Internship Paves Way for Career at Pariseault Builders
Samantha Denton ’20 interned at Pariseault Builders, a Rhode Island based full-service construction firm, while earning her degree in Construction Management at RWU. Now, Denton works as an Assistant Project Manager for Pariseault Builders oversees this year’s cohort of RWU interns.
“All of our interns this year are from Roger. Half of our office are Roger alumni as well. I really think it comes down to the Construction Management program. It’s one of the best programs in the area,” said Denton.
Denton started her job as an Assistant Project Manager at Pariseault Builders in the summer of 2020, after graduating in the spring. Having completed two internships with the company as a student, she was well versed in the demands of the job. Currently, she is managing the construction of a waterfront high-end residential home in Warwick, an affordable housing renovation for low-income seniors in Narragansett, and the residential renovation of a 100+ year old home.
“When I was an intern I got to spend a day or two with the superintendent and a lot of my work was project management based,” said Denton. “Construction is stressful at times but at the end of the day it is very rewarding. The rewarding part is knowing that you helped build that and the reactions of the clients when they see the space when our work is done.
While at RWU, one of Denton's goals was to break out of her comfort zone and get involved on campus. She was the Captain of the Pre-Construction Team at a regional construction management competition, the Secretary and Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers, and the President of the Women in Construction club.
"Combined all of these opportunities gave me a strong foundation, that made me feel prepared to enter the work force. They also allowed me a lot of time to work on the soft skills that are vital to the industry," she said.
Her favorite parts of the job are building relationships and going the extra mile to help her projects run smoothly.
“My job is ever changing, day-to-day. I really enjoy it because as a former intern, I can now help build up our program,” she said.