanted to learn directly from people who were already doing the work I hoped to do one day. I trusted that RS&H would provide the guidance I needed, and that decision set the stage for my entire career. What began as a single internship evolved into a four-year experience, during which I grew alongside the company’s expanding internship program.

At what point during your internship did you realize RS&H was the place for you? 

During my first summer, I knew this was the place for me. What stood out immediately was the passion everyone showed for their work. They were all willing to slow down and actually teach me about the things they were working on. This supportive environment was so important. I never felt like “just an intern”; I was treated as a valued member of the team. That sense of belonging gave me the confidence to contribute and learn, even when I was starting my engineering studies. 

The real excitement sparked when I moved from office tasks to fieldwork. Once I started going out in the field, I spent a lot of time with bridge inspectors. Bridge inspections quickly became my favorite thing because of the hands-on work, thinking on my feet, and learning from my mentors. It helped me connect the dots to what I was learning in school, and that’s what made me want to stick with it as a career path. 

As an intern, I also had the chance to travel for work. I visited work sites in Texas and North Carolina to conduct inspections and collaborate with other associates and clients nationwide. Each location was different, with its own unique challenges and methods for tackling inspections. I think that variety gave me a broader perspective on my work as a whole. 

How did your team support your transition from intern to a full-time role? 

Transitioning from intern to full-time associate came with increased responsibility, but the transition felt seamless due to the team that had mentored me along the way. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to continue working alongside the same people who guided me during my internship.  

In my transition to full-time, my colleagues continued to check in, offer encouragement, and treat me with respect, which ensured I never felt overwhelmed. Instead of being thrown into the deep end, I felt supported and trusted. Today, I feel comfortable sharing any ideas I have, and I know they will be listened to and taken seriously. This continuity and a people-first approach are what make RS&H stand out to me. 

What advice would you give students considering a career in construction management and inspection? 

If I could offer students one piece of advice for a career in construction management and inspection, it would be to start before you feel ready. I recall being apprehensive and hesitant to jump into my internship as a freshman, but it ultimately proved to be the best thing for my career development and education. You might feel like you know nothing compared to everyone else around you, but that’s the point of being an intern. 

A few things I recommend for newcomers: 

1. Show Up and Be Curious: Be willing to learn, ask questions, and stay open to feedback. Everyone I’ve encountered during my time at RS&H has met me where I was at, offered guidance, and supported my learning. 

1. Get into the Field: Seek every opportunity for hands-on experience. For me, this type of work ties everything together and makes academic concepts click, bringing the work to life. 

1. Build Your Network: Focus on the relationships you make with colleagues, mentors, and fellow interns. Construction management isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about coming together as a team and working to solve problems. 

What excites me most about my career today is the tangible impact of my work. We [RS&H] take a lot of pride in helping create a safer, more reliable world, and I love that I get to learn something new every day and contribute in ways that make a real difference.  

Bekah Leonard’s journey serves as a reminder to aspiring interns and young career professionals to take that leap of faith and try something new, even before they feel ready for it. Her career has been jump-started by taking chances and being open to new outcomes, from interning at RS&H during her freshman year of college to becoming a full-time associate post-graduation. Bekah has truly made the most of her career in construction in just a short time, with much more on the horizon.  

At RS&H, we’re committed to fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Our internship program is designed to be foundational to your future, providing real-world project experience and one-on-one mentorship that turns academic knowledge into a purposeful career.

Discover how you can start your journey with RS&H and build a career that matters: Explore Internship Opportunities.