Big Questions, Bold Careers: A Look Inside SWCA’s Internship Program

Each year, National Intern Day offers an opportunity to pause and celebrate the curiosity, commitment, and fresh perspectives that interns bring to SWCA. Our internship program is more than just a steppingstone—it’s an investment in the future of environmental consulting and the many disciplines that support our mission.

This year, we welcomed 45 interns across 17 offices, representing varying fields and backgrounds. Their stories illuminate how diverse experiences can converge in a shared purpose: to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today.

Preserving Culture, Learning New Skills: Shayla Spotkaeff’s Internship Experience

For Shayla Spotkaeff, who joined the Honolulu office as a Cultural Resources Intern, the internship has been both a professional milestone and a personal calling. A recent graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a degree in Business Management and a certificate in Ethnic Studies, Shayla’s path to SWCA began through her network and a passion for preserving Hawaiian culture.

Reflecting on her academic background, Shayla shared “I was sure I wouldn’t get this role because of my degree,” she admitted. “But it turned out that my background, combined with my knowledge of Hawaiian culture and language, made me a strong fit. It’s been so meaningful to work in a place where my cultural background is valued.”

One of the standout experiences for Shayla has been scanning and cataloging archival records about  loko iʻa

From scanning and cataloging archival records about loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) to cleaning and documenting archaeological artifacts, Shayla has immersed herself in work that connects the past to the present. She credits the team’s warmth and mentorship with making her transition seamless.

One of the things that has stood out to Shayla about her experience is SWCA’s commitment to giving back, and she notes that SWCA Gives Back is her favorite core value at the company. “I love that we aren’t just checking a box for corporate social responsibility. When we talk about giving back, it is genuine,” she said. Shayla will have the opportunity to attend a Gives Back event with her local office later this month.

Shayla’s advice to those considering applying for an internship at SWCA: “Don’t be afraid to apply, even if your degree doesn’t line up perfectly on paper. As long as you’re passionate and willing to learn, there’s a place for you here.” And her advice to interns who are selected: “Don’t bring lunch. I cannot understate this or overstate this enough, but the people in this office are so sweet. During my first week, they all went out of their way to get to know me and to build that relationship, such as by taking me out to lunch. Don’t be fearful about what’s going to come (lunches!) and the networking that’s going to happen.”

Shayla getting her surf on using a tourist picture backdrop in Kauaʻi

Learning by Doing: Raisa Mahmud’s Natural Resources Internship

For Raisa Mahmud, a Natural Resources Intern based in SWCA’s Houston office, this summer has been all about taking initiative—whether that’s diving into fieldwork in a new climate, connecting with colleagues across departments, or building bonds with fellow interns.

Currently studying sustainability and applied biological sciences at Arizona State University, Raisa sought an internship that would both stretch her skills and give her exposure to the many different areas of environmental consulting. “One thing I really appreciate about my internship is that I’ve been able to talk to people in other departments that I can see myself being interested in,” she said. “Everybody here is so nice and willing to connect. They’re always willing to talk to me, answer my questions, get to know me, and mentor me.” That willingness to engage has made a big impression—and it’s a two-way street. Raisa has actively reached out to professionals across SWCA, asking questions and absorbing insights that are helping her decide where she wants to take her career.

When it comes to fieldwork, Raisa’s experience has been just as dynamic. She’s had the opportunity to work hands-on with sensitive species, deepening her technical knowledge while navigating new environmental conditions. “I love the ability and opportunity to experience fieldwork in a new climate so I can expand my skills and learn more about myself,” Raisa shared. “I have a project coming up that I’m super excited for. It covers some species I’m very excited to work with. I have a feeling it’ll be my favorite.”

Raisa on a family vacation in Alaska

The people she’s worked with have made a big difference, too. From field leads to supervisors, Raisa notes how the support she’s received has helped her grow professionally and personally. “All of my supervisors and people I go out to the field with have been super understanding about my own boundaries and limitations, but they also push me in a healthy way,” she said. “I feel grateful for this experience. It’s been really enlightening for me.”

Beyond technical and interpersonal growth, Raisa has also found fulfillment in SWCA’s culture of giving back. Spending time in the Houston office, she was inspired by the visible commitment to community. “Just being in the Houston office and seeing all the bulletin boards and presentations and all their Gives Back moments—I think they’ve had some cool opportunities. That’s something that’s important to me—how we can affect the communities around us.” And she’s not navigating this journey alone. Raisa’s internship experience has been enriched by close friendships with fellow interns, like Madison Wheat, who she met at the Houston office. “She’s (Madison) from Houston. She just graduated from Texas A&M…I feel like we’ve gotten really close and I can see us being friends and talking beyond this. I’m glad that I’m able to do this internship experience with another intern.”

As Raisa looks ahead, her internship stands as a reminder of what’s possible when you lead with openness, take initiative, and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.

Raisa in the field for a vegetation survey at the Tres Rios Constructed Wetlands in Phoenix, Arizona.

From Campus to Consulting: A.D. Lewis’ Journey

A.D. Lewis, a Talent Development Intern, arrived with an academic background that might surprise some—psychology. Having recently completed a bachelor’s in psychology from Florida Southern College, A.D. is pursuing a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology, a field often described as ‘workplace psychology’. His passion for understanding people and processes brought him to SWCA.

“I came with the interest to learn how a consulting firm works,” A.D. shared. “What surprised me was how diverse the Human Resources (HR) team at SWCA is—the department has People Analytics, Talent Development, People Support, and more. Most companies don’t have that level of specialization.”

A.D.’s internship at SWCA has been a pivotal experience so far, providing a firsthand look at the inner workings of a consulting firm. The diversity within SWCA’s HR branch, with its various specialized teams like People Analytics and Talent Development, has inspired A.D. to learn more about HR specializations. This exposure aligned A.D.’s interests with these dynamic fields, shaping a clearer career path.

A.D. recently graduated from Florida Southern College with a bachelor’s in psychology

Working closely with our Talent Development team, A.D. has been a core contributor to the Project Management Ecosystem rollout, a large initiative focused on upskilling project managers across the company. He’s also applied his analytical strengths to build dashboards, tracking training engagement and onboarding milestones—a skillset he’s sharpening proactively during his internship.

When asked what advice he’d give himself on day one, A.D. reflected on the power of intentional connection. “Relax—everyone here really does have your back. Even in a remote environment, you can build relationships if you’re proactive.” To date, he’s scheduled dozens of one-on-one conversations with colleagues across departments and fellow interns, demonstrating the curiosity and drive that defines our culture.

Always Learning is the SWCA Core Value that resonates closest with him. “Always Learning is a great saying to have on your wall as you consider this internship…once you step through the doors, and then you see how everyone carries themselves and conducts business, and where everyone fits into the puzzle, it naturally draws questions, and that curiosity will take you far.”

Reflecting on the journey, A.D. offers valuable advice for those considering an internship at SWCA: “Go for it, and if you make it there, go all in. SWCA may not be the largest firm, but that’s an advantage. You’re closer to the impact on projects, and your contributions matter.” A.D. goes on to share “SWCA is big enough for complexity but small enough to make you feel like your decisions matter.”

A.D. works remotely from his home office

Building Pathways to Meaningful Careers

At SWCA, we believe internships should be more than resume-builders—they should be launching pads for careers rooted in purpose. From day one, interns are trusted to contribute real work that makes a difference for our clients, our communities, and our environment. Whether it’s designing learning programs, documenting cultural resources, or supporting field operations, interns help us deliver on our mission.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate National Intern Day, we look forward to seeing where these talented individuals go next. If their curiosity, determination, and adaptability are any indication, their futures—and the future of our field—are bright.

To all our interns: Thank you for your contributions, your questions, and your energy. You inspire us to keep learning and growing together.

Interested in joining SWCA as an intern? Learn more about our program and future opportunities at swca.com/careers/internship-program/.