Go Beyond the Classroom
Looking to build real-world experience this summer? The AKS Internship Program gives college students the chance to apply what they’re learning in the classroom, build practical skills, and contribute in a professional environment. Through meaningful project experience and a supportive team setting, interns gain confidence, broaden their understanding of the industry, and take important steps toward career readiness.
How it Works
Each internship experience may look a little different depending on the role and team, but every internship is designed to help students learn by doing. Interns gain hands-on experience through real work, connect with professionals across AKS, and get a better understanding of how different disciplines contribute to project outcomes.
For students who return, each summer can build on the last with new experiences, added responsibility, and a deeper understanding of areas that interest them. Participation is a one-summer commitment at a time. Students who are interested in returning are encouraged to express interest, and continued participation depends on performance, program fit, and available positions.
Who You Are
To be considered for this internship program, students should:
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year program with a declared major in Civil Engineering, Geology, Earth Sciences, or similar,
- Have completed at least one year of college before the internship start date
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Be available to work full-time for 12 weeks during the summer
- Be able to work from the Bend, OR, Keizer, OR, Tualatin, OR, or Vancouver, WA office, where this program is offered
- Have a valid driver’s license
What You’ll Learn
- See how geotechnical and materials work supports construction: Build an understanding of how field observations, testing, and engineering judgment contribute to safe and successful projects.
- Apply classroom concepts in real-world conditions: Gain hands-on exposure to soils, rock, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials through field and lab support activities.
- Develop practical field and documentation skills: Learn how testing, investigations, and clear recordkeeping help teams make informed project decisions.
Day in the Life (Examples)
Work under the direction of a Geotechnical Engineer and alongside the Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Testing teams to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused consulting environment. Interns can expect to work approximately 40-50 hours per week while contributing to project work and day-to-day team priorities. Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with basic field and laboratory testing of construction materials such as soil, aggregate, asphalt, or concrete under the direction of qualified staff.
- Supporting geotechnical investigations by helping with site observations, exploration logging, sample handling, field notes, and other tasks related to subsurface exploration and project documentation.
- Assisting with special inspection and testing activities on active construction sites while learning how quality, safety, and compliance are evaluated in the field.
- Helping document test results, organize field and lab information, maintain equipment, and support day-to-day materials testing operations.
We Have Your Back
At AKS, interns are supported throughout the summer. Each intern is paired with a mentor and receives direction from a supervisor who guides assignments and project work. That supervisor may vary depending on the projects involved.
Throughout the internship, interns receive regular feedback to support learning, growth, and professional development. At the end of the summer, each intern participates in a final evaluation to reflect on their experience, discuss future goals, and explore the possibility of returning for another internship, based on performance and available openings.
Earn While You Learn
This is a paid internship, and interns are compensated for their time and contributions. Pay is provided on an hourly basis, with overtime paid at one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. The typical pay range for this position is $19 to $25 per hour. Time off may be requested in advance, but it is unpaid.