Every year, Degenkolb Engineers invites aspiring structural engineers to join us as interns for the summer. It is a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The interns get a chance to apply what they have learned in school to a real world setting, while our engineers get to pass on their knowledge to those entering the field. This year, all of our interns worked fully remote as we continue working during the Coronavirus pandemic. We wanted to hear how it was going for them, completing an internship without ever setting foot in an office. This is the third installment of our intern interviews.

Brianna Hartner

Where are you attending school and what year are you in?
I received my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Cornell University in 2019 and am currently pursuing my Master’s at UC San Diego with an expected graduation this December.

Why structural engineering?
I have always been interested in the built environment. Since my dad worked as a residential general contractor, I was constantly around construction sites growing up. I loved seeing a house go from a pencil sketch on my dad’s notepad to a finished structure. While I originally thought I wanted to go into architecture, as I progressed through school, I realized how much I enjoyed the problem-solving aspects of engineering. The more I learn about structural engineering, the more I know it’s the perfect fit for me.

How did you find out about Degenkolb?
One of my best friend’s relatives (Chad Closs) works in the San Diego office. He has been a great mentor to me over the last few years and has always spoken so highly of his Degenkolb career.

What has your experience so far been like at Degenkolb?
Everyone has been so welcoming and willing to help me feel like I am a part of the team. I have gotten to work on exciting projects that have exposed me to different design processes and new project areas, all while better developing my design and analysis skills.

What does a remote internship look like for you at Degenkolb?
When I first realized that the entire internship would be virtual, I was a little disappointed as I was really looking forward to working in the office to meet new people and experience a new city. However, working from my childhood home in Kaneohe, Hawaii has been more than satisfactory, even though I chose to start my days at 6AM (to account for the time difference). The engineers and managers I have worked with have made this experience unforgettable and have given me such a good sense of the positive company culture and what it would potentially be like to work there in-person.

If you could give any future interns advice on how to get the most out of interning with Degenkolb what would it be?
Get involved with the in-house committees (such as Sustainability or Diversity & Inclusion) and attend their meetings! It’s a great opportunity to get to know your coworkers and learn more about the company culture!

Describe your ideal day off?
Early morning hike and then enjoy a poke bowl on the beach.

Mauricio Alvarez

Where are you attending school and what year are you in?
I just finished my Bachelor’s at UCSD in June and am now preparing to start my Master’s Program this Fall at UCSD again.

Why structural engineering?
I love that you can never get away from it. No matter where you go, whether it’s the mall, the freeway, or a sporting event, there’s always a structure to be analyzed. I’m not sure how one could be a structural engineer without noticing these things 24/7. It’s everywhere.

How did you find out about Degenkolb?
Upon internship searching my junior and senior years of college, I researched almost every civil/structural engineer firm in the SoCal area. Needless to say, Degenkolb was certainly included in that list.

What has your experience so far been like at Degenkolb?
It has been great. I love how there is a culture that encourages continuing professional development. Working here has really showed me that the learning doesn’t stop after school, it’s really just beginning.

What does a remote internship look like for you at Degenkolb?
Beating the LA commute was definitely a pro. Eating lunch with my family has been nice. Besides that, though, it’s hard to compare a remote internship to one in person. Degenkolb has done a brilliant job though in making sure it has been both a challenging and learning experience for us still.

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. You will always get you question answered by someone here plus some more additional knowledge.

Describe your ideal day off?
Probably starting the morning off at the beach with some good local coffee for sunrise. Then spending the day at Disneyland with family and friends, and then finishing the night at a concert with my girlfriend. Either that or just having a lazy day with no plans. being super relaxed and carefree.