AKS Internship Program: A Launchpad for Future Professionals
Every summer, a new group of students begins laying the groundwork for their careers and gains real-world experience through our internship program. This year, we had the privilege of working with our largest intern class yet—24 students who brought curiosity, energy, and fresh perspectives to our teams.
As this year’s class returns to school for the fall, it’s time for us to start looking ahead. If you’re a student exploring a future in civil engineering, surveying, construction management, planning, or marketing, consider joining us next summer. We’ve already updated our program details for next year and will begin accepting applications in October. The AKS internship program is a paid opportunity and requires a 12-week commitment.
Learn More About Program Details →
2025 Intern Reflections: What They Learned and Loved
Before our interns left, we sat down with them to talk about their experience. A few common themes emerged surrounding their collective experience: they each appreciated the hands-on experience, career exploration, and mentorship and culture.
Hands-On Learning
Our interns appreciated the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real projects, whether in the field or at a desk. Working alongside a team allows them to see how CAD designs translate into fieldwork, understand the context behind technical drawings and calculations, and gain clarity on what the daily life of an engineer looks like.
- “It takes what I learned in the classroom, the dots on a page, the theories, and turns them into something I can tangibly understand,” – Tobin, Survey.
- “I get to go on-site to meetings with my supervisor, but I also get to go on-site by myself and learn how to be confident,” – Eliana, Inspection.
Career Exploration
Many interns used their summer at AKS to test-drive different roles and clarify their career goals. Some discovered new interests, while others confirmed the paths they want to pursue. One returning intern even used this summer to explore a career pivot from engineering to marketing—a great example of how the program supports curiosity and growth across disciplines.
- “If you advocate for yourself, you can get involved with the type of work you want. You really get to explore,” Anika, Marketing.
- “You get to see not just one position, but multiple positions, which is really nice. You get a better view of what the entire industry is like,” – Levi, Inspection.
Mentorship & Team Culture
We also heard from many of our interns how much they valued the support and guidance they received from AKS staff. They noted that they felt encouraged to ask questions, explore their roles, and make a meaningful contribution to their teams. That sense of inclusion and mentorship helped build confidence and understand the work behind civil design.
- “The culture is very good in terms of folks willing to help you. And they definitely give you opportunities to see stuff that you haven’t seen or tried before,” – Ike, Engineering.
- “The office culture here has been a big highlight for me. I’ve felt very included within my team,” – Rowan, Engineering.
How the Program Works
The AKS Internship Program takes place each summer with spots available in most of our office locations across Oregon and Washington. Participants are required to commit to 12 weeks at AKS with flexible start and end dates depending on the individual’s school schedule. The paid internships include assignments in field surveying, construction inspection, civil engineering, natural resources, planning/landscape architecture, accounting, and marketing. Though we prefer to start most civil engineering majors in the field with surveying their first summer, assignments are made based on staffing needs and consider the individual’s experience. One of the highlights is Career Day, when we bring all of the new interns together for a full day in Tualatin, Oregon. They learn about how all the various components of a project tie together and what kinds of career pathways are available. The day is capped off with a site tour guided by our in-house construction inspectors.
Who Should Apply?
Our program is highly competitive, so students should apply early. The program fills up quickly every year. If you are pursuing a degree in civil engineering, surveying, or related fields, you are encouraged to apply. Download the application and program summary for the internship you are interested in and follow the instructions to be considered.
Whether you’re curious about surveying, passionate about civil design, or exploring your path, there’s a place for you at AKS.