A Conversation with our Intern, Danielle Flaherty: Her View from the Construction Site
April 2026
Northstar is committed to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of talent with a passion for pursuing careers in project management. As part of our internship/co-op program, we collaborate with institutions such as Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and CREST (Commercial Real Estate Success Training) to identify exceptional candidates.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Danielle Flaherty to our team for the past three months. Danielle is from Wilmington, Massachusetts, and is a rising Senior at Wentworth Institute of Technology studying Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration. In her spare time, she loves teaching Pilates and spin classes, dancing, traveling, and hanging out with friends.
During her time with us, she was actively involved in Harvard University Housing’s 100 South Campus Drive project. Danielle attended weekly meetings, participated in punch list items, supported functional commissioning, and assisted with close-out activities. She maintained key project trackers, including schedules, punch lists, and other close-out documentation. In addition, she joined site tours for other projects, including an office fit-out and Nan Fung Life Science’s project at 470 Atlantic Avenue.
We took the opportunity to sit down with Danielle to gain insights into her experience as part of our Northstar team during her internship.
Tell us a little about your background.
I am a rising senior at Wentworth Institute of Technology pursuing a degree in Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration. My previous experience includes two co-ops with Shawmut Design and Construction, during which I supported project closeout on the general contracting side and assisted with startup and commissioning activities at Harvard University and a life sciences building. Those roles gave me a solid understanding of how a project comes together in the field, and my time with Northstar has added valuable insight into the owner’s project management side. Seeing both perspectives has helped me connect day-to-day construction activities to the larger decision-making process that drives a project.
How would you describe your co-op experience at Northstar?
My co-op experience at Northstar has been truly eye-opening. It gave me a completely new perspective on construction, allowing me to see the process from the owner’s perspective and understand the unique challenges it entails. I developed a much deeper appreciation for what it takes to close out a building – the coordination, problem-solving, and attention to detail required to bring all the moving pieces together.
This experience helped me connect the day-to-day work to the bigger picture of how a project ultimately comes together. It really is like a puzzle: if one piece is off, it can impact the entire outcome. I’ve learned that every decision, no matter how small it may seem, influences the outcome and shapes the project’s success.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned from your internship at Northstar?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned at Northstar is the importance of putting yourself out there and being willing to try anything. Stepping outside your comfort zone, whether it’s asking a question, taking on a new task, or trying something completely unfamiliar, ultimately accelerates growth and builds confidence. This experience has been incredibly formative. As a co-op, you’re here to learn as much as you can, and even the smallest task has something to teach you. Every experience, no matter how minor it may seem at the time, contributes to your development and shapes the professional you become.
What was the most rewarding thing about working with the Northstar team?
The most rewarding part of working with the Northstar team was being surrounded by such a strong, supportive team. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable, and you can learn something new from every person you interact with. What stood out even more was how personally welcoming everyone was and how much they acknowledged and celebrated each other’s achievements. There’s a real sense of community here. Northstar is connected within the greater Boston community, and they bring that same positive, fun energy outside the office as well, which makes the experience even more meaningful.
What new skills and knowledge did you gain through your Northstar internship?
During my co-op at Northstar, I gained skills and insights that expanded my understanding of the construction industry. I learned the importance of “trust but verify,” never assuming information is correct without confirming it. I also learned how essential thoughtful planning is, along with the ability to stay adaptable and work effectively within whatever constraints a situation presents.
From a technical standpoint, I gained valuable experience with punch lists and back punching from an owner’s perspective. Seeing how decisions are made at the owner’s level gave me a much broader understanding of how projects are managed, coordinated, and ultimately delivered. This perspective helped me connect day-to-day tasks to the larger goals and responsibilities that drive a project forward, giving me a complete view of how successful projects come together.
What career path are you looking to get into and why?
I’ve been the kind of person who knew from a young age that I wanted a career in construction, but as I’ve gained more experience, I’ve realized just how many different directions that path can take. Because of that, I’m staying open to any opportunity that comes my way. My experience at Northstar has shown me a side of the industry that I could see myself pursuing long-term. The community, work-life balance, and values here align closely with what I’m looking for in a career.
How would you describe the Northstar culture?
Northstar’s culture is welcoming and community-driven. What stood out most to me is how open and supportive the environment is, asking questions is encouraged, and there’s always someone willing to help you work through an answer. People take the time to explain, share their insights, and make sure you feel supported, which makes you feel like part of the team from day one. Having so many knowledgeable people to learn from has been one of the most valuable parts of my experience, and it’s a big reason why the culture feels so strong, collaborative, and connected.
