The Fenstermaker Engineering team created its Summer Intern Program in 2004. The program attracted young, aspiring talent looking for summer work in their educational field. Within a few years, this summer residency became a highly sought after option for college Engineering students because it offered practical experience and was a valuable training ground for aspiring engineers. Students are welcomed as full partners with Fenstermaker professionals providing guidance and leadership. In addition to learning practical engineering applications, students are also trained to work with professionalism and integrity.

Every year, a new group of talented students grace the Fenstermaker campuses during the summertime and bring a heightened level of energy and enthusiasm to our team. This year’s class was no exception. On August 8, 2019 members of the Summer Engineering Intern Program – Class of 2019 gave formal presentations to the Fenstermaker Executive Team, company Directors, and special guests representing partnering universities. Among those in attendance were:

Gianna M. Cothren, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering – University of New Orleans

Daryl Burckel, President – McNeese State University

Dr. Tim Hall, Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics

Joseph Savoie, President – University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The Engineering Interns each gave twenty minute presentations featuring the projects they were involved with and what they learned from their experience at Fenstermaker. The group was well prepared and the presentations were thorough and professional. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside these talented young people. It has been our priviledge to mentor this group and our great fortune to learn from them as well.

Here’s a look at our Summer Engineering Interns | Class of 2019.

Colten Dore – University of Louisiana at Lafayette

“During my Summer Engineering Internship at Fenstermaker, I was able to gain valuable experience in Civil Engineering that, will no doubt, make me a better engineer. My mentors taught me valuable lessons on dealing with all that goes into a construction project. I was able to learn design, bidding, and construction processes as well as essential computer programs. During my internship, I also learned the importance of professionalism and having good relationships with clients.”

Amina Meselhe – Louisiana State University

“This program has given me a chance to experience engineering in a way a student isn’t able to in an academic setting where you just bounce between books and labs. The Fenstermaker team is both informative and welcoming and always eager to teach me something new. With their help, I’ve been given the chance to learn the ins and outs of programs in real-life applications and it is infinitely rewarding.”

Michael Focht – Louisiana State University

“I’m very glad to have spent the summer as an intern at Fenstermaker. I’ve learned a lot in a brief amount of time and have been given practical business-oriented information to help me in my future career. I was given the opportunity to learn the practice of engineering, including how to read engineering design plans and use various analysis software packages. During my time at Fenstermaker, I also gained valuable insight into contracts and the bidding process for projects.”

Taylor Stephens – McNeese State University

“I’ve gained a great deal of practical experience during my summer internship and feel confident I will be ahead of the curve at the start of my career. During my time at Fenstermaker, I’ve been able to experience the real-life side of engineering projects. I’ve learned to use multiple computer programs, read plan sheets, review quantities, perform drainage calculations, and participate in field inspections. My internship has been an invaluable learning opportunity.”

Kiara Horton – University of New Orleans

“School teaches you the basics, but it isn’t until you step into a company like Fenstermaker that you can truly appreciate what your future career is all about. My colleagues here have taught me much about the field of engineering. Engineering is indeed a team effort and attention to detail is critical. My time at Fenstermaker has given me valuable skills I can use anywhere and the friends I’ve met here have given me a glimpse of the countless things I can do with my civil engineering degree. This new view gives me a drive that will benefit my career indefinitely.”

Christopher Higginbotham – McNeese State University

“My internship at Fenstermaker has given me the opportunity to see how projects are handled inside of a working engineering team. This is something young engineering students don’t always get to experience while still in school. There are many different concentrations in the civil engineering field and my time at Fenstermaker has given me a better idea of which direction I want to take in my career. Working at Fenstermaker this summer has allowed me to create valuable contacts in the engineering field. These contacts will, undoubtedly, be of benefit in my profession. I’ve had the opportunity to use powerful engineering software programs, have refined my project management skills, and have learned to collaborate with project partners. My Fenstermaker mentors have taught me how to resolve issues that may arise while maintaining project progress.”

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