What It’s Like Working as an Intern at Walden

In the engineering world, co-ops, research, and internships are usually an integral part of the learning process for many aspiring engineers. I myself am one of those people — through Walden, I have been very fortunate to be an intern, and have learned a lot about the process of engineering — beyond the physics, calculus, and science that is to be expected.

So: What is it like to be an intern for Walden Environmental Engineering? Well, back in late 2023, I found myself asking that question in my senior year of high school. I was part of a specialized program, where in the second semester of my senior year, I’d spend the latter half of each school day completing an internship and gaining real world experience in my field. My journey started when I found Walden’s website and phone number. The first time I called, I introduced myself on the phone and the fact that I was looking for an internship as a high school student. Within just a few weeks, we had organized my first interview over Zoom, where I explained what I was looking for, and my interviewer explained some of what Walden did. For my second interview, I went to my local office in the Hudson Valley and met some more of the staff, and soon received an email with a job offer and expectations of the internship.

For my first winter to early summer stint with Walden, I learned the basics about what an environmental engineering company does. I learned the basics about stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water management. I also learned how to dress, use a fax machine, and order supplies for the office. I interacted heavily with my coworkers, who not only assigned me work, but helped me better understand the engineering field (such as what a Professional Engineering license is) and even gave advice that led me to choose my major in college.

After my freshman year of college, I returned earlier this spring as a rising sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering at SUNY University at Buffalo. This summer, I’ve delved further into the semantics of engineering. I’ve learned about OSHA and HAZWOPER through a course I took and weekly refresher meetings that Walden offers, attending “New Hires” meetings that help familiarize me further with what Walden does, blog writing, report writing, how construction plans and contracts work, and so much more. I’ve learned office skills (like using Word and Excel), but have also assisted in research, calculations, and more. Walden is a very social environment, so working collaboratively has also been a huge part of my work experience. Completing an internship through Walden Environmental Engineering has been a formative experience for me, and taught me integral skills necessary in my future career that I may not have learned otherwise until after graduation.

Interested in learning more about working as an engineering intern? Walden typically hires at least one college intern each summer – contact us at 516-559-6976 to speak with our hiring team.