Learning never stops for Michael Pellegrino, O&G’s 2026 Summer Building Group Marketing Intern. A rising senior at Providence College majoring in Marketing with a minor in Finance, Michael has embraced the opportunity to explore a side of marketing beyond the traditional corporate setting. Eager to apply his marketing skills in a new industry, he was drawn to the opportunity to explore how marketing supports business development within the construction industry. Born and raised in Litchfield, Michael was already familiar with O&G’s strong reputation, making the opportunity to intern with the company an exciting one.
Michael’s day-to-day responsibilities center around pursuit management and helping O&G secure future projects. He prepares responses to RFQ/Ps, participates in business development meetings, assists with project research and pursuit strategy, and contributes to marketing and design efforts using Adobe InDesign. When in between deadlines for pursuit deliverables, Michael assists with a variety of marketing initiatives, giving him exposure to different aspects of the department’s work. From supporting ongoing projects to learning new skills, his internship continues to offer new challenges and opportunities, with Michael noting, “every day brings something different.”
During his internship, Michael has strengthened both his technical and professional skills. One way he has expanded his technical abilities is by learning Adobe InDesign through online training and hands-on practice, allowing him to contribute to a variety of marketing tasks. Through regular participation in business development and strategy meetings, he has also strengthened his communication, collaboration, and professional skills. As his understanding of pursuit management has grown, so has his confidence, allowing him to share ideas, discuss project strategies, and contribute more effectively to the team’s overall success.
“One of my biggest takeaways has been realizing that pursuit management sits at the intersection of marketing, project management, strategy, and relationship-building,” Michael notes. He was surprised by how much preparation goes into winning a project. “It’s about building relationships,” he states. “You cannot just show up and expect to win the project.”
Entering the construction industry with limited prior experience, Michael quickly embraced the opportunity to learn a new field. Both the pursuit management process and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry were new to him, but he approached the challenge with curiosity and determination. Working closely with his supervisor, Sharon Pomeroy, Michael immersed himself in the industry, gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible throughout the summer. Reflecting on his experience, Michael shared, “One of the most valuable parts of this experience has been being able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations and continue learning every day.” This hands-on and immersive experience has provided a valuable complement to his marketing education, offering insights that cannot be gained in a classroom setting alone.
If Michael could give a piece of advice to any intern, it would be to “apply yourself.” He cannot stress enough how much more successful you will be if you speak up in meetings, ask questions, and make your voice heard. “It can be intimidating, but speaking up is a way to earn respect.”
Michael loves watching Providence College basketball games, so if you see him in the halls, make sure to throw a “Go Friars” his way.
