From intern to manager: How hands-on experience shaped a thriving career in construction

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Building a successful and fulfilling career from the ground up through hands-on experience, continuous learning and seizing opportunities for professional growth. 

Navigating a career in construction is no small feat, but for Jason Depina, the journey from intern to student construction manager associate at Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. (WTI) has been one of continuous growth and opportunity. 

Jason, who started his career at WTI in 2019 as a summer intern, didn’t initially envision a long-term future with the company. “I was still in college, so I thought it was just going to be a summer thing,” Jason said. But when the internship ended, a simple email exchange with human resources led to an unexpected job offer. “I remember asking if they wanted the work phone back and they responded, ‘Actually, we have openings, would you be interested?’” That moment set the stage for a multi-faceted career that has seen Jason progress through multiple roles within WTI. 

Over the past five years, Jason has worked as an inspector, a quality control specialist and now as a student construction manager associate. Each role has provided him with unique insights into the roofing and construction industry, from on-the-ground inspections to high-level project management. “My favorite position is the one I’m in now,” he said. “It's the kind that opens the door into the company that you've never seen before.” 

Balancing work with education, Jason is also enrolled in the University of Akron’s online program, further strengthening his knowledge in construction management. His move from the Northeast to Tampa, Florida, in 2021 opened even more doors. “There’s just more opportunity here,” he said, noting that in larger markets, the chance for career advancement increases. 

Jason’s experience represents a larger conversation in the construction industry: the need for skilled labor. With the industry facing a labor shortage, he encourages young professionals to consider construction as a viable career path. “There’s always something that needs to be built, repaired or maintained,” he said. He believes that construction offers job security, opportunities for growth and the ability to be hands-on with projects that have a real impact. 

His advice to those just starting out? Be open to learning. “When I first started, I didn’t know anything about roofing,” Jason admitted. Over time he gained an understanding of everything from inspections to warranties to material logistics. He states the importance of staying curious and continuously growing in the industry. 

For Jason, the future is bright. With aspirations to continue advancing in WTI’s construction management team, he remains focused on expanding his expertise and making meaningful contributions to the industry. He shared, “I want to keep moving up and to do the best I can, but I’m happy where I’m at now.” 

His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability and the value of hands-on experience in building a lasting career in construction.