Choosing where to spend your summer can shape how you see your future career. At Giffels Webster, we want interns to gain more than experience for a resume. We want them to build confidence, develop practical skills and understand how their work can contribute to stronger, more connected communities.
From the beginning, interns become part of the team. They work alongside professionals in civil engineering, surveying, planning, landscape architecture and geographic information systems, gaining exposure to real projects and the people behind them. Rather than observing from the sidelines, interns are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas and take ownership of meaningful assignments.
We have also created structured learning opportunities to help interns connect classroom knowledge with professional practice. Civil engineering and surveying interns participate in a week-long computer-aided design (CAD) project based on a completed assignment. The project introduces important processes within the software and gives students an opportunity to strengthen their technical skills through hands-on work. Returning interns can continue building on that foundation through a more advanced second-year project.
Learning extends beyond an intern’s primary department. Through office visits, lunch and learns, project discussions and rotations with survey and construction inspection teams, interns gain a broader understanding of how projects move from early planning through design and construction. These experiences help them see how different disciplines work together and how each contribution supports successful outcomes for clients and communities.
Connection is another important part of the experience. Because interns work across our three offices, we provide group activities and weekly virtual check-ins that allow them to meet one another, share what they are learning and build relationships outside their immediate teams. Those connections help create an environment where interns feel comfortable seeking guidance, trying new things and becoming active participants in our culture. Along the way, interns can explore different disciplines, discover new interests and gain a clearer sense of where their talents may lead professionally after graduation.
We also listen to interns throughout the summer. Their feedback helps us understand what is working, where adjustments are needed and how we can continue improving the program. That commitment has helped several interns return for multiple summers, and some have gone on to begin full-time careers with Giffels Webster after graduation.
For students exploring careers that shape communities, a Giffels Webster internship offers practical experience, supportive mentorship and room to grow. Interns contribute to meaningful work while developing the skills, relationships, and perspective that can help shape their future careers.
