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8.1.24
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Empowering Future Land Development Professionals: VIKA’s Internship Program

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At VIKA, we believe in fostering the next generation of land development leaders by providing meaningful internship opportunities. Internships bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application and our program is designed to offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional growth to students from various educational backgrounds. This summer, we have had the privilege of working with a talented group of interns who have brought their passion, dedication, and fresh perspectives to our projects. Here, we share their stories, aspirations, and experiences at VIKA.

Meet our 2024 interns!

Ali Amini

Engineering Intern

Ali is a Civil Engineering major at Virginia Tech, driven by his love for seeing projects come to life. He enjoys spending time with friends and family and has a passion for fishing. Ali’s excitement for this internship stems from the opportunity to gain first hand experience early in his career. His dream project is to work on a building that stands the test of time, akin to the pyramids of Egypt. An interesting fact about Ali is that he was born in Queens, New York, but has spent most of his life in Northern Virginia. He is a first-generation college student and will be the first engineer in his family.

Lisa Anderson

Engineering Intern

Lisa studies Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech. She chose this major because she enjoys problem-solving and seeing her work manifest as tangible products. Outside of her internship, Lisa is dedicated to working out and spending time with her family. The welcoming and appreciative community at VIKA is what excited her most about this internship. Lisa’s dream project is to work on a skyscraper, embracing the unique challenges and the significant impact it would have on the cityscape. Remarkably, Lisa completed a triathlon at the age of nine!

Ryan Deal

Surveying Intern

Ryan will be attending James Madison University to study Business Administration or Civil Engineering. His decision stems from a keen interest in both fields and the potential for future success. Ryan enjoys playing sports like basketball and football, fishing, running, and swimming. What excited him about this internship is the opportunity to learn something entirely new through surveying. Ryan’s dream job is to run his own business that utilizes drones. An interesting fact about Ryan is that he earned his Part 107 drone certification, allowing him to fly drones commercially.

Andrew Deal

Surveying Intern

Andrew is heading to James Madison University to major in Civil Engineering or Business Management. These fields interest him the most, and he envisions a future career in one of them. Outside of his internship, Andrew enjoys playing sports, fishing, and spending time with friends. He is excited about this internship as it aligns with his potential career path in surveying or civil engineering. Andrew’s dream job is to be a project manager in an engineering or business company. Notably, Andrew graduated high school with 29 college credits, putting him on track to earn an associate degree in just one year of college.

Aiden Helgason

Surveying Intern

Aiden Helgason is a civil engineering student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) with a passion for rebuilding infrastructure. Outside of his internship, he enjoys mountain biking with friends around Northern VA and Shenandoah parks. He finds the field experience with survey crews particularly exciting, as it provides real-world insights into project planning. Aiden's dream job is to work as a general civil engineer, appreciating the variety of projects and skills involved. Additionally, he possesses a unique skill in completely disassembling and reassembling bicycles down to the frame.

Ben Kelly

Surveying/GIS Intern

Ben is in his fourth year at Penn State, pursuing a B.S. in Geography with a certificate in GIS. He chose geography for its diverse skill set and the range of career paths it offers. Ben loves traveling and exploring new places with friends. His excitement for this internship comes from the opportunity to apply what he has learned in school to real-world projects. Ben’s dream job is to work on projects that promote safety and sustainability. An interesting fact about Ben is that he was born in Frimley, England, and has lived in various places, including Texas and Virginia.

Internship Highlights:

  1. Hands-On Experience: VIKA’s internship program offers students the chance to work on real projects that impact communities. Interns are involved in various     stages of project development, from initial planning to execution, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
  2. Mentorship: Each intern is paired with a mentor who provides guidance, support, and feedback. This mentorship is crucial for professional growth, allowing interns to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights into their future careers.
  3. Professional Development: Interns at VIKA participate in workshops and training sessions that enhance their technical skills and knowledge. These opportunities prepare them for future challenges in their respective fields.
  4. Community and Culture: The inclusive and welcoming culture at VIKA is a significant highlight for many interns. The supportive environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging, making the internship experience enriching and enjoyable.
  5. Diverse Learning Opportunities: With interns from different educational backgrounds and areas of interest, VIKA’s program offers a diverse learning experience. This diversity fosters creativity and innovation, as interns bring unique perspectives to their work.

 

Looking to the Future:

VIKA’s internship program is not just about gaining work experience; it is about shaping future leaders in engineering and surveying. The program’s success is evident in the interns’ enthusiasm, dedication, and the high-quality work they produce. By providing a platform for students to explore their passions, develop their skills, and make meaningful contributions, VIKA is investing in the future of the industry.

As we reflect on this year’s internship program, we are proud of the accomplishments of our interns and excited about the potential they hold. Each intern brings a unique story, a set of aspirations, and a commitment to making a difference. At VIKA, we are honored to be a part of their journey and look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will make to the field of land development.

 

Join Us:

If you are a student passionate about land development and looking for an opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact, consider applying for VIKA’s internship program. Join a community that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development. Be a part of a team that is dedicated to building a better future.

To learn more about our internship program and application process, visit our website at vika.com. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of talented and driven individuals to our team.

 

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