See your future on the rise — like Charles.
Start your career with a team that puts people first, honors integrity, and digs deep to solve challenges. By joining the nation’s leading concrete contractor, you’ll have the opportunity to help influence, shape, and impact monumental projects from day one.
"Baker made me into the leader that I am."
Meet Charles Copeland — Baker Project Executive in Charlotte, NC
As a Baker Construction internship, Charles Copeland was hungry to learn, grow, and make a good impression during the summer of 2015. Going above and beyond, he scored a full-time role with Baker. Today, less than a decade later, he’s a project executive. Charles likes to say it was Baker that helped him fast-track his career, but we give him just as much credit for having the determination and tenacity to go after his goals. Learn how Baker values its people and follow Charles’ journey from a new intern to a proven leader at the company.
Tell us about your career path. Why did you want to go into construction?
I initially went to NC State for mechanical engineering, and then switched to industrial engineering. By the time I was wrapping up my degree, I realized I didn't want to do either. Luckily, I had a good buddy a year ahead of me who was working with Baker Construction. He recommended I apply. Summer 2015, I got to do an internship in Miami, fell in love, and the rest is history.
What was the internship with Baker like?
I came down from Raleigh, not having touched any concrete outside of maybe pouring a fence post with my dad. I was greener than green and assigned to Panorama—an 83-story building. It was a big job for an intern. That's the great thing about Baker internships; the opportunities are huge. You're not fetching coffee or doing monotonous tasks. You get real-world responsibility right away.
During the internship, I rotated through a couple of different areas. I spent a few weeks working with the labor crews and then learning drawings with the layout crew. From there, I shifted to the quality control team and loved it! For me, reading drawings became like reading words. So, I stayed with that team for the remaining eight weeks.
Why did you decide to stay in construction?
It was the opportunity for growth. I stayed with Baker because its leaders don’t say, “Pump the brakes; you’ve got to wait your turn.” If you have the willingness to learn, the grit, the leadership skills, and the ability to do it, Baker will set you up for success and give you the keys to the big jobs. Baker advances you based on your ability—not your age. That was a big deal for me.
When did you officially join Baker?
I graduated in December 2015 and was hired on full time in South Florida to start as an estimator. In 2016, I switched over to be a project engineer. I was a PE for one year in West Palm Beach. I then went back down to Miami to be a PM for a couple of years until 2019.
What happened in 2019?
I'm from North Carolina. When I started, Baker didn't have an office there, but they were going to open one in the future. So, they suggested I learn to build in Florida in the meantime. In May 2019, sure enough, it all came to fruition. I moved back to Charlotte to help leadership open the office and work as a senior PM. Then in January 2024, I got promoted to a project executive. I now oversee half of the work in the Charlotte office.
It's clear that Baker values its people. What makes them stand out from other companies that claim the same thing?
It’s simple: People are the most important part of our business, so we put them first. We prioritize creating a work environment where everyone’s contributions are respected and valued. This fosters a culture where each person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our collective success at Baker.
What we do is hard work. We can often spend more time with our co-workers during the week than our family. Our co-workers are our second family, and we treat each other that way. We care about and respect each other. We only succeed when we work together as a team — as a family. A lot of companies talk about a family culture. Baker truly has one.
What are you most proud of during your time at Baker?
Baker has helped me grow into the leader that I am. I feel most proud watching the people that interned for me grow and work their way up like I did. It’s been very fulfilling to build strong teams and help advance others’ careers and dreams around me.
Take your ambitions to the next level.
At Baker Construction, you’ll find more than a job. You’ll discover opportunities to gain hands-on experience, to set your own path, and to work with a diverse group of supportive and encouraging co-workers. You’ll be a part of a team that lives by the Golden Rule, prioritizes your training and development, and gives you real responsibilities to unleash your potential.
By showing grit and tenacity, you’ll have the freedom to accelerate your career — on your terms. Be more, gain more, and achieve more with a company that is grounded in the values of People, Honor, and Grit. Apply to Baker today!