Celebrating Our Summer Interns: A Season of Learning and Growth

As the summer draws to a close, we want to extend a special thanks to our interns in our environmental, geotechnical, and construction materials testing divisions. You each made a difference to the Patriot team, and we are excited about what you will take back to your programs at school.

Reflections from the Field and Office 

This summer, our interns had the opportunity to dive into real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience in both fieldwork and office settings. Colton Brown, who spent much of his internship working directly with clients, shared, “I have enjoyed my internship experience and knowledge gained from working in the field and with many different clients.” His time with us has provided him with a solid foundation in client interactions and the complexities of environmental services. 

For Daphne Bush, the experience was about deepening her passion for geotechnical engineering. “I have enjoyed working with everyone and appreciate the opportunities I have been given to learn and grow at Patriot. The environment has allowed me to gain hands-on experience both in the field and in the office, deepening my understanding and passion for geotechnical engineering,” she reflected. Daphne’s journey highlights the importance of a supportive environment in fostering both professional and personal growth. 

Bridging Theory and Practice 

Internships are a crucial step in connecting classroom learning with practical application. Nick Collins found this especially true during his time in the lab. “One of the aspects I truly enjoyed was connecting the lab work to real-world projects and understanding how it impacts the construction process. Working in the lab allowed me to practice skills that will be invaluable in my journey through Geotech post-graduation,” he states. His experience exemplifies how these internships are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for their future careers. 

Memorable Moments and Hands-On Learning 

Our interns also experienced the excitement of seeing projects come to life on job sites. Daniel Harrison shared one such moment: “My favorite part has been going to job sites and seeing the impressive projects Patriot works on. For example, last week I got to observe a wall-building crew build a retaining wall from the foundation up, including backfilling with dirt and gravel every few layers of brick. I was in awe at the power of some of the construction machines they were using.” Beyond the field, Daniel appreciated the camaraderie in the office, saying, “I have enjoyed getting to meet the other workers in the office and learning that every office has a unique collection of impressive people who all work together to get projects done.” 

Sophia Petrone, another intern, emphasized the impact of hands-on learning. “I have enjoyed the amount of hands-on experience and training received in the total 6 months at Patriot. I am a hands-on learner, and getting the chance to be a part of many different projects has been fun and a great learning experience,” she said. Sophia’s experience last year also set her up for success in her academic endeavors, where she found herself ahead of the curve thanks to her time at Patriot. “The class was easier for me, and it allowed me to help teach others about working in the field. Teaching others helped solidify so much of my field knowledge,” she added. 

Building Connections and Exploring New Interests 

Internships are not just about work; they’re about building connections and discovering new interests. Cassandra Stec felt a strong sense of community. “Since day one, I was welcomed with open arms by all areas of Patriot and have had great conversations with colleagues from all areas of the company. I like that there’s a strong sense of community within the company,” she stated. This sense of belonging and the ability to connect with colleagues across different disciplines are invaluable aspects of the internship experience. 

For Nathan Surber, who is majoring in finance, the internship offered a variety of experiences that went beyond his field of study. “What I enjoyed about my internship was the variety. As a finance major, I liked helping with the business development pipeline and searching for jobs from proposal requests. I also enjoyed the change of pace with testing in the field,” Nathan said. His experience underscores the diverse opportunities available to interns at Patriot, allowing them to explore different facets of the industry. 

A Bright Future Ahead 

As our summer interns prepare to return to their studies, we are confident that the skills and experiences they have gained at Patriot will serve them well in their future endeavors. We are proud to have been a part of their professional journey and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their respective fields.  

Thank you, interns, for your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm. You have made a lasting impression on our team!