A summer internship in structural engineering at AtkinsRéalis

Hi I’m Abhishek. My internship with AtkinsRéalis has been an incredibly enriching experience. This was my first time interning with the company in the United States, and I discovered the opportunity through conversations with peers in the structural engineering program at Stanford. One of my colleagues who works at AtkinsRéalis, spoke highly of the company, which piqued my interest.

From day one, I was welcomed into a collaborative and supportive environment. I had the opportunity to work on real infrastructure projects, gaining hands‑on experience with tools like OpenBridge Designer and LEAP Steel. A highlight of my internship was contributing to the preliminary design of an abutment and bridge. Applying my academic knowledge to a project that will serve thousands of commuters was both exciting and rewarding. I also supported shop drawing reviews for a major infrastructure project, which gave me valuable insight into the construction and coordination on large‑scale transportation projects.

One piece of advice that really stuck with me was to never hesitate to ask questions, no matter how basic they may seem. That mindset helped me learn more effectively and build stronger relationships with my team.

Beyond project work, I had the chance to engage with the broader community. I traveled to New York for two days, where I had lunch with fellow interns and participated in networking activities. I also volunteered at the AtkinsRéalis booth at the COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials) conference, which deepened my understanding of diversity and inclusion in the transportation industry.

It's clear that AtkinsRéalis values inclusion and community. I attended several in‑office events and team lunches, including the one‑year anniversary celebration of the Edison office. These experiences helped me feel more connected to the team and the company culture. I also enjoyed lunch‑and‑learn sessions, which offered valuable insights from experienced professionals across different disciplines.

What I’ll take away most from this internship is a deeper understanding of how infrastructure projects are designed and delivered, and a renewed passion for structural engineering. I’m grateful for the mentorship, hands‑on experience and the opportunity to contribute to impactful work. This summer has been a pivotal step in my academic and professional journey.