Internship Program Spotlighted in Civil Engineering Magazine
In 2025, Freese and Nichols welcomed 105 interns from dozens of schools to paid summer positions at 21 of our offices across the United States — triple the number we had in 2021.
That growth has been driven by a companywide commitment to developing broad-ranging content and deep connections. The program has become a vital bridge for identifying young talent across multiple fields who can eventually join on a full-time basis. It also aims to create opportunities for students to build skills as they interact with professionals, explore different aspects of the industry, and learn about their own strengths and interests.
For the March/April issue of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Civil Engineering magazine, James “JB” Ferguson, PE, and Jamie Hudson, PE, members of our Transportation team in Pearland, Texas, write about our internship program with insights and advice on how firms can use internships as a powerful recruiting tool.
In “How to build a successful internship program,” JB, a Transportation Group Manager, and Jamie, a Transportation design engineer, write:
“As architecture, engineering and construction firms increasingly compete for engineering talent, building a pipeline through internships is an important step to prepare for the future. Creating and growing a successful internship program requires commitment, intention and creativity to make the experience a meaningful investment for companies and an unforgettable experience for aspiring engineers.
“The right kind of training and insight into the realities of civil engineering life will draw college students into the field — and, hopefully, to civil engineering firms. Doing that requires a well-planned strategy that is successfully executed across every facet of the program. Start by connecting with interns on day one with onboarding, introducing them to daily tasks, and partnering them with a mentor. Be sure to schedule time for fun and activities that reinforce your culture.”
They also explore how Freese and Nichols weaves into the program practice insights, hands-on experience, career advice and relationship building. And the article includes testimonials from Abby Kubin, Transmission-Utilities in Frisco, and David Cherry, Transportation in Pearland, both of whom worked with multiple groups during repeat internship stints.
Read the full article: How to build a successful internship program
