Rene Rivero, a construction management student at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), recently completed an internship as a Construction Inspector with Lumos & Associates. Through this experience, Rivero applied the skills he learned in his coursework to real-world projects.
The TMCC Internship Program played a role in helping Rivero connect with professionals in his field and gain practical experience. According to Career Hub Program Manager Gemmy Domingo, “Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, or earn college credit, we can guide you through the process of securing and preparing for an internship.”
Rivero described his responsibilities during the internship: “During my time (at Lumos & Associates), I assisted with on-site inspections, materials testing, and ensuring compliance with project specifications and local codes. I gained hands-on experience working with contractors and engineers, which deepened my understanding of construction processes and quality control. One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how to bridge communication between field teams and project managers to keep things running smoothly.”
TMCC’s Internship Program offers support such as employer referrals, job leads, and resources for preparation. Students are responsible for finding their own internships but receive guidance throughout the process. Most internships require 45 hours of work per academic credit.
Rivero plans to use his internship as a foundation for further education. He stated, “I’m currently planning to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno to complete my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, and intend to apply for the B.S./MBA accelerated program. My goal is to strengthen both my technical foundation and business acumen as I work toward becoming a Heavy Civil Project Manager or Project Engineer, eventually moving into design-build roles with a focus on infrastructure and public works.”
Domingo highlighted additional services offered by TMCC’s Career Hub: “We offer help finding internship opportunities through Handshake, the TMCC online job portal, along with resume and cover letter assistance,” she said. “We also provide employer verification and coordination for credit-based internships, which must be reviewed and approved to ensure they meet academic and safety standards.”
She also noted that international students are eligible for internships if they receive Curricular Practical Training approval: “International students are also encouraged to complete internships, though you must receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval before starting any internship,” Domingo said. “Already have an internship lined up? Let us know so we can help you meet all necessary requirements.”
Students interested in pursuing internships are encouraged to contact TMCC’s Career Hub for more information.