As summer comes to a close, we’re wrapping up another year of the E&A Summer Internship Program. This year marked the program’s 11th cohort, with 16 students from six universities and one high school joining E&A for the summer.
Over the past few months, our interns got a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in the engineering industry. From contributing to real-world projects and gaining field experience to learning new software and building connections with E&A team members, the summer gave them opportunities to learn, grow, and see what a career in engineering can look like.
Learning by Doing
One of the most valuable parts of the E&A internship experience is the opportunity to work on real projects alongside experienced professionals. Throughout the summer, interns worked in both the office and the field, gaining exposure to different stages of projects and seeing how the concepts they learn in the classroom are applied in the real world.
“It’s exciting to work on actual projects. I can now drive around Omaha and point out multiple SIDs I worked on. It’s rewarding to see something you worked on come to life,” said Robert Doble, Municipal Services Intern.
Interns worked with a variety of E&A teams and disciplines, gaining insight into the many career paths available within the civil engineering industry. They also developed technical skills by working with engineering software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Whether they were working alongside a project team in the office or getting out into the field, these experiences gave our interns a better understanding of what it takes to move a project from an idea to a finished product.
Robert Doble, Municipal Services – University of Nebraska at Omaha; Andrew Smallfield, Transportation & Public Works – University of Nebraska at Omaha; Ethan Nguyen, Construction Administration – Wayne State College; David Ames, Construction Administration – University of Nebraska at Omaha; Ben Wehrbein, Civil Engineering – University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ben Schmitz, Land Surveying – University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Samuel Lavender, Municipal Services – University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Arturo Garcia-Francisco, Construction Administration – University of Nebraska at Omaha; Seth Halsted, Land Surveying – University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Jacob Strader, Land Surveying – Doane University; Jesse Guzman-Lopez, Civil Engineering – Omaha North High School; Hailey Solis, Municipal Services – University of Nebraska at Omaha; Keily Corona, Planning Services – Iowa State University; Ainsley Taylor, Planning Services – University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Kaitlyn Whalen, Civil Engineering – University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Jacob Campbell, Civil Engineering – South Dakota State University.
More Than an Internship
The internship experience extended beyond day-to-day project work. Throughout the summer, interns participated in networking and team-building activities designed to help them connect with their fellow interns and other E&A employees.
The group took in a Storm Chasers baseball game, put their knowledge to the test during trivia, teed up at Topgolf and wrapped up the summer with an end-of-summer celebration at Smash Park, complete with a little friendly competition on the pickleball courts. These activities gave interns the chance to step away from their desks, build professional relationships and get to know the people they spent the summer working alongside.
Interns also had opportunities to develop skills that will help them throughout their future careers. They participated in a networking and etiquette lunch, gave presentations and had the opportunity to interview E&A leaders.
“There’s so much room to grow. Besides the day-to-day work, there are intern events where you have the opportunity to build on your soft skills, including presenting and public speaking, and work with other people to build your professional network,” said David Ames, Construction Administration Intern.
Giving Back to the Community
Giving back is an important part of who we are at E&A, and this summer’s interns had the opportunity to put that value into action through a service project supporting local students and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.
Partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and Completely KIDS, the interns led a School Supply Drive, collecting school supplies for local students as they prepared for the school year. With the help and generosity of the E&A team, they collected more than 3,600 items for the two organizations.
At The Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit that provides a comfortable home for families with ill or injured children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, the interns cleaned and helped organize rooms for guests.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 internship program comes to an end, we’re proud of what this year’s interns experienced and contributed during their time at E&A. We’re excited to see how they apply the skills, knowledge, and connections they developed this summer.
We’re grateful to this year’s interns for bringing their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to E&A and making the 2026 summer one to remember. Best of luck as they head back to school, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.
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