A Full-Circle Internship Experience: Patriot’s Summer 2025 Recap

What can you really expect when stepping into an internship? At Patriot, we believe the best way to learn is by doing—which is why we offer a hands-on experience through our 360° Intern Program. Designed for students eager to get their hands dirty and explore the fields of engineering, construction, geology, and beyond, this program provides a full-circle view of what we do.

This summer, our interns dove into all three of Patriot’s core services—Construction Materials Testing, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Services—gaining real-world exposure both in the field and the lab. In addition, they had the unique opportunity to meet with leaders from each service area, learning firsthand about company strategy, values, and what it takes to build a successful engineering firm from the ground up.

Lessons Learned from Patriot’s Summer 2025 Interns:

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Waeil A. — Indy Lab, IU Indy Student

As a Lab Technician Intern, Waeil gained hands-on experience with geotechnical testing methods, including soil classification, moisture-density relationships, and concrete strength analysis. Additionally, he learned how to accurately follow ASTM and AASHTO procedures, maintain detailed lab records, and manage multiple sample workflows.

He most enjoyed applying what he’s learned in the classroom to real-world environmental and construction projects. As a result, he strengthened his understanding of material behavior and environmental systems.

MAXIMIZED OPPORTUNITY

Jacob F. — Indy CME,  Trine University Student

Jacob’s experience gave him valuable insight into how engineering plans and drawings are implemented in the field. Moreover, it helped him understand how to make plans and drawings more detailed and specific, so they are easier for field crews to interpret and execute.

He even maximized his internship, by studying for and passing the American Concrete Institute (“ACI”) exam with the help from the Indianapolis CME department, who were always available to answer his questions.

CONFIDENCE WITH A FULL PICTURE

Daphne B. — Indy Geotechnical, Trine University 2025 Graduate, University of Cincinnati Master’s program Fall 2025

Daphne has now interned with Patriot over three summers. Her time spent in construction materials testing and geotechnical departments helped her bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world situations. In some instances, she encountered concepts in the field before she saw them in class, which made learning more meaningful. In others, her coursework gave her the tools to contribute to actual projects.

Ultimately, this experience helped solidify her decision to pursue graduate school. The exposure she gained at Patriot deepened her interest in geotechnical engineering and directly contributed to her acceptance into a master’s program. She is leaving with knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience and is very grateful to the entire Patriot team.

REALISTIC SITUATIONS

John C.— Dayton CME, Cedarville University Student

John got a grounded, realistic perspective behind the work of engineering this summer in the Dayton lab and field. This experience has given him a better understanding of the limitations that are present in construction and how to properly address them and get the work done.  Above all, he enjoyed the warm welcome by the whole CME team seeing the behind-the-scenes work that often does not get the recognition it deserves.

LARGE SCALE PROJECTS

Zachary F. —Indy CME, Trine University Student

Zachary enjoyed being exposed to engineering consulting and how it ties into structural and civil projects. Specifically, he enjoyed working on large-scale projects and ensuring that structural, civil, and geotechnical specifications were followed. Furthermore, he found it rewarding to see how the products created by engineers are used and followed in construction.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Shivang P.—Indy CME, Purdue University Student

Shivang P. gained firsthand knowledge how CME technicians work along-side construction crews to observe, evaluate, and report on the finishing product.  With each project, he learned something new, reinforcing the importance of clear and effective communication to everyone that is involved.

VALUABLE MENTORING

Dale S. —  Indy Geotechnical, Trine University Student

Dale became familiar with soil classifications, site layout, and interpreting both lab and subsurface data. He had the opportunity to assist with various tests and gain a deeper understanding of how different soil properties are evaluated. Working alongside experienced engineers and learning directly from them proved to be an invaluable part of this experience.

This internship reinforced concepts, especially soil mechanics, and has prepared him to take on foundation design and senior design projects with real-world situations in mind.

THE FULL PICTURE

MAISY T. —  Indy Lab, Purdue University Student

Maisy gained valuable hands-on experience in soil and concrete testing, including Atterberg Limits, Proctors, and Hydrometers. She learned to visually classify soil and had the opportunity to perform a variety of lab tests.

No two days were the same, which made the experience both exciting and educational. She especially appreciated the chance to step away from desk work and engage in practical, real-world tasks.

Through the 360° Internship Program, Maisy liked learning how Patriot’s three core services—CME, GEO, and Environmental—work together as “One Patriot” to support a successful engineering process. She also enjoying learning how areas like marketing and networking contribute to the firm’s overall strategy.

LOOKING AHEAD

Each of our interns made meaningful contributions to Patriot this summer, bringing curiosity, energy, and a strong work ethic. We are excited to see where their paths lead next. The future is bright with these emerging leaders—ready to dig in, ask questions, and grow from every experience.

Interested in being part of the next Patriot intern class?

Visit here to learn more about our 360° Intern Program and how to apply.

To learn more about Patriot, visit us here.