Intern Perspectives: A Summer of Personal Growth and Professional Learning
In the final installment of our series, RDG's interns share their experiences, highlighting the importance of open-mindedness, collaboration and professional development.
As we close out our summer intern series, we reflect on the experiences and insights shared by the latest group of emerging professionals. Their time at RDG has been marked by personal growth, professional learning and a deep appreciation for the collaborative culture that defines the firm. This final piece in the series offers a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, hands-on learning and a supportive work environment in shaping future leaders in design and planning.
Elly Schuemann | Iowa State University, '25 | Architecture
How would you describe RDG's company culture?
RDG's company culture is top-notch. They genuinely care and appreciate every single person, even their interns. They value collaboration and input from everyone, which allows RDG to create meaningful and creative projects across the country.
Internships are an opportunity to learn as much as possible from professionals in this industry, and asking questions allows for more in-depth explanations and clarity when you are unsure about something.
What was one learning objective or goal you had for yourself during this internship? Did you accomplish it?
One of my goals for this summer was to start my journey toward licensure by recording my Architectural Experience Program hours. RDG welcomed this goal and guided me on how to get started since the beginning of the summer. Also, by integrating across multiple projects at different stages, I could record many hours across multiple AXP categories.
What advice would you give to yourself going into this internship again or to others seeking an internship in the future?
One piece of advice I would give is to be open-minded going in and not be afraid to ask questions. Internships are an opportunity to learn as much as possible from professionals in this industry, and asking questions allows for more in-depth explanations and clarity when you are unsure about something.
Sophi Steffes | Iowa State University, '25 | Architecture
How would you describe RDG's company culture?
RDG's company culture is extremely welcoming. When I walked in on the first day, I instantly felt at home and as if I could be myself. Employees in all different positions approached me, which shows how we are all working together as one team. There are also many opportunities to make connections and friends.
It was very interesting to see how a project gets started, what collaborating with other architects is like and how the information gets processed into real construction efforts.
Was there anything that surprised you about RDG?
RDG works across the entire United States, which was very surprising to me. I expected them to work mostly in the Midwest, where they have office locations, but there are actually projects located from California to New York. I became very familiar with the projects located in Alabama, and I enjoyed creating a 3D-printed downtown city model.
Beyond the actual internship, what other perks or learning opportunities did you gain from being at RDG?
The biggest learning opportunity that I gained over my summer at RDG was learning how the business of architecture works. It was very interesting to see how a project gets started, what collaborating with other architects is like and how the information gets processed into real construction efforts. I believe this will set me up for great success in the future by understanding this process.
Bethany Stock | Kansas State University, ‘25 | Planning
Beyond the actual internship, what other perks or learning opportunities did you gain from being at RDG?
I had to relocate for the summer internship, forcing me to get outside my comfort zone and what I knew. Every day, I had to do something I was unfamiliar with, meet new people and explore a new city. I can take these things with me in my future endeavors as I graduate and relocate.
Every firm and experience is different and valuable. An intern's goal and priority should be to get their hands on anything they can and participate in anything they are offered or intrigued about.
How do you see jobs in your field changing in the future?
I hope our field will become more collaborative and multidisciplinary. I can see that it will be influenced by technology and other inventions. Still, it will always require specific human abilities and collaboration to make it a humane, ethical, and effective experience.
What advice would you give to yourself going into this internship again or to others seeking an internship in the future?
I would tell my past self to have no expectations and go in with an open mind. I sometimes caught myself comparing previous experiences with this one, but every firm and experience is different and valuable. An intern's goal and priority should be to get their hands on anything they can and participate in anything they are offered or intrigued about.