As in previous years, Elara’s summer interns were once again embedded within market-focused teams working side-by-side with our engineering experts on a wide variety of multidisciplinary projects.
The 6 interns, as active members of Elara’s technical design teams, were tasked with completing field surveys at various sites, utilizing AutoCAD (2D) and REVIT (3D) drafting/modeling software to support the preparation of engineering drawings, executing basic engineering calculations, and completing an end-of-summer tour of a project currently in construction.
With the goal of introducing the interns to a wide variety of topics relevant to our industry, other elements of Elara’s Summer Internship Program included weekly presentations from our Principals, Team Leaders, Project Engineers, and other firm leaders. The variety of topics included “Plumbing Jeopardy”, an “Intern to Full Time Employee” panel discussion, “The Past, Present, and Future of CAD/BIM”, “Insights from the Principals”, and technical presentations for all of Elara’s MEPFP disciplines and markets.
Elara’s 2022 Summer Internship Program culminated in a joint presentation by the interns to Elara leadership (followed by a wonderful lunch celebration) covering a technical topic each student chose to learn about throughout the summer. Specifically, through both independent research and collaboration with our engineers, the interns developed presentations that exhibited what they learned during their internship, took a deeper dive into their chosen topic, and taught our firm’s leadership something new.
My summer internship experience at Elara was amazing. I had an opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of engineers that helped me grow not only in my drafting and design skills, but also in my communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. My favorite experience was the onsite visits because they allowed me to see – right before me — what I was drawing on CAD.
~Sheel P., High School Student, Aspiring Mechanical Engineer
I know for a fact that the experience I gained from this summer – learning how the engineering side of buildings work — will greatly benefit me as I continue my schooling in architecture.
~Mason M., University of Colorado Denver, Architecture Major
It was great to intern with Elara this summer. I greatly improved my CAD skills, learned how to perform basic calculations, and got to go on site to see our design work come to life. It was great working with the people at Elara!
~Amelia M., Kansas State University, Architectural Engineering Major, Mathematics and Classical Studies Minors
My favorite aspect of the internship was the site visits I got to go on. It was awesome to see the parts of buildings most people don’t get to see. All around though, it was an amazing experience and I’m glad I got the opportunity to intern for Elara.
~Alex B., Purdue Northwest University, Mechanical Engineering Technology Major
My favorite aspect of working at Elara was the mix of things I got to do: from going on site, to working in AutoCAD, to working on benchmarking. It was also a great introduction to some topics that I have not yet learned in school and it was very helpful to get real world knowledge.
~Luke P., Calvin University, Engineering Major with a Mechanical Concentration, Mathematics Minor
Elara is pleased to offer internships for aspiring engineers each summer with additional opportunities to engage students throughout the year. Resumes for internship consideration can be submitted to employment@elaraeng.com.
