“Knowing how to communicate about things you don’t fully understand, that’s a huge skill. And I’m learning it here every day.”
— Madison Harris, Project Manager Intern
Learning by doing, not just watching
For Madison Harris, the construction field isn’t new, but this summer it feels completely different.
Madison is a construction management major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She joined The Korte Company as a project manager intern, bringing with her experience in residential construction. That includes a strong foundation in industry tools like Procore, Bluebeam and Revit.
Now, she’s stepping into the commercial construction side, learning how projects move, what her PM needs day-to-day, and how to stay sharp under pressure. From payouts to punch lists, submittals to site visits, Madison is gaining experience that can only come from doing the work.
Because around here, The Job is the Boss, and it doesn’t slow down for comfort.
A company that feels like a community
For Madison, joining The Korte Company meant more than just gaining experience. It meant finding a team that invests in her growth. From day one, she noticed the difference. Support was real, training was constant and asking questions wasn’t something to be nervous about. It was expected.
“I like the community that is within Korte, because I could ask something that is completely, ‘You should’ve known this years ago,’ but nobody will laugh. They’ll just say, ‘I probably did that, too.’”
That kind of culture builds confidence. Whether it’s a Lunch & Learn, jobsite visit or quick chat in the hallway, there’s always a chance to pick up something new. That’s what Build Smart really looks like — creating an environment where people feel safe to learn, push themselves, and keep getting better.
Learning the hard stuff first
Madison’s internship hasn’t followed a script, and that’s exactly how she likes it. Some days she’s deep in billing or helping coordinate submittals. Other days, she navigates conversations with subcontractors.
“I’m definitely learning on the fly — that’s a huge thing. I may not know all the details, but I’m learning how to talk to people and figure it out as I go,” she said.
It takes more than knowing the terms. It takes confidence, communication and the ability to keep moving when there’s a shift in direction. That’s where the real learning happens. And for Madison, it’s proving to be one of the most valuable parts of her time at The Korte Company.
Putting in the work that matters
Madison came to The Korte Company to work and learn. From day one, she’s done exactly that. She’s asked the hard questions, tackled unfamiliar tasks and stepped up when things didn’t come with instructions.
Along the way, she’s found what it really means to learn on the fly. It’s not about having all the answers, but having the ability and willingness to figure it out.
That’s the kind of drive we value at The Korte Company, and the kind of teammate we’re proud to have on the job.
