Internship Spotlight: Rory VanGorder, Sundt Construction, Inc.

Rory VanGorder '26 BSBA (Economics & Political Science) was a Proposal Writing Intern at Sundt Construction, Inc in Tempe, Arizona.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

The people were absolutely my favorite part of this experience. I worked with a team of 11 proposal managers and specialists who were nothing but patient and supportive! Having an intern was new to them too so working alongside them on what that role looked like definitely had some challenges along the way. My experience would not have been as amazing as it was if the team was not willing to teach me new skills, programs, and industry specific information.

What did you find most challenging?

I think the most challenging part for me was adjusting to working in a corporate office and working typical full time hours. The lifestyle shift of being in a brand new job can be abrupt, especially when you are new to the area! If you have the opportunity to work and live in a new city, absolutely let yourself experience something new, but know it can be challenging to spend a summer away from your family and in a different climate! 

What did you learn?

If I wrote down everything I learned in this response you would be reading a small novel! From heap loads of construction acronyms to the different alternative delivery methods, this internship was chock full of new information and concepts. Most importantly, I learned that I liked the work! Being a writing intern in construction felt like a niche role at first, but the necessary knowledge and skills to put together a proposal are absolutely transferrable to all kinds of professions. 

What advice do you have for future students with a similar interest? 

Talk to your connections! I would never know this type of role existed if I had not learned about it from family in the industry. While they themselves might not be able to help you find an internship directly, they can help connect you to the right people.