From Intern to Project Engineer: Alison Perez’s Path at F.H. Paschen

At F.H. Paschen, internships are more than a single summer experience, they’re the foundation for long-term careers. Alison Perez, now a Project Engineer in our Chicago office’s Building Division, began her journey with Paschen as an intern while studying at the University of Cincinnati.

Her introduction to the company came during the ASC Heavy Civil Estimating Competition, where an in-depth presentation of a past Paschen project sparked her interest. That curiosity led her to apply for our internship program, launching her career in Building Construction.

“I was expecting to learn a lot, and I was not disappointed,” Alison said. “I was able to get hands-on experience in the field and make connections with my project team.”

During her internship, Alison embraced the opportunity to explore the different sectors we work in, gaining experience as an intern in our Building Division on the CTA Racine Blue Line Project. This experience helped her build a diverse skill set and gain a broader understanding of the construction management process across the board.

But what truly set Paschen apart for Alison were the people. “Seeing the wide range of ages and experiences work so seamlessly together on the project helped show me that even though I might not have as much experience as some people, as long as I was willing to learn and ask questions, I would be able to contribute work that has value to the project.”

Alison made the most of her internship by engaging with her team, asking questions, and saying yes to every opportunity that came her way. This initiative not only helped her grow professionally but made her stand out as a valuable contributor to her team.

Now, as a Project Engineer, Alison is applying what she learned as an intern to real-world projects, taking on greater responsibility and continuing to grow in her role. She appreciates the culture of mentorship and collaboration at Paschen, where learning never stops, and new challenges are always around the corner.

Her advice to current interns? “Say yes to every experience and make as many connections as you can! You never know where you will end up and who you will be working with!”

Alison’s path from intern to Project Engineer is a testament to the value of curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn. Her journey reflects the impact interns can make, and the fulfilling careers they can build at F.H. Paschen.