This summer, SK&A was delighted to welcome Kamryn Laureys as an intern in our DC office. Joining us from Penn State, where she is entering her fifth year in the Architectural Engineering program and is a scholar in the Schreyer Honors College, Kamryn spent her internship immersed in both the design and construction sides of structural engineering.
A Strong Start
Before Kamryn arrived, SK&A team members Macenzie Smith, PE, SE and Sara Zaman, PE mapped out a thoughtful plan to ensure her summer was filled with valuable experiences. That plan included active design projects, construction administration work, case studies, drafting practice, and training sessions on technical and professional skills. Macenzie also coordinated with staff across SK&A to bring Kamryn along on site visits and connect her with mentors throughout the firm.
Immersed in the Work
From late May through early August, Kamryn gained a broad perspective on the day-to-day life of a structural engineer. She tackled assignments alongside project engineers, shadowed staff during shop drawing reviews, and joined field visits to see design decisions brought to life in real time.
Reflecting on her summer, Kamryn shared:
“Over the past few months, I gained hands-on experience through construction site visits, reviewing submittals, and design work. I was able to grow my technical skills as an engineer, as well as my networking skills as a professional.”
Mentorship and Culture
Kamryn also noted that one of the highlights of her internship was experiencing SK&A’s culture of mentorship firsthand.
“One of the highlights of my internship was the strong culture of mentorship within the company. I am especially grateful to my coworkers who took the time to guide me, answer questions, and share their knowledge. Their support not only helped me strengthen my technical skills but also gave me valuable insight into the day-to-day work of a structural engineer.”
She extended a special thank-you to Anna Bohlmann, EIT, J. David Pirnia, PE, James Chavin-Grant, PE, SE, CDT, and Macenzie Smith, PE, SE, for their guidance and support throughout the summer.
Looking Ahead
Kamryn concluded her internship with appreciation for the many opportunities to learn and grow:
“I’m excited to carry forward what I’ve learned into my future studies and career. Thank you again to everyone at SK&A Structural Engineers for making this such a rewarding experience!”
The SK&A team is grateful for Kamryn’s contributions and engagement throughout her time with us, and we look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish as she continues her studies and career in structural engineering.
