Out of Cianbro’s 46 nationwide interns, Thomas College student Leah Kruse ’19 M.B.A. ’20 was one of five chosen to present on her experiences at Cianbro to the Board of Directors at the end of the summer.

This summer was Leah’s second year as an intern at the Cianbro Institute – where employees learn each area of the company including running construction equipment and trades through apprenticeship programs.

Leah’s job at Cianbro was to keep record of training and certificates employees were receiving. She also worked with the professional development coordinator on planning for the internship program. Since it was her second year in the internship program, Leah was able to act as a mentor and was involved with a lot of planning for the orientation week and everyone’s closeout presentations at the end of the summer.

“Overall, the biggest thing that I have learned in the last two years is to ask questions and be willing to learn new things.  I have learned to navigate many programs, and this summer I was given a lot of responsibility, but I learned to prioritize and not let anything overwhelm me,” said Leah. “I learned how to figure things out on my own, and I also learned so many different leadership practices that are important. Lastly, I gained so many great relationships with so many people throughout the company.  In my closeout presentation I explained that the people were my favorite part of the summer, and that still stands.”

Leah was able to get this amazing internship opportunity at Cianbro because of the Thomas connection – many Thomas alumni work for the company.

Right now, Leah is working on her Accelerated MBA program at Thomas College while continuing to play field hockey.

“I decided to enroll in the accelerated MBA program because it gives me the opportunity to obtain my master’s degree at Thomas College – a place that I love – in just a year,” she said.

Overall, Leah had an amazing internship experience at Cianbro these past two summers and she is grateful to Thomas College for helping to set her up for success.

“Other students should consider attending Thomas because of the opportunities that it grants you,” said Leah. “I have met so many great people in the last two years at Thomas, and I am very grateful for them. The professors at Thomas go out of their way to get to know you and are so helpful.  Everyone wants you to succeed at Thomas, whether it’s in the classroom, or even for me, on the field.  Other students should consider attending Thomas because it gives you a great opportunity for relationships as well as professional success.”