Momentum Earthworks reboots its internship program, finding a “bright and motivated” asset in Mary Baldwin junior Jean Carlos Rodriguez.
Through a partnership facilitated by Mary Baldwin University’s McCree Center for Career Success, Jean Carlos Rodriguez ‘27 is gaining real-world experience this semester as an intern with Momentum Earthworks — the Harrisonburg-area company’s first internship placement in several years.
Rodriguez, a Business major with a concentration in accounting and a minor in Elementary Education, felt prepared for the job. Since beginning the role in mid-January, he has been immersed in the daily operations of the growing construction services company, working alongside professionals in finance, administration, and operations.
The internship was intentionally designed to provide meaningful exposure to the inner workings of a business, with guidance from CEO Hans Harman and Director of Safety & Employee Development Marcus Sanders.
Over the course of the semester, Rodriguez has built hands-on experience in essential financial and administrative processes. He has assisted with payroll, invoicing, and lien waivers, and has gained familiarity with industry-standard accounting systems including QuickBooks and Sage 300 Construction & Real Estate. He has also taken on responsibilities such as completing bank deposits — becoming a trusted and reliable presence in the company’s routine operations.
For Rodriguez, the experience has been about more than technical skills.
“It has been great,” he said. “I have my own office, and I can see that my work means something. I want to continue so I can make a bigger impact.”
Momentum Earthworks staff have taken notice of his initiative and professionalism. Windria Wenger, director of finance, described Rodriguez as “motivated, bright, punctual, and ready to learn anything,” noting that he has quickly become a valued member of the team.
Rodriguez also emphasized the workplace culture as a key part of the experience. He described an environment with clear expectations, strong structure, and a welcoming atmosphere that supports learning and growth.
The internship reflects the impact of partnerships between Mary Baldwin and regional employers. Through the McCree Center, students are connected with opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and into professional settings where they can apply their skills in meaningful ways.
For Momentum Earthworks, hosting an intern has strengthened internal operations while contributing to the development of future professionals. For Rodriguez, the experience has provided confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding of how his academic preparation translates into real-world impact.
As he continues the internship, he remains eager to expand his skills and take on new challenges — an example of how experiential learning can shape both career readiness and personal growth.