Interns at FPA: Angel Dong
In recognition of National Intern Day, we’re highlighting some of the students currently in the Internship Program at French & Parrello Associates (FPA). National Intern Day, held on July 25th this year, is used as an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the future leaders of our world. Through this spotlight series, we mean to highlight our appreciation for the Interns at FPA and all the hard work they do.
The following is a Q&A with Angel Dong, an Intern in the Bridges Department at FPA. Angel currently attends Princeton University as a Civil and Environmental Engineering student. She will be entering her senior year this Fall.
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
The biggest thing I’ve learned from this internship is how important it is to ask for help when you need it. It can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but asking questions really clears things up, helps you learn more about what you’re doing, and allows you to pick up tips and tricks for completing tasks more efficiently. It’s also a great way to build relationships with your coworkers. Everyone I’ve worked with has been really kind, so talking to them hasn’t been scary at all.
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
One of the aspects I really appreciate about working at FPA is the people. Everyone I’ve worked with has been very understanding and supportive. Whenever I receive a task, they not only provide detailed instructions but also explain its importance within the broader context. This has been immensely beneficial as I continue to learn more about the field and how projects come together.
What career path do you hope to take after graduation?
After graduation, I intend to pursue graduate studies to obtain a master’s degree before transitioning into full-time employment. I hope to work in structural engineering, focusing on either bridge or building design. I feel confident in this career path because I have enjoyed my coursework, research experiences, and internship in this field so far.
