Meet Jackson Line: Summer Intern, Future Builder
This summer, Jackson Line joined Browning as our Pre-Construction and Estimating Intern. A Construction Management major at Ball State University with a minor in Business Administration, Jackson has brought a team-first mindset and a passion for the industry from day one.
Throughout the summer, Jackson supported our Pre-Construction team across bid solicitations, estimating, project scheduling, and subcontractor coordination. He also spent time with our Project Manager, Field Superintendent, and construction team out at Vanguard at 16 Tech to help wrap up the project, gaining valuable experience both in the office and on the jobsite.
We asked Jackson to reflect on his experience, what he has learned, and what comes next. Here is what he shared:
How has this internship shaped your interest in the field?
It really opened my eyes. College gives you a foundation, but being hands-on here helped me understand how much things change. Every project is different, and so are the people. That is what makes it interesting to me.
What was it like working on the multifamily project in the field?
It was cool to see the drawings come to life. The layouts were similar to what I saw in pre-construction for The Canopy, but being out at Vanguard at 16 Tech helped me see how it all fits together. Down the road, I will be able to drive past those buildings and know I had a hand in them. That is something I am pretty excited about.
How would you describe Browning’s approach to project planning?
Fast and accurate. That is what stood out to me. Having all three perspectives under one roof streamlines everything. Instead of waiting for a call back from someone down the road, you can walk down the hall and get an answer. You see how much smoother things go when you get input from three sides early on, which makes decisions better and faster.
Aside from the projects you worked on, what was your favorite site visit?
Subaru at Park 267. That place is massive. Doug walked me through the building and some of the challenges they faced. I really enjoy problem-solving, so that kind of project got me fired up.
What skill do you think you improved the most?
Soft skills: communication.
I got better at talking to new people, whether it was escorting subcontractors on site or taking calls in the office.
Hard skills: reading drawings.
At school, you get the basics, but being here made it click. Now I feel confident navigating them, which is huge because everything in this job revolves around drawings.
What are you taking back to school?
I’m planning to take more classes in drawings, scheduling, and Excel. I thought I had mastered Excel, but using it every day showed me I have more to learn, and I now understand how important it is to keep sharpening my skills in reading drawings.
Any final takeaways?
Being out “in the field” gave me a whole new respect for the people doing the work every day. I took it for granted, but now I understand how much they manage. It is stressful, but it is also exciting. Every day brings a new challenge to solve, and that is what makes it rewarding.
