INTERNSHIPS

APPLY HERE

EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES.

Hone skills to sharpen your education and reach for new heights in your career. 

At Cooper Steel, internships are more than just a seasonal job; they are unique opportunities to build a meaningful career. We offer hands-on, paid internship experiences that give undergraduate students a real-life understanding of a career in the steel industry during the summer and fall semesters.

RISE WITH PURPOSE, LEARNING FROM THOSE WHO ARE RELENTLESS IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE. 

We aim to teach by example. Cooper Steel provides experience in both on-site and office environments, where you’ll be working closely with our highly skilled teams to learn the ins and outs of successfully executing a steel structure. We're seeking motivated, team-oriented individuals ready to apply learnings outside the classroom and grow with us.

Build community, connections, and the best version of yourself. 

We’ve been in business 65 years, and we’ve stayed true to our roots—we’re family owned and operated, which means when you join our team, you join our family, too. We believe to grow in collaboration, we must grow in connection. Our team embodies this at every level: there’s never a bad question, we’re happy to lend a hand or an ear, and mentorship opportunities abound.

FORGE YOUR FUTURE WITH A PAID, FULL-TIME INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY.

Our 10–12-week internships are designed to give you real responsibilities and ownership of tasks, which come with competitive pay and benefits, allowing you to integrate into projects, gain a comprehensive view of the organization, and lay the foundation for a strong career—whether here with us at Cooper or in any field you pursue. 

BEING THE ONE.

JOIN OUR TEAM TO MAKE AN IMPACT AT ANY LEVEL.

At Cooper Steel, our team is the backbone and heartbeat of our operations, and an extension of our family. They represent the industry they serve—building not only structures, but trust and respect with everyone they encounter. The Cooper Steel character is a force to be reckoned with, with an “above and beyond” attitude, fueled by challenge, and unwavering in their support for each other and our community.


We’re looking for interns who reflect these behaviors and believe in taking accountability, leading without ego, maintaining transparency, innovating through challenges, and giving back selflessly. 

INTERNSHIP POSITIONS

Read more on what each of our internships has to offer.

LOCATION: NASHVILLE, TN OFFICE

Are you eager to learn, have a keen eye for detail, consider yourself to be a self-starter, and excel in time management? If you answered yes, then our project management internship may be the role for you. In this position, you will:


  • Learn the steps to manage large-scale projects such as document control, design coordination, project scheduling, scope procurement, fabrication coordination, on-site coordination, and customer relations. 
  • Travel to various job sites to see how your work in the office translates to the build. 
  • Shadow the estimating team in the Nashville office to gain an understanding of the estimating process and learn how to develop a bid package, which provides you with an end-to-end view of a project.

Please note: Prior construction field experience is required for this internship.

APPLY HERE

LOCATION: SHELBYVILLE, TN

For those who are eager to tackle challenges, strong communicators, organizers, and problem solvers by nature, our fabrication operations internship provides exciting, hands-on learning of our operations processes. In this role, you will: 


  • Assist the estimating and sub-fabrication departments at Cooper Steel with fabrication schedules to meet project timelines and ensure project completion while maintaining budget. 
  • Be given ownership of various tasks, including responsibility for analyzing costs and budgets for our projects, providing accurate estimates for materials, labor, and equipment. 
  • Gain skill-based learnings such as how to build estimates with varying degrees of information, project scheduling and handling changes, reviewing takeoffs and recaps to create fabrication budgets, use of Tekla PowerFab, and more

By the end of your operations internship with Cooper Steel, you will have a strong understanding of the functions of general contracting and subcontracting in commercial construction, the lifecycle of a project and its challenges, the general flow of a fabrication shop, and what structural steel is, including how it’s procured, fabricated, and erected. 

APPLY HERE

LOCATION: FIELD

We’re looking for proactive, confident, communicative, organized, and detail-oriented individuals to work alongside our team as an on-site intern to fulfill the needs of the project through a variety of tasks. Expect to: 


  • Aid in the completion and organization of site documents, daily reporting, progress tracking, delivery coordination, material verification, and other duties that ensure a successful project. 
  • Have the opportunity to become proficient in reading erection and fabrication drawings.
  • Use 3D modeling software.
  • Navigate client and subcontractor relations.
  • Learn how to approach and resolve the day-to-day challenges that come with large, high-speed projects in the construction industry. 

As an on-site intern, you will also receive OSHA 10 training, which teaches industry-specific skills that help keep workplaces safe and productive.

APPLY HERE

LOCATION: FIELD

We're seeking a confident, observant, approachable, and initiating intern to join our safety team. Working closely with the safety manager, you will:


  • Assist in implementing and maintainng policies in the field that establish a culture of health and safety while building firm relationships with the on-site crew.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with in-office and on-site teams. 
  • Work with a variety of stakeholders to sustain a safe working environment by evaluating work areas, bringing hazards to the team’s attention, and working toward a solution. 

As an on-site intern, you will also receive OSHA 10 training, which teaches industry-specific skills that help keep workplaces safe and productive.

APPLY HERE

LOCATION: FIELD

Are you self-motivated, detail oriented, eager to learn, responsible, and communicative? Then consider joining our team as a quality intern! In this role, you will:


  • Work closely with our quality team to gain hands-on experience in inspection practices, evaluation of steel components, and documentation of audit findings.
  • Play a role in ensuring Cooper Steel delivers projects to the highest quality standards. 
  • Be tasked with supporting inspections of fabrication and erection, nonconformance tracking, and helping prepare inspection reports. 
  • Collaborate with our quality team, site personnel, office project management, fabrication operations, and other internal departments to build foundational skills for a career in quality assurance and related fields. 

APPLY HERE

LOCATION: NASHVILLE, TN OFFICE

Are you the enthusiastic, creative, design-savvy friend who makes the perfect graphic or curated social content for every event? Then consider interning with our dynamic marketing team! In this role, you will: 


  • Craft unique newsletter narratives.
  • Design brand-aligned graphics.
  • Strategize engaging social media content.
  • Capture a wide variety of photo and video assets.
  • Gain hands-on experience with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. 

By the end of your marketing internship at Cooper Steel, you will learn how to translate complex ideas into clear messages for a broad audience, both internally and externally. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the construction industry, the role internal marketing teams play, and how to prioritize multiple tasks effectively in fast-paced environments.


Please note: This role is currently open only to candidates who are local to or live within 75 miles of our Nashville, TN office.

APPLY HERE

DEVELOPING CAREERS DESIGNED TO LAST.

Gain the skills to go all out.

Whether in the field or in the office, the skills and lessons a Cooper Steel internship provides will help you to push boundaries, exceed expectations, and persevere, applying what you’ve learned to what’s ahead.

JD PARKER

JD started at Cooper Steel as an estimator intern in the summer of 2017. Having completed a previous internship with another fabricator in school, JD was able to continue developing his skills in estimating and furthering his knowledge in estimating. Specifically, he learned how to utilize new software like Tekla and the process to the final bid, which has helped him to improve and evolve the sub-fabrication processes in his full-time role. 


A Shelbyville, TN local, JD’s favorite part of his internship was working on meaningful projects. He says, “I heard [Cooper Steel] was a great place to work before I interned, and my internship only confirmed that. It was evident that Cooper Steel took care of its employees, and that this was a great place to work with endless opportunities to grow.”


When asked what his words for someone interested in a Cooper Steel internship, he said: “This is a first-class place to work. The people, the work environment, and the company’s will to push forward are all reasons that make Cooper Steel an ideal spot for someone to gain experience in the construction industry. There are plenty of opportunities here for those who are willing to learn, work hard, and accept new challenges and responsibilities.”

BLAKE FLOYD

Blake completed two internships with Cooper Steel – first as an office intern in Shelbyville, TN, followed by a summer with our estimating team. During that time, he developed an understanding of the drawing process, using 3D modeling software, and creating subsequence lists, which all contributed to the skills he uses in his role as a Senior Project Manager today. 


Blake’s favorite part of his internship was witnessing the deep care for the company and Cooper family and says the pride of working for and representing Cooper Steel in the community played a significant part in him accepting his full-time role. 


His advice for future interns is to absorb as much knowledge as you can by asking as many questions as possible. He says, “There is a great wealth of knowledge within this company and a lot of experience from people in all our departments. Ask them any questions you may have, and they will help get you an answer and grow in your understanding.”

JOE PATTON

Joe began at Cooper Steel as an on-site project management intern working on a project in Clarksville, Tennessee. His internship provided hands-on experience working with 3D modeling software, tracking steel deliveries, and coordinating a large-scale project. His on-site team ensured Joe was involved in operations and encouraged him to ask frequent questions, resulting in his deeper understanding of the efforts, interpersonal skills, and tasks required to keep a project moving forward. 


Joe most enjoyed having the opportunity to work with a variety of people and experience the culture at Cooper. “They truly value their employees and make every effort to help them grow. Even as an intern, the team was invested in my development and always showed their appreciation for my work. I decided to accept a full-time position because I feel that Cooper Steel is a place where I can grow my career and contribute to the company’s long-term success.”


His advice for someone pursuing an internship at Cooper Steel is to be ready to learn, ask questions, take initiative, and find ways to get involved and help – even if it seems small. He says, “those contributions not only help the team but also add to a meaningful learning experience. If you take full advantage of it, a Cooper Steel internship will give you a well-rounded view of the industry and set you up for success in your future career.”

JOEL MEIER

Joel’s career journey started at Cooper Steel with a field internship, where he shadowed and supported the on-site teams—particularly the project managers, quality, and safety teams. Being new to construction and experiencing his first internship, his role at Cooper Steel provided Joel with real-world training in steel erection, fabrication, and construction processes, which he says benefited him greatly for his full-time position. 


“My favorite part about interning at Cooper was getting to learn from experienced professionals every day and gaining hands-on experience. I accepted a full-time position because it was evident to me early on that Cooper was a great company with great people and offered a lot of opportunities. It was an easy decision for me,” Joel said.


Joel recommends pursuing a field internship to others. He says, “most interns don’t have any prior experience in steel or construction, and spending time in the field seeing what we do gives them the best learning experience for their careers.”

COMING TO YOU.

If we’re not visiting your school, don’t worry! Our applications are open to all qualified internship candidates, regardless of location. 

VIEW OPEN INTERNSHIPS HERE

TESTIMONIALS

Don’t just take it from us. Here’s what our former interns turned full-time team members have to say:

“Even though I interned in Accounting, I was exposed to a lot of different departments. You are truly a part of a team at Cooper Steel. Seeing all the different facets of the company helped me gain a true understanding of what Cooper Steel does. I think interning at the company helped me to grow into the role I am in now. My internship gave me confidence and helped me develop relationships with my coworkers.”

“The biggest takeaway from my internship with Cooper Steel was no matter what degree you are achieving, what school you are enrolled in, or how young you are, Cooper Steel sets each employee up for success with equal opportunities. If you put in the hard work, Cooper Steel will return the favor! My internship with Cooper Steel was the biggest blessing I could have been given. Not only did I find my lifelong dream career, but I also found a family here at Cooper Steel”

“If I had to give one piece of advice to a potential Cooper Steel intern, I would recommend absorbing as much knowledge as you can. Every employee at Cooper Steel is extremely helpful and patient, so learn as much information as you can from these mentors. Schooling will teach you knowledge, but becoming an intern can teach you how to apply this knowledge in the workforce.” 

“My internship with Cooper Steel set me up for success for my eventual career at Cooper Steel because I was able to expand my knowledge of the company while also continuing my education for my degree. I was very fortunate to be able to learn twice as many skills by furthering my education while applying it to my internship at Cooper Steel.”

“Nobody does it like Cooper! Cooper Steel was my 5th internship throughout my college career and without a doubt the most hands-on/jobsite-oriented internship that's offered to college students. I was never treated or compensated, like I am with Cooper Steel and that holds true today.”

“I was able to hit the ground rolling. I already knew our policies and procedures with how we do things the Cooper way. I was able to learn from the best project managers the industry has to offer. While I may have been younger than everyone else, I felt like I had a jumpstart to my career.”

“My biggest takeaway from my time as an intern was gaining practical knowledge of the steel industry, and construction. Getting the chance to understand some of the complexities of fabrication, project management, quality, and safety has been very valuable. Having the opportunity to be a field intern allowed me to learn all the different elements of steel construction from the ground up.”

“My Cooper Steel internship set me up for success in my career in several ways. Having the opportunity to learn some of the dynamics of Cooper Steel before hiring in full time allowed for a very smooth transition into my current role. Being able to shadow experienced professionals daily created a very solid foundation for me start my career off.”

“The biggest takeaway from my internship is that the culture and work at Cooper Steel is like no other. There’s no better place to work.”

“Even though I interned in Accounting, I was exposed to a lot of different departments. You are truly a part of a team at Cooper Steel. Seeing all the different facets of the company helped me gain a true understanding of what Cooper Steel does. I think interning at the company helped me to grow into the role I am in now. My internship gave me confidence and helped me develop relationships with my coworkers.”

“The biggest takeaway from my internship with Cooper Steel was no matter what degree you are achieving, what school you are enrolled in, or how young you are, Cooper Steel sets each employee up for success with equal opportunities. If you put in the hard work, Cooper Steel will return the favor! My internship with Cooper Steel was the biggest blessing I could have been given. Not only did I find my lifelong dream career, but I also found a family here at Cooper Steel”

Are you interested in building strong? 
We're here to show you how.

APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP HERE