Go Beyond the Classroom
Looking to build real-world experience this summer? The AKS Internship Program gives college students the chance to apply what they’re learning in the classroom, build practical skills, and contribute in a professional environment. Through meaningful project experience and a supportive team setting, interns gain confidence, broaden their understanding of the industry, and take important steps toward career readiness.
How it Works
Each internship experience may look a little different depending on the role and team, but every internship is designed to help students learn by doing. Interns gain hands-on experience through real work, connect with professionals across AKS, and get a better understanding of how different disciplines contribute to project outcomes.
For students who return, each summer can build on the last with new experiences, added responsibility, and a deeper understanding of areas that interest them. Participation is a one-summer commitment at a time. Students who are interested in returning are encouraged to express interest, and continued participation depends on performance, program fit, and available positions.
Who You Are
To be considered for this internship program, students should:
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year program with a declared major in Civil Engineering, Surveying, Geomatics, Construction Management, or similar.
- Have completed at least one year of college before the internship start date
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Be available to work full-time for 12 weeks during the summer
- Be able to work from the Bend, OR, Keizer, OR, Kent, WA, Kirkland, WA, Medford, OR, Richland, OR, Tualatin, OR, or Vancouver, WA offices, where this program is offered office, where this program is offered
What You’ll Learn
- See how projects come together: Build an understanding of how field work, design, and construction connect to create real, buildable projects.
- Apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting: Use concepts from your coursework in real project environments and day-to-day assignments.
- Develop a broader industry perspective: Learn how multiple disciplines contribute to project success and gain exposure to the full project lifecycle.
Day in the Life (Examples)
The program includes three tracks: Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Construction Inspection. Students are assigned to one of these tracks based on team needs and program fit.
Civil Engineering Track
Work under the direction of a Civil Engineer and alongside the Civil Engineering team to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused consulting environment. Interns can expect to work approximately 40-50 hours per week. Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting design production in Civil 3D, such as setting up sheets, importing points, generating contours and profiles, and helping with alignments or models.
- Assisting with engineering calculations, quantity checks, and other technical tasks that support project design.
- Contributing to the design of streets, utilities, and site improvements while following applicable standards and project requirements.
- Conducting survey, utility, and background research to support project development.
Surveying Track
Work under the direction of a Survey Crew Leader(s) to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused consulting environment. This assignment can be physically demanding and may require work in a variety of weather and terrain conditions. Interns can expect to work approximately 50-60 hours per week, with days often starting around 6:00 am. Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with field data collection used for base mapping, boundary work, and construction staking.
- Performing physically active field tasks such as carrying equipment, pounding hubs, clearing brush, and navigating uneven terrain.
- Supporting survey and utility research that helps connect field information to design and construction needs.
- Operating in the field safely and professionally, including driving to job sites when qualified to do so.
Construction Inspection Track
Work under the direction of a Construction Inspector to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused consulting environment. Interns can expect to work approximately 40-50 hours per week while contributing to project work and day-to-day team priorities. Responsibilities may include:
- Reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications.
- Observing and documenting construction progress for streets, earthwork, and utilities to support compliance with project requirements.
- Assisting with construction inspection reports, field documentation, and quantity tracking.
- Supporting tasks such as reviewing field staking, measuring installed work, and helping verify contractor pay quantities.
We Have Your Back
At AKS, interns are supported throughout the summer. Each intern is paired with a mentor and receives direction from a supervisor who guides assignments and project work. That supervisor may vary depending on the projects involved.
Throughout the internship, interns receive regular feedback to support learning, growth, and professional development. At the end of the summer, each intern participates in a final evaluation to reflect on their experience, discuss future goals, and explore the possibility of returning for another internship, based on performance and available openings.
Earn While You Learn
This is a paid internship, and interns are compensated for their time and contributions. Pay is provided on an hourly basis, with overtime paid at one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. The typical pay range for this position is $19 to $25 per hour. Time off may be requested in advance, but it is unpaid.