From Intern to Manager: Willem Carter’s Fast Start at Gray

Building from the Ground Up

Growing up in Atlanta, Willem preferred being outdoors over sitting behind a desk. “I’ve always enjoyed being outside and just playing in the dirt,” he says. Originally pursuing a degree in Engineering at Kennesaw State, Willem realized that he was drawn to the field, so he changed his major and decided to study construction management. Not long after, he met Gray’s team at a career fair, and the rest fell into place. 

Willem’s journey onsite started with the civil engineering team, focusing on earthwork before moving into concrete and structural—sub-disciplines that allowed him to find his niche. Along the way, he took on unique challenges that few interns get to experience, including managing several critical picks and even coordinating a helicopter pick. “Helicopter picks aren’t something everyone gets to do in their lifetime,” he says. “Running one of those was pretty crazy—and that’s the kind of challenge I love.” 

Built by Mentors

While big moments like helicopter picks and critical lifts stand out, it’s the everyday lessons that have shaped Willem the most. “I’ve learned as much—if not more—from the foremen and contractors in the field as I have in the office,” he reflects. Mentorship played a huge role, too. Willem credits teammates like Sara Bahri, who taught him about concrete and modeled what great site leadership looks like. Even unexpected mentors, like a superintendent who helped him sketch out solutions on a cardboard box, added to his learning. 

Balancing full-time work with a full-time class schedule brought its own challenges. Willem often used his lunch breaks to complete homework assignments and projects, but that came with its own advantages. His team would help review his work and add insight wherever they could.  Whether it was through unexpected mentorships and lessons or getting their eyes on homework and projects, Willem credits his growth to the help of his team. 

From Managing Projects to Leading People

As he steps into the role of assistant site manager, Willem is excited about what the future holds. “I just love building big buildings—you can never really get bored out here,” he says. “Someone wise once told me that at some point, ‘you stop managing the building itself and start managing people.’” Taking on leadership responsibilities and learning how to build and work with teams is the challenge that Willem is most excited to take on—a mindset shaped by his belief that it’s the people who truly make a project successful. 

Outside of work, Willem finds balance in the same places that drew him to construction: the outdoors. From fishing at his grandparents’ pond in New York to hiking knee-deep in Wyoming snow, he makes time to recharge in nature with friends whenever he can. 

For future interns, Willem’s advice is simple: “Come in knowing you don’t know everything —and stay curious.” It’s a mindset—and a story—that proves hard work, openness, and a love for what you do can turn opportunity into something much bigger.