How a roadways internship gave early exposure to real-world impact

Hi I’m Luke. I began my internship with the Roadways team in summer of 2024. Although it was my first with this team, it was not my first experience with the company. In 2022, I interned at the Alexandria City office in Virginia through my high school’s Prince William County internship program. That early exposure gave me hands-on experience at both office and job sites, including shadowing various roles across the company.  

When I started at University of Central Florida, I began searching for internship opportunities and was excited to find an AtkinsRéalis office nearby that welcomed interns. Given my positive past experience, I knew I wanted to return, but this time, I wanted to explore the TPO side of the business. 

This internship has been very rewarding. I began full-time, completing training and gaining proficiency in the software used by my team. I was soon invited to contribute to major projects and transitioned into an extended part-time role. I have two standout projects, and I especially enjoyed learning how to create green-lines and transfer utility company files into our own plans. Seeing my early work evolve into a final product was deeply satisfying.

Beyond technical skills, I’ve gained valuable insight into how to shape my academic path and prepare for my future career. Advice from teammates and intern coordinators on choosing key classes, preparing for the FE exam and understanding career milestones has been instrumental! Their shared experiences helped me see how I can navigate my own journey.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this internship has been the culture of trust and community. Events like EAC meetings, Employee Resource Group sessions and the Summer Service Award Luncheon made me feel connected and welcomed. These gatherings were not only fun but also great opportunities to meet others across the office, with the bonus of good food! 

Overall, my time at AtkinsRéalis has been an incredible opportunity to gain skills and learn by doing. Working on projects that directly impact my community, on roads I drive every day, has made the experience even more meaningful. Being part of a company culture that aligns with my values has exceeded my expectations, and I’m truly grateful for the chance to grow both personally and professionally.