Meet the Degenkolb Summer 2022 Interns
Degenkolb invited 13 aspiring structural engineers to join us as interns this summer! From our offices in Seattle to San Diego, these students have been learning and working alongside Degenkolbers on a variety of exciting projects these past few months. We spoke with them to hear more about their experience with the firm before they return to campus this fall.
Q&A with Degenkolb Summer 2022 Interns
____________________________________________________
Cassidy Sutton, Oakland
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I just got my undergraduate degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Architectural Engineering and will be returning in the fall to get my master’s degree in Architectural Engineering.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I have always heard about them from my peers and at Cal Poly’s Annual Structural Forum I went up and chatted with them! I have always been interested in the work at Degenkolb.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
My most vivid memory is probably the softball games that I’ve been to! It’s a great way to get to know my coworkers and the dinners afterward are always really fun.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Ask questions! Everyone at Degenkolb is eager to help and wants you to succeed. You’re not supposed to know everything so ask questions and be willing to learn.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off is going on a morning hike and then going to get breakfast and coffee with friends! Then an afternoon at the park reading and relaxing.
____________________________________________________
Dominique Hayet, San Diego
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I just completed my undergrad at UC San Diego and will be starting at UC Berkeley for my master’s degree in the fall.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
Outside of seeing the name at our school’s career fair, I was put in touch with the company by a close professor at UCSD who wanted to help me out in my internship search. Could not have been more grateful for how things turned out!
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
The happy hours are hard to beat! Getting to assist in the design of a parking canopy was a very cool experience, and the Wellness Challenge team walk through downtown San Diego’s first day of Comic-Con was also a great time. And I will not forget coming into the office on my first day in-person to be greeted by a beautiful view of the Coronado Bay Bridge.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Realize going in that you will be challenged and use that to push yourself forward and seek out help from others. There are plenty new things to learn in the office that school may not fully prepare you for, and the internship program provides an excellent opportunity for exposure and growth in this environment. You may take longer to figure things out than you expect and that is okay, but don’t try doing it all on your own. The office is full of insightful engineers and reaching out for help will always provide you with a new opportunity to learn. Take notes when you need to and get a good night’s rest to make it through the day! And although the work is serious – give yourself time for interacting and getting to know your coworkers.
Describe your ideal day off.
Depending on the season, a drive with friends either to the beach or the mountains. Soak up the sun, grab some dinner and ice cream (or Julian apple pie), and come back home to chill with music, games, and/or a movie or a nice long sleep followed by a morning workout and just relaxing at home.
____________________________________________________
Judy Guan, San Francisco
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I graduated from San Francisco State University with my bachelor’s degree and will be returning in the fall for the 2nd year of my master’s degree.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I found out about Degenkolb through a SEAONC career fair.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
The most vivid memory so far for me is completing my first Issue for Permit set and having my name on the drawings. It is surreal to think the things I helped design as an intern are going to be built.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
My advice for future interns is to get to know the other engineers in the office and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is willing to help so do not feel like you need to struggle to figure out the problem on your own. Interns are expected to make mistakes and need help to figure things out. Get the most out of this experience by asking questions whenever something is unclear. This internship is a great opportunity to learn and grow.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be waking up naturally and not to the sound of an alarm. I would take my time cooking food as well as trying out new recipes. Then I would spend my day at home watching TV shows.
____________________________________________________
Anele Siyephu, Los Angeles
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Currently, I am attending North Carolina State University and will begin my final year of my master’s degree in structural engineer this coming fall.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
While I was researching internships, I reached out to a friend in the construction industry for networking ties. He mentioned working with Degenkolb on a few projects and was very impressed by the company. I decided to do further research into the matter and luckily came across this opportunity.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
Aside from the all the social events and the amazing projects I worked on, my most vivid memory must be winning a table tennis game against the highest ranked player in the LA office.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
I would advise future interns to enjoy their time, get involved, be open to learning and lastly don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day would entail a morning round of golf, followed up by an afternoon of watching sports (soccer, rugby or cricket) and finally an evening “braai” with friends and family.
____________________________________________________
Jimmy Yang, San Francisco
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I went to undergrad at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. After graduating, I did one year of full-time work as an EIT and decided to pursue further education at Stanford for structural engineering! I will be finishing up my last quarter at Stanford this fall and will graduate December 2022.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I first heard about Degenkolb during a “seismic tour” of Stanford Campus and heard Professor Deierlein mention the company’s involvement on campus. Since then, Jim has come to speak to our class in a guest lecturer series. I also had the pleasure of speaking to many current employees at school career fairs.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
Going on a guided tour with the entire San Francisco office to the Transamerica Pyramid is up there (pun intended) as one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. The view at the top floor was incredible! I would recommend putting in an escalator to the top floor, even if climbing to the 60th floor was great for the Wellness Challenge.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Be vocal about what you want to learn and do. The management at Degenkolb is very open to helping put you on projects that you want to do. Since they aren’t psychics and can’t read your mind, you have to put yourself out there and tell your project managers what kinds of projects and sectors you are interested in working in.
Describe your ideal day off.
I love going out with a small group of friends and exploring places I have never been before. I don’t mind if it’s in the city or in the back country if it’s with the right group of people!
____________________________________________________
Tyler X. Rodrigues, Oakland
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I just graduated with my Bachelor’s from UC Berkeley, and will be headed to Stanford this fall to start my master’s.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I found out about Degenkolb by word of mouth in my structural engineering classes, as well as looking for internships through websites like Handshake.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
I’ve really enjoyed going to the softball games and happy hours after work, as well as going on site visits and just generally learning about how things work in the industry as opposed to academia.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Go to the social events, it really helps you get to know your co-workers better. And always communicate with your project manager; don’t be afraid to ask questions! That’s how you learn!
Describe your ideal day off.
Sleeping in, then playing video games or watching movies with friends while eating a bunch of carbs.
____________________________________________________
Chris Wolff, Oakland
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I attend San Francisco State University and am in the final semester of master’s program for Structural/Earthquake ENGR!
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
This internship and company were recommended to me by my academic advisor and my steel design instructor.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
Designing and building my first (2) 3D models based on structural/architectural plans and ASCE 7-16 chapter 13. This was a very interesting experience because I got to see how influential the different load combinations (especially the drift+gravity combos) are in determining design. It was also a good learning experience to look at a model once it is finally working from the perspective of the contractor and see if each of the chosen members make sense, or whether there is a simpler/more economical solution.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Spend as much time around all the other engineers as possible, both in and out of the office and ask them questions. Everyone is extremely helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experience in order to give you the best intern experience possible.
Describe your ideal day off.
Playing music and eating good food with friends, going to the beach with my family, cooking a nice dinner for my partner, snowboarding with friends…how can there be only one ideal day off?
____________________________________________________
Janice Lee, Seattle
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I currently have one more year in my undergraduate program at Seattle University.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
My advisor connected me with an alumnus who he had also advised during their undergrad. We met up and had a two-hour long conversation and I determined that from her description of the workplace and what Degenkolb does as a company, that I could be a great fit and vice versa.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
Every site visit with the forensics team have always been exciting to me, not only because I get to investigate damaged buildings, but because we often meet with the property owners. It really helps to know the face of the people who we are helping and motivates me to put my best self forward to satisfy their needs.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
My advice is to not be afraid to ask questions! It is always best to keep in mind that as an intern, I am not expected to know everything, but to be enthusiastic to make connections and learn from my coworkers.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day would be going out for a meal with my loved ones and making arts and crafts together. I love painting, embroidering, and making friendship bracelets!
____________________________________________________
Garrett Barker, Los Angeles
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I just graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering and will be attending UC Berkeley for my M.S. in Structural Engineering in the Fall.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I first learned about Degenkolb when I toured the SF office during a Cal Poly SEAOC field trip. A later Cal Poly SEAOC meeting introduced me to the LA office management.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
My first office happy hour, seeing everybody out of the office and getting to know a more personal side of everyone made work even more engaging.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Face every new task as a chance to surprise your project manager with your knowledge and ability; always be thinking “how can I use my unique skillset to bring value to this task.”
Describe your ideal day off.
Going on a morning hike and then heading to a quite beach to read!
____________________________________________________
John Strickley, San Francisco
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I just finished my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at UC Berkeley and will start my master’s degree in Structural Engineering (SEMM) at Berkeley this fall.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
One of my teammates from Cal Steel Bridge Team told me he was interning at Degenkolb last summer. I also found out just by googling “structural engineering internship San Francisco.”
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
Playing on the Degenkolb softball team on Thursday evenings. It’s a lot of fun and something I look forward to every week.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Don’t be scared to ask questions or tell your managers what projects you want to work on. They’re all very understanding and accommodating. Additionally, always say yes to opportunities to meet other engineers like happy hours, softball games, or just going to their desk/office to say ‘hi.’
Describe your ideal day off.
A lot of sports, such as baseball, basketball, golf, and hanging out with friends at night.
____________________________________________________
Alex Orlando, Sacramento
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I just graduated from UC Davis, and will be going to UCLA for my master’s in the Fall.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
Online searches.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
The site visit to Westbrook Elementary School in Roseville.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Reach out when you need help! Everyone is really nice and wants to help out.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be a quick day trip to Lake Tahoe.
____________________________________________________
Kevin McEntee, Oakland
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I go to UC Berkeley and I am currently wrapping up my undergrad and graduating this fall with my B.A. and plan on pursuing my master’s in Structural Engineering next fall.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I found out through Degenkolb via one of my good friends who’d been hired as an intern as well. I looked more into the company and applied and was very happy to hear back for an interview.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
My favorite memory here at Degenkolb was when Alex Barnes took the Oakland and Sacramento interns out to a site visit at John Muir Health Walnut Creek’s new state of the art cancer treatment center. Not only did we get to see how the plans we make get built, but it was cool to see the good we get to do here at Degenkolb for the people.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Make sure you always ask for work well before you finish what you have. Don’t be scared to ask questions either and don’t be afraid to get up and walk into a project manager or Principal’s office for help. The people here are truly great and love to help in any way they can.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would probably be spent in Tahoe, whether that be a day out snowboarding in the winter/spring or just spending time at the beach in the summer.
____________________________________________________
Cyrus Khoylow, Los Angeles
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I graduated from undergraduate at UCSD in Spring 2022 and I am going to begin my master’s degree at UCSD in Fall 2022.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I found out about Degenkolb through a structural engineering career fair.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
My most vivid memory would be my first happy hour with the office at a brewery in the Arts District of Los Angeles.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to anyone around the office.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be sleeping in and meeting up with friends in the afternoon.
____________________________________________________
Omar Mercedes, Sacramento
Where do you go to school and what year are you in?
I will be starting my master’s degree at UC Berkeley in the fall after recently graduating from UC Davis.
How did you find out about Degenkolb?
I found out about Degenkolb at the SEAONC career fair in January.
What is your most vivid memory of your time so far at Degenkolb?
My most vivid memory of my time so far at Degenkolb has been playing in the softball team while getting to know everyone outside of the office.
If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions as everyone is constantly learning something new every day. Additionally, I would also encourage everyone to attend the socials and games to get to know everyone.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be spent all day at the beach with family and friends.
____________________________________________________
