Summer Interns Craft Careers and Connections at Coughlin Porter Lundeen
This summer, we were lucky to have seven outstanding interns join us. For some, it was a summer of firsts: first internship, first time interacting with real engineers, and first site visit. For others, it was their second summer at our office, and we were thrilled to welcome them back!
Civil engineering intern Braden Tarrago joined us again this summer after completing his junior year at the University of Washington, and Stanford University master’s students Olivia and Isabel Yamashita also trekked back up north for their second summer in a row.
When asked to reflect on his second summer, Braden said, “I learned so many things! But I can sort it into two categories: technical and non-technical. The amount of technical information that I learned was incredible. From stormwater regulations to ADA codes and construction administration, I was exposed to so much valuable information. Beyond the technical, I learned a lot about communication and how to ask the right questions, as well as how to collaborate in a team that is working toward one central goal. My time at Coughlin Porter Lundeen showed me how to work in a professional AEC environment, which I am very grateful for.”
It’s always been our practice to give interns real work during their time with us. We want to set them up for future success! By exposing interns to many team members, and projects of varied markets, materials, client types, and construction phases, they’re able to learn more about the field and can better refine their interests. It also helps determine whether they are fit as potential full-time hires. (A few of our principals even started as interns!)
“It can be hard to look at what you’re learning in a classroom and see how it relates to your future career,” shared structural intern Isabel. “But after this summer, I was able to see where the information I learned in school could be applied to the work that I was doing. I’ll be going back to school with an even greater appreciation for everything that I’m learning.”
Each intern worked on different tasks and projects throughout the summer. Structural intern and Cal Poly SLO junior Luke Johnson developed a tool to test the strength of structural beams. As penetrations are made to accommodate building infrastructure, his tool calculates and updates beam capacities.
“Beam penetrations occur when openings are cut in steel beam webs in order to pass utility lines and ducts through. The loss of material reduces the strength of the beam. We often do this calculation using software, but the guidelines for doing so are overly restrictive, so there are many cases where we end up doing our own calculation to determine the strength. One of my projects for the summer was to create sample calculations and assemble master data to help with beam penetrations. I created an Excel program to quickly determine the strength in these cases, and then tested it by checking it against some values from our software, along with several examples from past projects,” Luke explained. “Being encouraged to create and test this beam penetration calculator was a definite highlight of my internship experience.”
Every summer, our internship program features a neighborhood walking tour where we showcase our projects and their history in that area. This year we explored Pioneer Square. An incredibly historic and storied area of Seattle, our team has designed and seismically upgraded countless projects in the neighborhood since we opened our doors in 1994. Defined by charming brick and eclectic stories, the Pioneer Square tour was a hit.
“It was amazing to learn about the rich history of the area and see the hand Coughlin Porter Lundeen has had in preserving the past. And it was so cool to see how minimal of an impact retrofits actually have on the look of a building,” structural intern Olivia said.
In addition to working hard, our summer internship program embraces and expects our interns to have some fun. From the company-wide golf tournament, the intern social at Flatstick Pub (mini golf, anyone!?), and our Pioneer Square walking tour, there’s no shortage of activities for our interns to enjoy.
“One of the highlights for me was the intern social. It was really fun to get to know the other interns better and play some mini golf,” shared University of Washington student Drew Ayling (our rockstar administrative intern!). Drew was a lifesaver this summer as he helped the firm digitize hundreds of physical drawings from old projects. He was a sight to behold as he hauled old drawing sets around the office, some of which our full-time staff had never even seen before.
From dipping their toes into building codes to touring a flagship neighborhood, our interns enjoyed both the technical and fun experiences that come with a Coughlin Porter Lundeen internship. As their school year kicks into gear, we asked for any insight they may want to pass along to future interns.
Civil intern and Gonzaga University student Ally Delaney summed it up perfectly. “I would tell future interns to ask lots of questions and talk to as many different people as they can. Everyone at Coughlin Porter Lundeen has a wealth of knowledge, and you should take advantage of that! I had so much fun meeting everyone in the office and getting to know all the amazing people who work at Coughlin Porter Lundeen. Everyone was always so kind and willing to help whenever I needed it.”
Thank you, interns, for all your hard work this summer. We wish each of you the best in your future pursuits.
Interested in interning with us? We accept full-time and part-time applicants year-round.
If you are a strong, outgoing, and motivated student interested in a structural or civil engineering career, we encourage you to apply. You will get the opportunity to work with many of our engineers and learn more about the field of consulting engineering. Learn more: