At Miller Electric Company, our internship program is built around one core principle: providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn by doing. Through hands on experience, mentorship, and involvement in real projects, interns gain valuable insight into the electrical construction industry while building skills that will serve them throughout their careers. 

Across the company, interns play an active role in supporting teams and contributing to project success. This summer, that experience is on full display within our Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) team in Dallas, Texas, where interns Eriyoma Atenaga and Ethan Bishop are gaining firsthand experience with the technology and planning processes that help bring projects to life before construction even begins.

EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES 

For both interns, joining Miller Electric was an opportunity to explore a new side of the construction industry and gain experience outside of the classroom. 

Eriyoma, an Electrical Engineering and Mathematics student at the University of North Texas, was interested in stepping into an industry that was completely new to him. 

“Prior to Miller, I had no construction industry experience,” he shared. “I wanted to get into a new industry and try something different.” 

Ethan, a Construction Science student at Texas A&M University, was drawn to the opportunity to work for an electrical contractor rather than a general contractor. He was particularly interested in the design and planning aspects of the business. 

“I liked the design portion of it and being able to play a part in preconstruction,” Ethan explained. “There is a creative side to the work that really interested me.

Both interns quickly discovered that Miller Electric’s culture played a significant role in their experience. Ethan noted that the company’s supportive, family-oriented environment has allowed him to learn from experienced professionals while exploring different career paths within the industry.

LEARNING THROUGH REAL WORLD PROJECTS 

One of the most valuable aspects of the internship has been the opportunity to work with industry leading technology used on active projects. 

Throughout the summer, Eriyoma and Ethan have worked extensively with Autodesk Revit and Navisworks, software platforms that play a critical role in the VDC process. These tools allow teams to create detailed models, coordinate building systems, and identify potential conflicts before construction begins. 

The interns have used these programs to model overhead electrical systems for projects such as hospitals, helping create accurate digital representations of building infrastructure. Through Navisworks, teams can visualize three dimensional models and identify situations where systems may interfere with walls, ceilings, or other building components before they ever reach the field. 

This proactive planning process improves coordination, increases efficiency, and helps support successful project execution. 

For Eriyoma and Ethan, working directly with these technologies has provided valuable exposure to an increasingly important aspect of modern construction.

BUILDING TECHNICAL SKILLS 

In addition to gaining project experience, both interns have strengthened their technical knowledge throughout the summer. 

For Ethan, daily use of Revit has significantly expanded his proficiency with the software while also helping him develop a stronger understanding of electrical design standards and industry regulations. 

“I’ve learned a lot about Miller Electric’s design standards and how they are applied to projects,” Ethan said. “I’ve also gained experience working with the National Electrical Code and understanding how those requirements affect design.” 

For Eriyoma, the internship has helped connect engineering concepts learned in the classroom with real world electrical construction practices. 

“Miller has helped me gain a better understanding of electrical systems in the field,” he explained. “It’s given me a stronger foundation for understanding what’s actually happening beyond what’s shown on a computer screen.”

These experiences have allowed both interns to develop practical skills while seeing how technical knowledge is applied in real project environments.

THE VALUE OF MENTORSHIP 

A key component of Miller Electric’s internship program is the guidance and support interns receive from experienced professionals. 

Throughout their internship, Eriyoma and Ethan have worked closely with leaders including Amanda Pena and Jason DeBenedictis, who have provided both technical instruction and professional mentorship. 

Eriyoma shared that Amanda has had a particularly meaningful impact on his growth within the VDC department. 

“When I started, I had minimal expertise with Revit,” he said. “Amanda has helped me a lot with that. She’s always willing to help whenever we need it.”

Beyond technical training, the interns have also been invited to participate in meetings and discussions that provide greater visibility into project planning, prefabrication efforts, and company operations. These experiences have helped them develop professional communication skills while gaining a broader understanding of Miller Electric as a whole. 

The opportunity to learn directly from experienced team members has given both interns valuable insight into the industry while creating an environment where they feel supported in their development.

THE IMPACT OF THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE 

The experiences of Eriyoma and Ethan demonstrate the value of an internship program focused on meaningful involvement, mentorship, and professional growth. 

Through their work with VDC technologies, project coordination, and industry standards, they have gained practical knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. At the same time, they have developed relationships with experienced professionals who are helping guide their career development. 

By investing in opportunities like these, Miller Electric continues to strengthen the pipeline of future talent while providing students with experiences that prepare them for long term success.

CONCLUSION 

At Miller Electric, interns are more than observers. They are active contributors who gain hands on experience, develop valuable skills, and work alongside professionals who are invested in their growth. 

For VDC interns Eriyoma Atenaga and Ethan Bishop, this summer has provided a deeper understanding of electrical construction, exposure to industry leading technology, and real project experience that will help shape their future careers. Their journey reflects the purpose of Miller Electric’s internship program: creating opportunities for students to learn, contribute, and build a strong foundation for success in the industry.