Internships offer students the exciting opportunity to work in their field before graduation and partake in an enhanced learning experience. For one Midwest architecture, engineering, and interior design firm, an intern program gives them the added benefit of growing future talent, right in their offices.
Internships at TowerPinkster Architects and Engineers allow individuals to learn the day-to-day inner workings of an A|E firm, develop new skills, form professional relationships, and discover their passions in the field. TowerPinkster, which offers architecture, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, and planning services, has hosted over 25 interns in the last three years.
These students have come from high schools, colleges, and universities all over the Midwest, including Fruitport High School, Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University, The University of Notre Dame, Buffalo State University, and Ball State University. The firm averages around ten interns at one time, making up over 10% of the workforce at TowerPinkster.
“Our interns are guided and mentored by the firm’s most seasoned team members,” said Carrie Hoch-Mortlock, TowerPinkster’s Human Resources Manager. “We strive to have our interns working side-by-side with our experts on all types of building projects from beginning to end. They meet with clients and understand that they are an integral part of our team.”
Past and present interns at the firm have praised the opportunities for professional growth and networking the program has offered them, the flexibility to work around their school schedule, and the diversity of the work.
Sabrina Senninger, a student at Ball State University, has completed three architectural internships with TowerPinkster.
“Every semester, my internship challenges my skills and expands my knowledge about the architectural profession,” said Senninger. “What I learn translates back to my coursework and provides me with a much more holistic educational experience.”
The high-quality level of work that their interns have learned to produce has resulted in 90% of TowerPinkster’s interns being offered and accepting a position with the firm post-graduation.
“As a mechanical intern for the last three years at TowerPinkster, throughout both undergraduate and graduate degrees, my supervisors and co-workers were extremely supportive, flexible, and helpful,” said Kelsey Pitschel, a graduate of Western Michigan University. “Everyone I work with is an incredible mentor with a wealth of knowledge and positivity. Transitioning into a full-time role as a Mechanical Designer, I am even more eager to learn from my colleagues and grow the skills I've been developing over the years.”
The firm recognizes that internships are only one aspect of educational development for students, heavily preceded by a sound education. TowerPinkster is financially committed to advancing student education in the architecture and engineering field by funding a Kalamazoo Valley Community College Scholarship, a Grand Valley State University Endowment Fund, Western Michigan University College of Engineering Scholarship, Kalamazoo College Sustainability Scholarship and the Kendall College of Art and Design Interior Design Endowed Scholarship.
