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their soft and hard skills, and begin forming a vision for their future within the industry. ENCOURAGE EXPLORATION. While most interns arrive with a declared major or area of focus, many are still in the process of refining what they want their careers to look like. Your program can support this exploration by exposing interns to other areas of your firm. A “job swap” day allows interns to immerse themselves in a different department, offering them insight into roles they might not have considered but may find alignment with. To tailor the experience, use a short pre-program survey to match interns with departments that fit their expressed interests. Even a single day spent shadowing another team can deepen an intern’s appreciation of how various disciplines within a firm collaborate – and might even plant the seed for a more well- rounded or cross-functional career. This kind of exposure can be the deciding factor between an intern who simply completes your program and one who
in a shared learning experience by assigning a short reading, video series, or even a collection of TED Talks. Then, schedule recurring discussions where interns can reflect on key takeaways, challenge ideas, and strengthen critical thinking skills. Appoint a facilitator, ideally a trusted leader or mentor, who can guide these discussions through thoughtful prompts and keep the tone collaborative and inclusive. This structure gives interns more than professional development – it gives them a voice in how they experience the internship and learn from one another. In the process, they also gain exposure to communication dynamics, teamwork, and leadership – skills that are just as critical as technical ones. A standout internship program doesn’t just fill a seasonal seat. It cultivates talent, builds connections, and offers early insight into what a lasting, successful career in AEC can look like. By giving interns the opportunity to explore, engage, and reflect, you position your firm not just as a place to learn – but a place to grow. Alyssa Wagner is director of human resources for LDG. Connect with her on LinkedIn .
returns as a full-time team member. KEEP CONVERSATION FLOWING.
Meaningful intern engagement also depends on a sense of community and reflection. Encourage interns to participate
The ESOP Group is proud to sponsor the M&A Next Symposium and ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala Please visit our booth and attend our round table discussion on September 9 at 10:15–11:45 a.m. (CT).
Rebecca T. Glasgow, CEPA ® , CFP ® Managing Director – Private Wealth Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus (404) 260-8761 | rebecca.glasgow@rbc.com Leslie Lauer, CEPA ® , CFP ® , ChFC ® Managing Director – Private Wealth Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus (404) 260-8809 | leslie.lauer@rbc.com
Curt Rubinas, CEPA ® Managing Director – Private Wealth Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus (404) 260-8762 | curt.rubinas@rbc.com
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THE ZWEIG LETTER AUGUST 4, 2025, ISSUE 1596
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