2018 Summer Interns Reflect on Their Experiences at UPCO

UPCO’s internship program has existed for the past several years, pulling from the region’s brightest and most qualified students and our 2018 class is no different. Our interns come from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas and even have stark differences in many of their interests, but they all share a common goal of wanting to learn as much as they are capable of within their respective departments. These brilliant minds received several weeks of hands-on training and experience in the areas of: accounting, marketing, project management, engineering and others. Read our Q&A series with this year’s interns to find out who they are, what they enjoy doing and the dynamic things they have accomplished during their 2018 internship with UPCO.

Barringhaus, Alex_InternName: Alex Barringhaus

From: Ballwin, Missouri

College: Bradley University – Peoria, IL

Major: Electrical Engineering

Expected Graduation: May 2021

Department: Electrical Contracting

Why were you interested in an internship at The UP Companies?

It seemed like a great opportunity to introduce myself to the kind of work I might be doing in my future career.

What did you hope to learn as an intern at  UPCO this summer?

I hoped to get a better understanding of different careers and opportunities in the electrical field.

What would be your dream job?

Working to design and power electrical vehicles.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have done three, 10-day backpacking trips through the mountains in New Mexico.

What or who has influenced your career choice?

High school engineering classes.

Bulmer, Benett_InternName: Benett Bulmer

From: Warrensburg, Missouri

College: Illinois College – Jacksonville, IL

Major: Accounting

Expected Graduation: May 2019

Department: Accounting

Why were you interested in an internship at UPCO?

I became interested in UPCO as an internship opportunity because it seemed like a great opportunity to expand my experience in the accounting field and their flexible work structure seemed like the perfect opportunity.

What did you hope to learn as an intern at UPCO this summer?

I hoped to learn about the practical accounting methods used in everyday business.

What would be your dream job?

My dream job would include enough pay that I would not have to worry consistently about paying bills and I would be with a company that allows me to be primarily independent and allows me to problem solve regularly.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

An interesting fact about me is that I can pop or crack nearly every joint in my body.

What or who has influenced your career choice?

Someone who has influenced my career choice is my high school teacher who encouraged me to pursue math further.

Donovan, Chris_InternName: Christopher Donovan

From: Waterloo, Illinois

College: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – Edwardsville, IL

Major: Construction Management – BS

Expected Graduation: May 2019

Department: Square UP | The UP Companies

Why were you interested in an internship at UPCO?

I was referred by a friend and wanted to start my construction career.

What did you hope to learn as an intern at UPCO this summer?

Anything and everything. I am trying to learn everything that will jumpstart my career when I graduate.

What would be your dream job?

To be a Project Manager or work in upper management at a large corporation.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I stopped growing in middle school. (I’m 6’4”)

What or who has influenced your career choice?

My interest in creating objects. Whether it is art or a building; I like to see stuff grow.