10
OPINION
Elevating internship experiences
How to offer interns the chance to explore professionally and refine their passion into a fulfilling, long-term career.
I nternship programs are often encouraged in professions like architecture and engineering, especially given the growing competition for top STEM students. But like any aspect of business strategy, internships shouldn’t exist merely to check a box. A truly impactful internship program not only introduces the next generation to the industry; it guides them in shaping their aspirations into a sustainable, fulfilling career path.
Alyssa Wagner
Students entering internship programs are often at a pivotal moment in their academic journey. They’re eager to translate classroom knowledge into real- world applications and explore where their passion can lead. A well-designed internship program meets them at that moment, providing both hands-on experience and exposure to the broader professional context of the industry – from project management and business development to leadership and communication. PROVIDE THE BUILDING BLOCKS. Interns naturally expect to gain experience in the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional in their chosen field. But many of the skills and insights
critical to success in the AEC industry aren’t fully covered in the classroom. Questions like: What does project management look like in practice? How does business development align with design teams? Why is professional networking – yes, even LinkedIn – so important? Providing structured opportunities to answer these questions helps interns connect academic theory with industry applications. A proven approach is to host a “lunch and learn” series, featuring weekly sessions with firm leaders, technical experts, and even past interns. These sessions can cover a wide range of topics: industry trends, emerging software, business strategy, and professional development. Done right, this empowers interns to build confidence, sharpen
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THE ZWEIG LETTER AUGUST 4, 2025, ISSUE 1596
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