If anyone else is familiar with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s song, then you can understand the excitement I feel when I’m in Kansas City. I was born and raised here in the city and go to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Even though Mizzou isn’t far, it’s still nothing like being in KC.
This summer I’m working at Burns & McDonnell, an amazing engineering firm based in Kansas City. The Burns & Mac name is something that’s been very familiar to me for my entire life. Being from KC, you get to hear about all the wonderful things the company does for the city, as well as the entire nation. It’s definitely a dream come true to work for such a great company.
I’m in the company’s HR department and I’ve learned so much in the past few weeks! It’s been great to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from my classes and continue to build on that foundation with real-world experience instead of just reading textbooks. Everyone in the department is passionate about their jobs—you can definitely tell they enjoy what they do and are excited to come to work every day.
So why Burns & Mac, you ask? Other than being close to home, it’s a wonderful company. Sure, sure, you might think I’m saying that because I’m working here (and writing for their blog!). But I truly mean what I say. The company is focused on serving their employee-owners and their clients. It’s about what is in the client and employee-owner’s interests first. Burns & McDonnell offers several health and wellness opportunities to improve yourself as an individual and they’re actively involved in the community in several ways. This summer, for example, we’re working on an intern community service project together.
As with every big city, there are always several opportunities to explore the surroundings. One of my favorite ways to experience Kansas City includes listening to live music performed by local bands. This past weekend, I attended a tribute performance at downtown Kansas City’s Power and Light District with three bands honoring The Eagles, Journey and Led Zeppelin. They rocked the stage! It was almost equivalent to attending the actual concerts. Each Thursday night, the same venue hosts “Hot Country Nights,” which brings several different country artists to KC. The best part about these shows? They’re 100% free to enter. This summer, Josh Abbot Band, Gloriana, and several other big names are also visiting KC. This is my favorite way to see some of my favorite bands and enjoy time with my friends outside. And listening to live music seems only fitting in a city that’s home to a rich jazz history, including the renowned 18th and Vine district!
What else should I see while I’m in Kansas City this summer?
Karissa Shores, a Business Management/Human Resources major at the University of Missouri-Columbia, is interning in Burns & McDonnell’s HR department this summer. To read more about her internship, as well as the experiences of some of our other interns, check out The Burns & McDonnell Intern Experience.
Lead image via Kansas City Power & Light District
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