Each summer, the halls of BFW/Marcum get a little livelier. Intern season doesn’t just bring new faces. It brings fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a real opportunity to help shape the next generation of engineers. So, what sets BFW/Marcum’s internship experience apart?
Real Work, Real Mentorship
“When interns join us, they should expect to dive deep into whatever discipline they’re working in,” says Melissa Yates, Human Resources Manager. “Our engineers include them in many aspects of design, and occasionally, they get to sit in on client meetings.”
It’s not about coffee runs or shadowing from the sidelines. Each intern is paired with a project manager who acts as both guide and mentor. “We want our interns to get hands-on experience while being an active member of a team,” says Ben Stinnett, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement. “We also provide leadership development for our interns. This year we used Predictive Index as a tool for self-awareness and understanding how they relate to their supervisor.” Predictive Index is a behavioral assessment that helps people understand their work styles, strengths, and communication preferences. It’s a tool that makes it easier to build effective teams and foster better communication in the workplace.
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Career
One of the biggest takeaways interns report? How much more goes into a project than they ever imagined. “It takes their learning from conceptual to practical,” says Yates. “Occasionally the reverse happens too. They’ll work on a transportation project, take a related class the next semester, and suddenly the ‘why’ behind the plan clicks into place.”
That bridge between theory and practice is crucial, especially in a competitive field. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 56% of interns at engineering firms receive full-time job offers after completing their internship (source). For students, that kind of experience acts as a helpful launchpad for their futures.
Investing in Interns as Future Leaders
What really sets BFW/Marcum apart is how intentional the company has become about the entire internship experience. “Last May, we made a strategic decision to switch our mindset from ‘having interns’ to an Internship Development Program,” says Stinnett. “We created three main touchpoints: Kickoff, Mid-Summer Check-In, and a Closing Session.”
The kickoff sets expectations and provides leadership development right out of the gate. At mid-summer, interns check in on their progress and express any interest in shadowing another department. The summer ends with a new tradition: each intern gives a presentation about their experience.
“It’s important for interns to learn how to sell their experience to future employers,” says Stinnett. “You may have accomplished incredible things, but if you can’t tell that story, you’re not able to leverage it.”
More Than Technical Training
At BFW/Marcum, interns don’t just learn how to be better engineers. They also develop into stronger professionals. Each summer includes workshops, presentations, and leadership training designed to sharpen those skills.
“Our goal is to support their growth as well-rounded future engineers who are not only technically proficient but also prepared to lead and contribute meaningfully to their workplaces,” says Yates. That kind of development aligns with a growing trend in engineering education. In fact, a 2023 study by the American Society for Engineering Education found that 73% of engineering students ranked leadership and communication skills as “extremely important” to their career readiness (source).
A Culture Fit That Lasts
Internships at BFW/Marcum often lead to something more. “We have several people here who started as interns, came to work full-time after graduation, and are now project managers,” says Yates. And that’s no accident.
“We treat internships as a long-term interview,” says Stinnett. “But more importantly, it gives students a chance to decide if this is the right place for them.”
When hiring, the company looks for more than just a strong resume. “We look for people who fit our corporate values of excellence, community, courage, passion, and relationships,” says Yates. “We want to work with people who work the same way we do.”
Always Improving
Like any good engineering firm, BFW/Marcum is always refining its process. “Initially, we just kind of hired interns and dropped them into departments,” says Yates. “While I’m sure they learned a lot, it wasn’t as intentional as what we’re doing now.”
One of the most popular recent changes is cross-training. “If someone is a civil intern but expresses interest in surveying, we give them the chance to shadow the survey crew for a day,” says Yates. “Every year, we’re looking for new ways to improve their experience.”
Advice for First-Time Interns?
“Be curious. Ask questions. Take notes,” says Yates. “And build those relationships. You’re not just learning technical skills—you’re learning how to be part of a professional team.”
With a program this thoughtful and immersive, it’s no surprise that many BFW/Marcum interns return not just for another summer, but for a full-time career.
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