National Intern Day
Happy National Intern Day! Observed each year on the last Thursday of July, National Intern Day is dedicated to recognizing the hard work, energy, and fresh ideas interns bring to workplaces across the country. At French & Parrello Associates (FPA), we recognize interns as future innovators and problem-solvers who help to make a real impact on our work and culture. We are proud to celebrate their contributions, dedication, and growth, and we are excited to see all that they will accomplish in their careers.
After spending the summer gaining hands-on experience and contributing to real-world projects, our interns had a lot to share about their time at FPA. We asked them questions on what they’ve learned, what surprised them, and what advice they’d give to future interns. Here’s what they had to say:
Matthew Shaljian
Mechanical Engineering
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
My greatest takeaway during my internship at FPA would be how each project requires a different approach and presents a unique challenge in the design process. As well as just how much can be learned every day and with every project. Utilizing what I learned in school and working with team members made the design work very rewarding when finding solutions.
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
The best thing about interning at FPA is the opportunity to work with so many knowledgeable people and gain professional experience. Going on site visits and learning about the process from design to construction, puts into perspective the work that goes into a project.
What’s one thing you didn’t expect to learn but did?
I didn’t expect to learn about how many different types of HVAC and mechanical equipment are available to use in designing a project. The selection for cooling/heating size, the dimensions, and serviceability all can vary between brands and models. When finally selecting the right equipment based on the requirements of the design, it feels like putting together a puzzle.
How would you describe the company culture at FPA in three words?
Encouraging, Collaborative, Supportive
What advice would you give to a future intern at FPA?
My advice would be to ask questions and take notes. A lot of information is passed around and it’s important to know what is being done and the specifics of the given task. Asking questions is essential to understanding why certain decisions are made and to gain knowledge from someone with more experience.
Jovan Rivera
Structural Engineering
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
My greatest takeaway during my over 2 years on-and-off internship all year around is that your efforts really do not go unnoticed. You put in the hard work, research, and dedication towards even the little things, and it makes such a positive impact.
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
The best thing about interning at FPA is the love you receive day-to-day. Everyone feels like family around here and will go out of their way to help you in every way possible.
What’s one thing you didn’t expect to learn but did?
Confidence in the work I do!
If you could swap roles with someone at FPA for a day, who would it be and why?
Day 1 Jovan to remind him that time moves quickly and to make every day one worth leaving with a smile on your face, no matter how stressful or busy work is going.
What advice would you give to a future intern at FPA?
On the clock, show that you can be the best in your department to do it in the future … off the clock, live every day to the fullest and soak in every minute life offers you.
What’s your go-to coffee or lunch order during your internship?
… I love my Dino Nuggets with some Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce!
What song has been on repeat for you this summer?
iwbtotsy – Brenn!
Paige DeGiovanni
Landscape Architecture
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
My greatest takeaway from interning at FPA has to be the countless hours of advice and assistance I have been able to receive from my mentors. I am so fortunate to work for a company where everyone has been so eager to answer all of my questions and to have the opportunity to talk about more than just project assistance. The advice I’ve been given in regards to my career, general life goals, and beyond has been indispensable for my continued growth as student transitioning into the workforce.
What’s one thing you didn’t expect to learn but did?
The project scope at FPA extends far beyond any other company I’ve worked for. I was surprised as a Landscape Architect to be working with so many projects that extend beyond green space such as lighting plans, utility plans, and parking lot design. Learning these skills has definitely broadened my horizon on project sets and details and overall has made me feel more rounded in my skill sets.
What advice would you give to a future intern at FPA?
I think it’s important to find a balance between absorbing every bit of knowledge and advice you can, while still being confident in your own capabilities that you bring to the table to get any job done (even if you need to get some assistance along the way).
What’s your go-to coffee or lunch order during your internship?
A hot chai with a shot of espresso and whipped cream from Wawa.
What song has been on repeat for you this summer?
back to friends by sombr
Amanda Gettings
Geotechnical Engineering
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
The best thing about interning at FPA is the company culture and people. Everyone that I have met and worked with throughout my internship have been incredibly kind, smart, and eager to explain concepts or answer any questions. Additionally, the collaborative and inclusive culture has created a very positive work environment for me throughout my internship thus far.
How would you describe the company culture at FPA in three words?
Collaborative, Hardworking, Welcoming
What advice would you give to a future intern at FPA?
The advice that I would give to a future intern at FPA would be to not be afraid to ask questions. I believe that asking questions bridges the gap between knowledge learned in college classes and real-world applications. As someone once told me at the beginning of my internship, there are no stupid questions, there are only stupid mistakes when you don’t ask the question you have been wondering.
What’s your go-to coffee or lunch order during your internship?
My go to breakfast/lunch during my internship is a weekly plain bagel with cream cheese on Bagel Wednesday!
Gavin Kohute
Civil/Site Engineering
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
My greatest takeaway has been that there is always something more to learn in this field and you should try to be a sponge, absorbing as much information as you can. While you can’t catch everything, you should always make a point to take notes and learn from your experiences.
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
One of the best parts of interning at FPA has been the network I’ve built. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from experienced staff members who have given me great advice not just on technical skills but also on valuable career guidance.
What’s one thing you didn’t expect to learn but did?
One thing I was pleasantly surprised to learn was how many different roles a civil engineer plays day-to-day in the workplace. From understanding legal documents to testing soil in the field and designing infrastructure, every day can be different.
How would you describe the company culture at FPA in three words?
Diverse, Fast-Paced, Encouraging. FPA represents people from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that integrates well into the different disciplines of engineering. Additionally, the company promotes a culture of growth, where individuals are motivated and supported to reach their full potential.
Brian Migliaccio
Environmental Engineering
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions leads to learning, and builds relationships through thoughtful communication.
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
The work experience. I feel that some internships don’t actually teach you much, and all you get to do is fetch coffee or organize papers. At FPA I learn something new every day, and I feel that I truly contribute to the projects I’m assigned to work on.
How would you describe the company culture at FPA in three words?
Friendly, Encouraging, Understanding
What song has been on repeat for you this summer?
Breathe Deeper – Tame Impala
Elizabeth Tardy
Marketing
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
My greatest takeaway during my internship was being able to gain insight into how an office operates early on to experience for future opportunities.
How would you describe the company culture at FPA in three words?
Innovative, collaborative, and inclusive
What advice would you give to a future intern at FPA?
Ask questions and take advantage of the opportunities you are given!
What song has been on repeat for you this summer?
Wondering Why – The Red Clay Strays
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