Interns in Motion: Igniting Confidence, Culture, and Growth at ISG

This summer, ISG welcomed its largest intern class with 54 students from 19 schools. Starting on day one, interns were involved in real projects and paired with an experienced ISGer who empowered us to make an impact. Supported by experts across all of ISG’s services, interns engaged with clients, explored new tools, and gained insights into a fast-paced, collaborative, employee-owned firm.

Confidence + Coaching

Confidence emerged as a recurring theme throughout the program for interns and team leads. Through experience and encouragement, building confidence became important for both project work and moments of reflection. As relationships grew and goals became clearer, many interns began to see challenges as chances to grow rather than setbacks. With the support of teammates and employee owners who believed in our potential, confidence became a foundation that shaped how we approached every part of our internship experience.

In addition to daily responsibilities, interns participated in small-group discussions with ISG performance coaches, focusing on goal setting and strengths. These informal check-ins created opportunities for interns to ask questions and celebrate the progress being made throughout the experience.

“Everyone at ISG helped me feel confident and supported,” said Tori Nemesio, an architecture intern from Iowa State University. “Whether it was the people I connected with almost every day, casual conversations in the breakroom, or joining the office sand volleyball team, all of it made adapting to a new environment so much easier. There was a ton of communication, and I learned so much every day.”

Halfway through the summer program, regional gatherings were held in four different ISG offices that gave interns the chance to step away from daily routines, explore the bigger picture, and engage with firm leaders, including ISG’s CEO. Interns from Raleigh, Philadelphia, and Rogers were flown in to participate, further encouraging cross-office collaboration and connection. Connecting with peers from other locations offered fresh perspectives and sparked meaningful conversations about goal setting, growth mindsets, and employee ownership. These gatherings helped interns see how our work aligns with ISG’s long-term vision and how these experiences shape both our personal growth and professional ambitions.

“Prior to the workshops, I knew ISG was an ESOP, but the workshop provided an opportunity to dive deeper. It showed me how the culture of our company is driven by the people who act as owners,” said Emily Dahl, a returning intern on the civil team. “There is a lot of trust and support, and you are working on real projects, not just busy work. You truly feel like others want you to succeed.”

A Culture of Ownership and Opportunity

For many interns, this summer was the first introduction to what it means to be part of an employee-owned company. By engaging directly with ISG’s employee-owners, interns gained a clear understanding of how ownership works and why it matters. Beyond the financial structure, we learned that ownership is rooted in shared accountability, meaningful collaboration, and mutual support. The impact of employee ownership showed up in team meetings, project check-ins, and the everyday moments that made interns feel connected to something bigger than our individual roles.

“It was really impactful to work with ISGers who were in my shoes not that long ago,” said Ellie Janda, a civil engineering intern from Iowa State University. “They gave me the tools and support I needed to be successful, and it was inspiring to see how much they had grown since their internship. I also enjoyed having lessons and support from a variety of people, not just one person.”

Learning By Doing: Site Visit to Scheels

For structural engineering intern Onnikah Oliver, a memorable experience came during her first site visit to the Scheels project site.

“The site visit helped me understand the true scale of the project and what it is going to take to transform the existing building into a whole different store,” Onnikah shared.

Working alongside her team lead, Jordan Borst, PE, and architectural designer Emily Straka, Onnikah reflected on the support and mentorship that made it easy to ask questions, try new things, and grow her confidence.

“I learned so much from both of them, whether it was Revit tips or how to think through engineering timelines. They were always willing to stop what they were doing to help, and that support not only improved my technical skills but also made me feel like a true part of the team.”

For Onnikah, the experience reflected a core part of ISG’s culture, the opportunity to make an impact while being supported every step of the way.

“I was never on my own. There was always someone willing to step in, teach, or just support me when I needed it. I learned that working with a team helps everyone understand the project much better.”

More Than a Moment

As the internship experience wrapped up, what remained was more than a list of completed tasks or an updated resume—it was the feeling of momentum. Interns left with strengthened skills, clarity in goals, and relationships that will continue to shape professional journeys.

“The trust ISG placed in me was incredibly motivating,” said George Kantsler, an architecture intern from Thomas Jefferson University. “People believed in my ability to get the job done, and my voice was truly heard.”

ISG’s internship program continues to grow each year, welcoming more interns, expanding across disciplines, and creating new opportunities for hands-on learning. Thank you to our 2025 interns for the energy, ideas, and impact you made this summer. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take the next step, ISG is a place where you can learn, grow, and make a difference.

Explore internship and career opportunities here.