“I like that it’s not easy. There are challenges every day when I come into work. I never really know what I’m going to be doing, and I enjoy that.”
— Ryan Bergner, Project Engineering Intern
Building through challenge, not routine
For Ryan Bergner, predictability was never the goal. A construction management major at Missouri State University, Ryan is the kind of person who doesn’t want to do the same thing twice, and that’s exactly what drew him to the construction field.
He didn’t want to design something and walk away. He wanted to build it. To stay close to the work. To step into uncertainty and figure it out. And as a project engineering intern at The Korte Company, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Whether he’s working from the office or walking the site at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in California, Ryan is learning firsthand that no two days or tasks are ever the same. And that’s what keeps him moving forward.
Boots on the ground
While many interns stick close to one jobsite or office, Ryan’s been able to take his experience further. His anchor project at Twentynine Palms has him flying out to California once a month. This gives him the chance to meet the team, walk the jobsite and see real-time progress unfold.
“Being able to travel, be on site and see how things actually come together, that’s where I’m learning the most,” Ryan said.
It’s more than just a change of scenery. Being on site means seeing how the plans take shape, what works, what changes and how teams adapt in real time. It helps him understand how every detail connects, how decisions are made in the field and how real progress gets built.
Part of the team, no matter the distance
With his anchor project based in California, Ryan expected to feel a little disconnected. But instead, he found the opposite. Whether it was teams in Highland or connections out in Las Vegas, everyone made time for questions, collaboration and support.
“Even if you don’t know somebody, it’s easy to reach out. It still feels connected, even across the nation,” Ryan said.
This is the type of culture that’s made it easy to jump in. Ryan didn’t just get answers. He got encouragement. And that sense of trust made it easier to take initiative, build relationships and stay engaged no matter where he worked.
Built for what comes next
In just one summer, Ryan has learned what it takes to stay sharp in an unpredictable environment, solve problems before they grow and contribute in the office or on jobsites.
He’s asking questions that really matter, stepping into new challenges, and doing it all with the kind of drive and curiosity that doesn’t fade when the job gets tough.
Because for Ryan, it’s never been about doing something easy. It’s about doing the job right.
