Unlocking Potential: A Recap of Pond's Internship Program

Thursday, August 15, 2024 People & Culture

Pond’s Internship Program is designed to kickstart careers. Each year, we look for curious and ambitious minds to take part in helping shape the future of the world. Pond’s highly successful program is not just an internship but rather a gateway to professional development and relationships, offering access to tenured professionals, networking, early career resources and technology, and a hands-on approach to learning about the industry.

Program Kickoff: Signing Day

Before interns step foot in the office, Pond hosts Signing Day, an event where new interns get to meet each other and formally commit to joining the team. Hosted at Pond’s headquarters in Atlanta, GA, interns begin their journey with swag, a tour of Pond, two days of formal orientation, and after-hours team building and networking events. Personalized welcome packages are sent to each intern beforehand for a warm welcome and a glimpse into the Pond brand.

One of Pond's interns at the Pond New Hire Signing Day event. Pond interns laughing. Pond interns group photo.

Extensive Choices: Multiple Disciplines and Business Units 

Structured to maximize learning and growth, Pond’s dynamic internship program is available to students with a variety of interests including architecture, engineering, transportation, asset integrity, federal planning, aviation, landscape architecture, and more. The program extends to corporate support services, enabling interns to explore human resources, accounting, IT, and marketing.

Our flexible work environment fosters a program that is both challenging and rewarding. Interns engage in collaborative team projects and receive personalized guidance through one-on-one mentorship. Their journey is enriched with practical learning experiences, site visits, and a philanthropy component that instills a sense of social responsibility.

Hands on Approach: Site Visits 

Putting the pieces together and seeing the big picture is an important aspect of Pond’s Internship Program. Thus, interns are presented with opportunities to participate in site visits, experience client interactions, and witness real-life scenarios. For example, Pond’s 2024 cohort of interns had the chance to visit Lanier Technical College to see some of Pond's designs brought to fruition. Interns had been tasked beforehand with creating mock-ups for existing buildings at the college. A highlight of the visit was recognizing those buildings in real life. The guided tour was led by the college’s Dean of Advanced Technology and Engineering and the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Pond interns inspecting the inner workings of a machine. Pond interns inspecting an AC duct.

Final Challenge: The Capstone Project

Interns are required to complete a capstone project which includes a presentation to Pond’s Executive Leadership Team, marking the transition from academic learning to professional application. Pond's Internship Program, renowned for its robust structure, is meticulously designed to propel interns towards a flourishing career. By prioritizing the capstone project and site visits, the program underscores its commitment to providing a holistic educational experience.

Capstone projects are a collaborative effort that allow interns to apply their academic knowledge and demonstrate their understanding of the industry. Interns are asked to cover favorite moments and biggest learning points and are given an opportunity to provide feedback regarding needed improvements at Pond. The project serves as a culmination of the learning journey and a platform to make a tangible impact on Pond's legacy of excellence. 

Pond's intern capstone event. Pond's intern capstone event. Pond's intern capstone event.

The Endgame: Fulfilling Career Path

Former interns are a testimony to the transformative experiences offered at Pond, giving future candidates a glimpse into the projects that not only contributed to personal growth but also to the company's success. Many of Pond’s interns have transitioned to full-time roles, exemplifying the program's effectiveness in providing real opportunities for fulfilling career paths.

 One of Pond's interns. Three Pond interns trying on firefighter helmets. One of Pond's interns.

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