Building What’s Next: How Nova’s Internship Program Launches Careers

This summer, Nova Group welcomed six interns to job sites across the U.S and the world, each one stepping off campus and straight into the field after wrapping up their spring semester. Imagine being one of those students: one week you’re finishing finals, and the next you’re in Napa, California. That’s exactly what Nova’s internship program looks like in practice.

Each summer, Nova Group’s interns step into the center of our work, tackling projects that power communities and protect our nation. From day one, they work alongside seasoned professionals to solve real problems, gaining the skills and grit needed to thrive in the specialty construction industry.
From waterfront systems to fuel distribution, interns gain hands-on experience at active job sites across the U.S. They work in various functions, including operations, estimating, scheduling, and engineering.

“There’s no substitute for on-the-job training,” said Adam Squires, QA/Safety Specialist for the Nova Shop. “Nova’s internship program takes someone who’s possibly only experienced the classroom and immerses them in the real-life workings of the construction industry. The program leaders are also receptive to feedback—if you want to try a different department or role, they can make that happen.”

Adam was in the 2022 Nova intern class. His experience is a testament to how the program can launch careers. “Within a few weeks, I knew I wanted to stay at Nova for the long haul. The vastness and complexity of our industry are part of what made it so exciting and kept me wanting to learn more.” Adam joined the company full-time three years ago. “I haven’t stopped learning and can see I never will, which makes me happy,” he shared.

For Quinn Cartwright, who was in the 2020 Nova intern class and is now an Assistant Project Manager, it was the people who inspired him to make a career here: “When you see how proficient your peers are, it inspires you to be a better you.” Quinn’s journey from newcomer to key project contributor shows how Nova’s culture fuels growth through collaboration and mentorship.

Nova’s internship program is designed to be more than a summer experience; it’s a launchpad. Many interns join Nova full-time, and some ultimately advance into leadership roles. Just ask our President & COO, Drew Glover, who began his career here as a Nova intern over a decade ago: “Nova gave me the chance to learn, grow, and take on challenges that shaped my career—and I’ve been building on that foundation ever since.”

The opportunity is only growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, power and communication line construction jobs are projected to grow 6.6% through 2033, well above the national average, fueled by expanding energy infrastructure, AI data centers, and grid modernization. And with 80% of electrical contractors already reporting difficulty finding qualified workers (National Electrical Contractors Association), the demand for skilled professionals in this field has never been more urgent.

Nova’s internship program is your foot in the door to this industry. Whether interns return full-time or carry these skills into the broader field, the experience provides a foundation built for long-term success, wherever the work takes them.

Ready to start building your future? Check out our internship brochure here.