How to offer interns the chance to explore professionally and refine their passion into a fulfilling, long-term career.
Internship 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.
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 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 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 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.