The most effective internships don’t just prepare students for the workforce, they inspire them to envision their role in their chosen career.
For many college students, a top priority before graduating is to gain valuable hands-on experience through an internship in their desired career field. These programs give students a behind-the-scenes look at what their future could be like. It’s an opportunity to fall even more in love with their chosen career or to reevaluate their path. Such decisions and feelings are often influenced by the internship experience, which can ultimately determine a student’s future direction. So, what aspects of an internship enhance the intern experience and leave a lasting, meaningful impact on students?
This summer, I was fortunate to secure an internship at SCS Engineers, an environmental engineering firm, where I worked on solid waste design and gained firsthand experience in environmental engineering. Here are several key elements that enriched my internship experience:
- Having an engineer “buddy.” This person’s role was to ease my transition into working at an engineering firm. The buddy system provided a relaxed, one-on-one relationship with an experienced engineer outside of my supervisor. This arrangement allowed me to network, ask questions about daily life as an engineer, and have a friendly face on my first day. My buddy was also transparent about their job – sharing details such as salary, annual raises, and tips for negotiating a contract – topics rarely covered in college or found online. Building this relationship helped me identify the type of work environment I want to be part of in the future.
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The final presentation. Knowing I would need to share my work with others motivated me to track my progress carefully, ask my coworkers more thoughtful questions, and consider how each task fit into the broader goals of the project. It shifted my focus from simply completing assignments to understanding their purpose and goals. That process of reflection transformed everyday tasks into meaningful opportunities for growth.
Furthermore, this presentation provided a valuable opportunity for me to practice presenting in front of a large audience. It also challenged me to think on my feet when answering questions, reinforcing the importance of preparation, adaptability, and poise under pressure. The experience not only improved my public speaking abilities but also gave me a sense of accomplishment that I will carry into future academic, professional, and client-facing presentations. - Immersion in the typical workload of an environmental engineer. This gave me an authentic view of the profession. I was assigned relevant work that directly contributed to project deadlines, fostering trust and a sense of responsibility between my supervisor and me. This meaningful work kept me engaged and eager to learn more about engineering projects, client interactions, and the technologies used in the field. While working toward deadlines could be stressful, it also provided valuable lessons in time management, asking for help, and problem-solving under pressure.
An impactful internship program is built on more than just technical tasks; it thrives on intentional structure, mentorship, and opportunities for reflection. Elements like a buddy system foster early confidence and connection, while real-world assignments challenge interns to apply their skills meaningfully. When programs encourage open communication, provide space for growth, and value intern contributions, they create an environment where learning is active, and purpose driven. Ultimately, the most effective internships don’t just prepare students for the workforce, they inspire them to envision their role in their chosen career.
Isabel Rickaby is a junior in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech. She was a summer intern at SCS Engineers. Connect with her on LinkedIn.