Category: INTERN Sioux Falls

Tell me about Gage Brothers.

At Gage Brothers we manufacture architectural and structural precast products that are used to create the buildings that make up our communities. The Sanford Children’s Hospital, Target Field, Denny Sanford Premier Center, TCF Bank Stadium, Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center, SDSU Jackrabbit Grove, and Eleven on the River are just some of the high-profile jobs we have had the pleasure of working on.

What sets Gage Brothers apart from their competition?

Diversity sets Gage Brothers apart. From our projects to our product line, to our team, diversity is what makes us successful. We are proud to be involved in a variety of projects in Education, Industrial, Residential, Commercial, and Medical industries. Our diversified product line includes an array of precast and prestressed concrete products such as: architectural wall panel, insulated wall panels, beams, bridge girders, columns, double tees, hollow core, and stadia. Our team is what makes it all possible. Our experienced engineers, drafters, carpenters, concrete specialists, steel workers, equipment operators, batching experts, maintenance teams work together originally from 25 different countries to produce works of art that others said couldn’t be done. Established in 1915, Gage Brothers has over 100 years of continued success backing us up and launching us forward. Not only have we been doing this for a while, we are also Employee-Owned, which means that our team works with unmatched dedication to the success of our projects.

What is your favorite thing about working at Gage Brothers?

Working at Gage Brothers is exciting. I have been working here for over 8 years and I have never been bored. The projects are always different, there are always opportunities to be creative with the team. Gage Brothers is a large enough organization that the work you do has an impact on the people who work here as well as the communities we serve but also small enough that when you have an idea, we can try it right away without many formalities. Everyone knows your name at Gage, and you are part of our community.

One of the things I love about working here is that you get to be part of something much bigger than yourself. Yes, we make concrete products, but those products build our communities. They are places that create safe havens for sick children to heal, places for fans to make memories, beautiful places to live and build a life. These buildings become pillars of the community and I am proud to be a part of these jobs.

Why do you think internships are important?

Internships are so important for you to get hands-on experience in your field. This gives you valuable real-life examples to use in future interviews and a chance to ask the necessary questions in an appropriate environment. Make connections in the industry and start the interview process for future opportunities with that company or someone who can give you a positive reference later on. Take some pressure off your first day at your first job by having done an internship and know what to expect BEFORE you get there.

What do you love about living and working in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is constantly growing and developing and young professionals in Sioux Falls are leading this. All the opportunities to learn from experienced, successful professionals are right here. Long-standing businesses with solid reputations are looking for the next generation to take their companies to the next level. Stay local and make a real difference right here in Sioux Falls!

Tell me about yourself.

I have been with ISG for almost a year and a half as the Talent Engagement Specialist. I attended MSU – Mankato where I received a Business Management degree with an emphasis on HR in May of 2021. I had one internship in college at fun.com in North Mankato, MN, and then I worked as a Temp HR Coordinator at Capstone Publishers in North Mankato, MN during my senior year of college. Upon graduation, a family friend sent over the job posting for my current position at ISG. I applied, interviewed, and started my position all within 2 weeks and haven’t looked back! I enjoy meeting new people throughout the interview and onboarding process and especially enjoy leading our internship program. Last year we hosted nearly 50 interns across all of our office locations.

Tell me about ISG.

ISG is a full-service design firm. We have 11 office locations across SD, MN, IA, and WI with nearly 500 employee owners. We are 100% employee owned which allows for broader ownership, the ability to be directly connected to performance, and our culture of accountability and opportunism is amplified. Put simply, everyone works hard = everyone benefits, not just an elite group. ISG designed the Cherapa Place Development that is currently underway along the East Bank of the Big Sioux River in downtown Sioux Falls. After the development is complete, ISG will move our almost 50 Sioux Falls employee owners into The Bancorp building with room to grow our Sioux Falls office to almost 90 employees. Cherapa Place Development | ISG (isginc.com)

Why do you love working at ISG?

Simply put, the people and the culture. From day one, each and every employee owner has been willing to jump in and help out in any way that they can. I have been encouraged by those around me to face challenges and grow as a young professional. I am continuously inspired by those around me and the work that we do. Most of all, I love that it truly feels like a family atmosphere, and I feel so lucky that I get to look forward to going to work every day.

Why do you think internships are important?

Internships are important when it comes to developing soft skills that you don’t necessarily learn in a classroom. My internship taught me so many things such as balancing schedules and learning to communicate effectively. Internships are also a great way to make sure you are going down the career path that is right for you! My internship and temp position proved that I loved the career path I chose and helped me identify the qualities that I would look for in a long-term employer in the future. Now I get to work for a company that I love, in a field that I am passionate about.

What is your favorite thing about working and living in Sioux Falls?

When I moved to Sioux Falls back in August of 2022, I immediately noticed the small town feel in a big city. Everyone I met was willing to help me get settled in and wanted to help me make connections. There are so many different opportunities for young professionals in Sioux Falls and so many different things going on. I also love that there are many small businesses to visit and support, whether it be a locally owned boutique or a coffee shop.