In commemoration of National Intern Day on July 27th, RK&K is proud to celebrate our 2023 summer college interns. Throughout the summer, more than 30 interns across 12 RK&K offices gained hands-on experience while building their professional network.
Mentors and their teams provided opportunities to demonstrate real-world project management, team collaboration, and client interactions up-close. We asked our interns to describe what they found most valuable about interning at RK&K.
“The biggest thing I’ve taken away from my experience is how much really goes into behind-the-scenes operations. I never realized how much coordination goes on between inspectors, contractors, the clients, and more,” said Jake Liberatore, a CE&I intern in our Richmond office.
“The opportunity to work on a variety of projects and project types has been the most enjoyable part of my internship experience. By doing so I have been able to hone my digital drafting skills, participate in surveying sites, as well as dabble in digital design,” said Maya Filipovitz, a Planning intern from our Baltimore office.
“The decision to pursue an internship with RK&K was easy for me. Seeing how they treat their employees, and how there’s a well-established company culture and working environment really spoke loudly to me, and I enjoy being part of it.”Gerardo Guerra Rivera, CE&I Intern – Raleigh
“I wanted to intern at RK&K because I knew it would help me gain knowledge, background experience, and relationships that could help me with future careers after college,” said Water/Wastewater Intern Samara Funk in our Keyser, West Virginia office.
“The thing I have enjoyed most about my internship would be seeing all the theory that I have learned in school being applied in real life,” said CE&I intern Matthew Lorenzana in our Miami office. “Making the connection in real time when I am in the office or out on the field is very satisfying and makes the work, I do feel substantial.”
“The decision to pursue an internship with RK&K was easy for me. Seeing how they treat their employees, and how there’s a well-established company culture and working environment really spoke loudly to me, and I enjoy being part of it,” noted Gerardo Guerra Rivera, a CE&I intern from our Raleigh office.
If you’re a college student interested in future internship opportunities at RK&K, check out our Careers site to get started!
Get to know more about some of this year’s summer college interns!
Corey Kasun
School: WVU Potomac State College
Major: Civil Engineering and Mathematics
Expected Graduation Date: 2026
Department: Water/Wastewater
Office: Keyser
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to find something that had real-world application over the summer. I knew about RK&K from a friend of mine. His dad is a PE in the office I am in and asked me to stop in a watch what he did for the day and see what it is like to be an engineer. It is safe to stay I stopped in and the rest is history.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I am in the water/wastewater group, and the main project I have worked on is smoke testing. We go up to a small city in Maryland called Frostburg to test the sewer lines. They have a lot of storm lines tied into their sewer lines and we are tasked with mapping out the area and figuring out where the city needs to fix. When I am in the office, I have been working on a lot of easements and profiles. It has been really cool learning CADD and how it works since we have not been offered any CADD classes.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
The big thing I have learned is CADD. I haven’t worked with anything like it other than a 3D modeling tool we used in my PLTW course in high school. I have wanted to take a CADD class but Potomac State does not offer anything like that until we transfer out to WVU.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
The two things I have enjoyed the most is definitely the experience I am receiving here and the people I work with. Everything I have learned in the last three months will stick with me and help me on my path to becoming an engineer. However, the most enjoyable part is everyone I work with. Everyone is extremely kind, helpful, and funny. I feel bad asking everyone questions on what they are doing or help with the software, and I have yet to be met with a sour remark. There is never a dull moment in the office and I look forward to hopefully returning next year.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Look into where you are going, find a place like here, and make sure that you will enjoy what you will be doing when you apply. I am blessed that any task I have been giving has been enjoyable and thought provoking.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Well, my favorite food is crab legs, but I could 100000% not go without wings and some football. There is nothing better than wings and sports.
Matthew Lorenzana
School: Florida International University
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: December 2023
Office: Miami
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to intern at RK&K because I had a desire to learn more about the construction aspect of civil engineering. I understood that Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) plays a big role in facilitating the completion of a project and I was interested learning more about the responsibilities and daily workflow of a CEI department.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I work in the South Florida CEI group, and we are currently working on SR25/Okeechobee Road project which is one of the biggest currently in FDOT District 6. I have had the pleasure of conducting many site visits to get a grasp of the vast scope of work being done and having the ability to connect it with what is being done in the field office.
What have you learned during your internship so far??
I have learned much about the relationship between the contractor, CEI, Architect/Engineer, and DOT and how the dynamic is maintained to keep a steady continuity of work and efficiency. And of course, I have learned much about all the office-to-field coordination and the paperwork that’s required behind the scenes to make the on-site work come to life.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
The thing I have enjoyed most about my internship would be seeing all the theory that I have learned in school being applied in real life. Making the connection in real time when I am in the office or out on the field is very satisfying and makes the work I do feel substantial. I am also very fond of my team. They are always willing to answer any questions I may have and actively want to help me understand all the work that we do.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
I would say to find an internship that fits with your goals and what discipline of engineering you want to work in. And if you don’t know which discipline you’ll like best, try as many as you can! Thankfully this field is very broad and always in need of new people so there are many resources to help you get to where you want to be.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Tacos, or just all Mexican food in general.
Maya Filipovitz
School: University of Maryland, College Park
Major: Architecture; Minoring in Construction Project Management & History and Theory of Architecture
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Baltimore
Department: Planning
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
What appealed to me the most about RK&K is how many diverse projects it is a part of. My goals this summer were to narrow my professional interests (by getting to experience a variety of project types) and to expand my knowledge in various software (particularly AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Products), both goals RK&K made possible.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I have spent the most time developing renovation designs for the pavilion at Raflo Park in Leesburg, Virginia. Additionally, I just began a project revising an awning’s drainage system at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, which is super cool because it’s located on my school’s campus!
What have you learned during your internship so far??
The power of time management. There are so many projects going on at once which requires delegating your time appropriately as well as the ability to shift between projects throughout the day.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
The opportunity to work on a variety of projects and project types has been the most enjoyable part of my internship experience. By doing so I have been able to hone my digital drafting skills, participate in surveying sites, as well as dabble in digital design.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Don’t be afraid to try something new! You may be surprised what you get excited and passionate about, and if not: learning what you are not necessarily the most interested in is just as valuable of an experience.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Technically not a food, but coffee!
Jack Lugar
School: West Virginia University
Major: Multidisciplinary Studies in Math, Engineering, and Sustainable Design
Expected Graduation Date: May 2024
Office: Richmond
Department: Site Development
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I took a class that involved a lot of site development and talked to Site Development Director Malachi Mills about his team and it really appealed to me.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I am working with the site development team and most of the billable work I’ve done is Civil3d work for 7 Hills and more recently JMU apartments also smaller things on Koontz and others.
What have you learned during your internship so far??
Lots of things about how the industry works and tons of Civil3D things.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
Everyone on the team is super fun to work with, Mr. Mills is super knowledgeable and amicable.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Look into where you are going, find a place like here, and make sure that you will enjoy what you will be doing when you apply. I am blessed that any task I have been giving has been enjoyable and thought provoking.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Blueberries.
Robert Mayo
School: University of Maryland College Park
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2024
Office: Baltimore
Department: Transportation – Highways
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to intern at RK&K to expose myself to real world experience in an environment that I wish to work in someday.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?/h5>
I intern in the Highways Department. Some of the projects I have worked on are:
- Cost Estimates and MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) Plans for I-70 over MD 632
- Traffic Control Plans for DC Water Line replacement
- MOT Plans for MD 170 at MD 174
- Field inspections and preliminary designs for Baltimore City ADA ramps
I also had the opportunity to spend a week in the Surveys Department. Some of the field work locations included the Baltimore CSX railway yard, MD-32, and Big Pond, DE.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
I have learned many things during my internship so far including MOT Plans, Cost Estimation, Survey Techniques, and ADA ramp standards. Additionally, I have gained practical experience in many computer programs including MicroStation and Rapid Plan in an office environment.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to see the practical applications and concepts that I have learned in the classroom. Additionally, it has been a great way to connect with people in the industry.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
I would advise future interns to be curious and open to learning a lot of information.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Mac and cheese
Sydney Rabon
School: University of South Carolina
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2024
Office: Columbia
Department: Transportation – Highways
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I started working at RK&K this past March. What initially made me want to intern here was the possibility of being able to work on structural projects on top of roadway projects. I was in search of an opportunity to be able to see real world work in both areas to help me decide which area I want to pursue post-graduation.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
• I’m an intern with the roadway department.
• Some projects I have worked on…
o Bridge Packet 16 (SC-124, SC-183 Gregory Creek, SC-183 Twelve Mile)
o Marlboro County Intersection Improvement (US-378 and HWY 15-401 Bypass W)
o Darlington County Intersection Improvement (S-179 and S-252)
o Sumter County Intersection Improvements (S-490 & S-40)
o Hobcaw Drainage Basin Improvements
o Berkeley County Safety Improvements (US-17A)
What have you learned during your internship so far?
One main thing I have learned during my internship so far is how to operate MicroStation. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m slowly learning more as my internship continues. I believe learning how to use this software will be a huge asset in my career.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
The people at RK&K are what I enjoy most. Whenever I get confused or have no idea what I’m doing, anyone I ask for help will take the time to explain it to me. I’m a visual person, so until I can see the process of something I don’t fully understand it, and everyone I have encountered from RK&K, whether they’re in my office, or if they’re in a different office and teams video me, they have always taken the time to show me.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them to take opportunities as they present themselves. It’s always better to start gaining experience early on, rather than getting to your senior year and having no experience. Not only will potential interviewers be impressed with your experience and initiative for starting early, but you will gain more knowledge to aid in your future successes.
What is one food you cannot go without?
I absoluely cannot go without pasta.
Caio Aliboni Parra
School: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2023
Office: Charlotte
Department: Transportaton – Highways
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
As a civil engineering student, I was eager to meet different areas of civil engineering, and what each area constitutes of. Through a job fair during in campus that happened over a year ago, I came across a RK&K booth, and I was immediately interested in asking questions. With that, the opportunity came to learn more about the job that RK&K provides by joining as a college intern.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I have had the privilege to work both with the Roadway and Drainage department in my internship experience, so my tasks in projects range from designing road superelevation and vertical clearance, to designing drainage networks and cross pipes.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
I have learned about the process of designing in a company setting, meaning that I got exposed to the importance of being organized between projects and the stages that go with them. Aside from learning how to design, more importantly I’ve learned the planning process and how it ties into the logic of the approach in the design.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
The dynamic with my co-workers has been super engaging, as I’ve had the opportunity to learn about different backgrounds in civil engineering. It also helps to bring some great fun socializing in the office.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Have an open mind to these opportunities because some things that you will learn at an internship, you may not learn in classes during college.
What is one food you cannot go without?
I cannot be without any kind of fish or seafood for more than a week!
Patrick Droney
School: Virginia Tech
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: 2025
Office: Baltimore
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to intern with RK&K this summer because I was looking for an opportunity to get my feet wet and learn from experienced people in the field. I had heard very good things about RK&K and so I decided to apply.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
For my first few weeks, I was interning with the Construction Management department, and I had the chance to work with inspectors on the I-95 ETL project in White Marsh. The project itself spans about 6 miles on the northbound side of I-95 and has several different components to it. I have been able to work with inspectors on the construction two bridges going over the Gunpowder River, multiple MSE and sound walls, and the construction of a Storm Pod retention system, among many others.
I just recently switched to the structures department, where I will be for the remainder of the summer. With structures I will be spending a lot of time in the field performing inspections on bridges and other smaller structures in the Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia area.
What have you learned during your internship so far??
I came into this internship knowing very little about large-scale construction projects, like the I-95 ETL project I was working on. However, after spending the last few weeks on site I have gained a much better understanding of the sequence of construction as well as the things that inspectors look for when overseeing work being done. Being on site has also taught me a lot about the working relationships that exist between owners, contractors, designers, and inspectors, and how all parties must work together to ensure that a project not only gets completed but that it is done correctly and safely.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
My favorite part about the internship so far has been having the opportunity to work and interact with highly experienced people. Many of them have had decades of experience in this field and they are always willing to teach me new things and answer any questions that I have. I feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by people with that much experience and they have definitely given me very good foundational knowledge to carry with me as I begin my career.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to ask as many questions as you can. The whole point of an internship is to be a sponge and to try to absorb as much knowledge as possible from experienced people in your career field. In my experience at RK&K, people were more than happy to answer any questions I had. Often, these people can teach you so much more than you’d ever learn in a class.
I would also tell students that are looking for internships to be patient with the process. It took me several months of searching and applying before I was able to land an internship with RK&K. For a while I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find anything, but I couldn’t be happier with where I ended up.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Peanut butter. You can put it on almost everything AND it tastes good just by itself.
Sara Qazzaz
School: Virginia Tech
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: June 2024
Office: Fairfax
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I got into engineering because my dad is also an engineer, and he inspires me to be the best version of myself every day. I decided to intern at RK&K because the outstanding reputation they hold and the incredible people I would be able to call mentors.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I have been on rotation; I have had a chance to work in the water resourses department along with the construction department. In water resources, we worked in Arlington to do BMP inspections. In construction, we are working on storm sewer assessments along with flood assessments.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
During my internship, I have learned a variety of skills such as navigating and using multiple different programs like MicroStation. I have also learned about every day to day in the field and what I can expect from working in these departments.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
As cliché as it sounds, I really have enjoyed learning about the different departments and learning what day to day looks like in this field.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
I would say ask all the questions you have! I was nervous starting here and I had so many questions. My mentors were very welcoming and advised me to ask all my questions. Don’t be nervous if you have questions, they truly understand it is your first time and will be understanding.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Pasta! I swear I could have it for every meal of the day.
Joe McCabe
School: Virginia Tech
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Baltimore
Department: Transportation – Highways
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I chose to intern for RK&K after meeting some of their employees and seeing their commitment to developing aspiring civil engineers.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I have interned with Water Resources, Surveys, Traffic, and Structures, and will be working with Highways for the remaining three weeks of my internship. I have gotten the chance to work on a wide variety of projects for MDOT SHA, DelDOT and even VDOT. So far, I have gotten to work on stormwater management projects and traffic management analyses for these roads.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
One main thing I have learned during my internship so far is how to operate MicroStation. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m slowly learning more as my internship continues. I believe learning how to use this software will be a huge asset in my career.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
RK&K has been willing to teach me skills to work on many projects and I have had little downtime. I have really enjoyed how my internship has brought me to work on projects throughout Maryland and Delaware, allowing me to visit and experience different parts of the Mid-Atlantic that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Get involved outside of academics and know how to sell yourself.
What is one food you cannot go without?
N/A
Gerardo Guerra Rivera
School: Western Carolina University
Major: Construction Management, Business Administration Minor
Expected Graduation Date: December 2024
Office: Raleigh
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
The decision to pursue an internship with RK&K was easy for me. Seeing how they treat their employees, and how there’s a well-established company culture and working environment really spoke loudly to me, and I enjoy being part of.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I am in the CEI department but specifically working with our municipal clients. I’ve closely been working with our Crabtree Creek West Greenway, which is a 2-mile greenway trail connection which includes pedestrian bridges and boardwalks located in the City of Raleigh. Also, with the Rolesville Main Street Improvement Project, which is a road diet to increase walkability, bikeability, and enhance the pedestrian experience.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
There is great importance in building and maintaining relationships with those who work closely with you, clients, and contractors. There is always a chance you will end up working with the same people over in different projects or different jobsites. Also, I’ve learned about grading, paving, plan reading, contract management, and project documentation for audits. All of this has given me a better understanding of what project management can be like.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
Field visits are at the top of the list, where I can see a project come to life from a set of plans. Seeing how many man hours and hands it takes to bring a project together, being able to watch and interact with real time problem solving, and just getting to see the amount of effort it takes to bring a project together that someday someone will enjoy. Also, learning from those in the field is an invaluable asset. You can always learn so much from them; what works or what doesn’t, or what is the most efficient way. There are some things you can’t learn from a book or school, and those only come from getting your hands dirty a little bit.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
It can be overwhelming and daunting putting yourself out there, but it will be rewarding for you and your career. Try to get internships in different concentrations to experience which one best suits you. Always be proactive when looking for internships, check when your school is hosting career fairs, following up with recruiters and checking companies’ websites for opportunities. Lastly, remember to always consider RK&K.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Anything my mom cooks!
Jackson Crocker
School: NC State University
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Baltimore
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to intern with RK&K this summer because I was looking for an opportunity to get my feet wet and learn from experienced people in the field. I had heard very good things about RK&K and so I decided to apply.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
For my first few weeks, I was interning with the Construction Management department, and I had the chance to work with inspectors on the I-95 ETL project in White Marsh. The project itself spans about 6 miles on the northbound side of I-95 and has several different components to it. I have been able to work with inspectors on the construction two bridges going over the Gunpowder River, multiple MSE and sound walls, and the construction of a Storm Pod retention system, among many others.
I just recently switched to the structures department, where I will be for the remainder of the summer. With structures I will be spending a lot of time in the field performing inspections on bridges and other smaller structures in the Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia area.
What have you learned during your internship so far??
I came into this internship knowing very little about large-scale construction projects, like the I-95 ETL project I was working on. However, after spending the last few weeks on site I have gained a much better understanding of the sequence of construction as well as the things that inspectors look for when overseeing work being done. Being on site has also taught me a lot about the working relationships that exist between owners, contractors, designers, and inspectors, and how all parties must work together to ensure that a project not only gets completed but that it is done correctly and safely.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
My favorite part about the internship so far has been having the opportunity to work and interact with highly experienced people. Many of them have had decades of experience in this field and they are always willing to teach me new things and answer any questions that I have. I feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by people with that much experience and they have definitely given me very good foundational knowledge to carry with me as I begin my career.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to ask as many questions as you can. The whole point of an internship is to be a sponge and to try to absorb as much knowledge as possible from experienced people in your career field. In my experience at RK&K, people were more than happy to answer any questions I had. Often, these people can teach you so much more than you’d ever learn in a class.
I would also tell students that are looking for internships to be patient with the process. It took me several months of searching and applying before I was able to land an internship with RK&K. For a while I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find anything, but I couldn’t be happier with where I ended up.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Peanut butter. You can put it on almost everything AND it tastes good just by itself.
Katerina Medori
School: Villanova University
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Wilmington
Department: Transportation – Highways
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to intern at RK&K because the office culture seemed very collaborative and the work that RK&K does was of interest to me. When I’m not working, I spend my time baking all sorts of desserts or watching movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?/h5>
I work in the highways department. I’ve worked on a shared use path conceptual design in Wilmington, DE between the Chase Fieldhouse and the Chase fields. This project aims to connect the two complexes to ease use. Another project I’ve worked on was researching options to convert the Woodland Ferry to an electrified one in Seaford, DE. The premise of the change is to reduce carbon emissions from the vessel while maintaining its operation.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
I have learned how to use Bentley software like MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer as well as what key features are needed on plan sets. During the internship I worked in MicroStation almost daily which has made me more efficient and allowed me to become very familiar with the program.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
Field visits to various project sites. Being able to see the existing conditions can help to conceptualize better design ideas by providing a better understanding of the site compared to aerial images of the site.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Just apply. You can’t go wrong with applying. The more applications you submit, the better your odds are of finding an internship that suits you. Some will lead to interviews, while others may end in rejection, but you would never know unless you apply.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher.
Samara Funk
School: Frostburg State University/ University of Maryland
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Keyser
Department: Environmental
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I am going to be a junior at Frostburg State University while also dual enrolling through the University of Maryland’s mechanical engineering program. I wanted to intern at RK&K because I knew it would help me gain knowledge, background experience, and relationships that could help me with future careers after college.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I interned with the environmental group at the Keyser, WV location. The main project that I was assigned to was smoke testing in the City of Frostburg. I also did office work, mostly involving AutoCAD and Bluebeam software’s.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
My internship and the people that I work with have helped me learn the basics of AutoCAD, ArcGIS Filed Maps, and Bluebeam. This will help me with some of the classes I have to take next semester and it gave me an idea of what softwares I would be using in the future.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
My favorite part about my internship is that I get to have a good balance of being outside while also learning new things in the office. When I’m outside conducting smoke testing, I get to walk a lot, meet new people, learn new things as we go, and work with a team to get a task done.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
My advice to future students looking for an internship is to never give up and reach far out of your comfort zone. The interview portion of the process will be the scariest thing because you must impress people you have never met before, but after that, those people become your mentors and someone who you can go to with any question you may have. It’s really a cool and accomplishing feeling to get the opportunity to internship somewhere during college.
What is one food you cannot go without?
BAGELS! They are my favorite after work snack.
Nick Yeagy
School: Penn State Harrisburg
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2024
Office: Harrisburg
Department: Transportation – Highways
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I’m working towards a degree in civil engineering with a focus in structures. After talking with people who worked for RK&K, I could tell it was a good company with a great culture.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I work out of the Harrisburg, PA office in the Highways Department. I primarily work with the structures group on bridge projects, but I get chances to work with other groups as well. I’ve helped with rebar detailing for both the Colombia-Wrightsville bridge rehabilitation in southcentral PA, and a bridge replacement for the SR309-Tilghman project in Allentown, PA. I’ve also helped with roadway drainage for Ridge Pike in Montgomery County, PA.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
Bridge anatomy, how bridges are built, the business side of engineering, and lots of drafting practice.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
The people. Everyone here is very welcoming and great about taking some time to explain how designs are done, how projects happen, and provide mentoring in general.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
The earlier you can get any internship experience, the better. What you’re taught in school merely scratches the surface of real-world engineering.
What is one food you cannot go without?
The earlier you can get any internship experience, the better. What you’re taught in school merely scratches the surface of real-world engineering.
Dylan Dwyer
School: Chattanooga State Community College
Major: Engineering Technology
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Bristol
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
After my first year of college I was interested in finding a job that would get me some experience and teach me things outside of the classroom.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I have been interning in the CEI department and have been on six different projects, two bridge projects, a roundabout project, a restriping project on the night shift, a design build project, and I have worked on a guardrail project.
What have you learned during your internship so far??
I have learned a lot from my internship such as but not pertaining to always having the correct PPE on, refer to the contract if you are unsure of something, always make sure that traffic control is properly set up. I have also learned more specific details such as what a controlled crack is on a bridge deck and why it is important. I have also learned how to do inclinometer readings and much more.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
Overall, I enjoyed everything, but what I most enjoyed was seeing a bridge deck before any concrete had been poured and getting to learn the ins and outs of what goes into building a bridge.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
The advice I would give to students is once they found an internship to ask as many questions as you can and to approach the internship as a future career and not just a job.
What is one food you cannot go without?
I absolutely cannot go without Fettucine chicken alfredo
Rachel Murphy
School: Elizabethtown College
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Office: Baltimore
Department: Planning
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I am a dual sport athlete in college playing field hockey and lacrosse. Outside of sports I enjoy being in the outdoors and baking. I wanted to intern at RK&K because of the atmosphere and culture that RK&K provides along with the fun projects we can work on.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
The first two weeks of the summer I was in the Highways department completing quantities for curb and roads and creating MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) plans for Geotech borings. The next four weeks I was in the Structures department writing reports for completed inspections and going out in the field looking at bridges some of which required man lifts or snoopers to inspect as well as crawling through culverts to complete inspections. The following two weeks I was in Planning looking at the different projects they were working on followed by Geotech the last two weeks.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
I have learned what I am looking for in a bridge that is okay and won’t cause further damage and what is fracture critical that needs a more urgent response.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
My favorite part of my internship so far was going in a snooper to inspect a five-pier bridge in Northern Virginia by the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them to take every opportunity they are given and take in as much information as possible to learn and grown not only in their department, but as a person as well.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Anything pasta related.
Jake Liberatore
School: Virginia Military Institute
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: May 2024
Office: Richmond
Department: Construction Engineering & Inspection
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I decided on RK&K because my interview process was really welcoming. I spoke with Grant Howerton and Colin Reilly, told them what I was looking to get out of this summer, and they ensured me that I would get the experience I wanted.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I worked with two departments one being Construction/Inspection and the other being Structures. With construction, I was in the field on the I-95 Bridge Bundle Project where I shadowed Lucy Travers doing field inspections and working closely with VDOT. With the Structures department I worked on structural analysis of the Leesburg Shop HVAC loadings.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
I’ve enjoyed meeting people the most. I have learned a lot and seen some cool things, but being able to make connections with all the people on the job site and in the office was what I have enjoyed the most.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
My favorite part about my internship is that I get to have a good balance of being outside while also learning new things in the office. When I’m outside conducting smoke testing, I get to walk a lot, meet new people, learn new things as we go, and work with a team to get a task done.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
I would advise them to do a lot of research. I have worked three internships with three different companies because I wanted to make sure that I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I graduate. An internship is like a test drive, it’s always best to test drive your career before you decide on something.
What is one food you cannot go without?
A food that I cannot go without is my mom’s homemade pasta sauce. I like her sauce so much I could eat it by itself.
Glen Mitchell
School: North Carolina State University
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: 2026
Office: Baltimore
Department: Utilities
Tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to intern at RK&K?
I wanted to intern at RK&K because I wasn’t sure what specific field of civil engineering I wanted to pursue. RK&K has many different departments I have been able to explore and gain experience in.
What department do you intern with and what projects/assignments have you worked on during your internship?
I wanted to intern at RK&K because I wasn’t sure what specific field of civil engineering I wanted to pursue. RK&K has many different departments I have been able to explore and gain experience in.
What have you learned during your internship so far?
I have developed my AutoCAD, MicroStation, and civil 3d skills.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
Meeting many different people with different careers and experiencing some of their work. Everyone I have met has been super friendly and helpful.
For your fellow students who would be looking at internships in the future, what advice would you give them?
Make connections with people.
What is one food you cannot go without?
Pizza.
