Building Group Intern – Hindley, Holmes, and Royle Elementary School Renovations & Additions, Darien
Central Connecticut State University, Construction Management, Class of 2026
Meet JP Badara, a Construction Management major at Central Connecticut State University, who is spending his summer interning on the Darien Elementary Schools project. With a solid foundation from previous internships and a passion for construction, JP is eager to expand his knowledge and gain new perspectives within the industry—and that’s exactly what he’s doing.
“So far, my experience with O&G has been very helpful and educational,” he says. “I’ve learned a lot just by observing how the project team communicates and handles day-to-day responsibilities.” JP’s daily tasks include managing reports, assisting subcontractors with clarifications, and helping with routine project paperwork. But what excites him most is getting out into the field. “I love seeing the project take physical form—it’s incredible to witness the progress up close.”
One of the most meaningful parts of the internship for JP has been talking with the foremen and laborers on site. “Getting to know them—not just as workers but as people—has been really valuable. It’s helped me understand not only what they do, but why they do it and how they got here.”
And one of his biggest takeaways so far has been the importance of communication. “I’ve seen firsthand how differently people interact on a jobsite and how communication styles can really impact efficiency. It’s more dynamic than you’d think.”
This isn’t JP’s first experience in the construction world, but his time with O&G has been unique. “What drew me to O&G was that it’s a family-owned company,” he explains. “There’s a closeness here that I haven’t experienced before, and that makes a difference in how people work together.” That sense of teamwork and camaraderie has helped him feel more connected to his peers and more confident about his future.
In fact, this internship has only strengthened his resolve to stay in the construction industry. “My career will 100% be in construction,” JP says. “This summer has given me fresh perspectives I hadn’t seen before, and I’m excited to see where the industry takes me.”
JP’s advice to future O&G interns is simple: “Take the time to figure out if construction is what you really want to do. If it is, then try to discover what path in the industry excites you most. There’s no wrong answer—just keep learning.”
When he’s not on the job, JP keeps life adventurous. He enjoys everything from downhill mountain biking to flying airplanes, and he loves spending time with his friends. He’s also passionate about travel and cultural exploration—he’s trilingual and proud to have visited many places around the world, an experience that’s given him a broad, global outlook. With his curiosity, drive, and a deepening appreciation for the field, JP is well on his way to building a rewarding and exciting career in construction.
