Inside the GTA Internship Experience: Lessons From Our Interns

As career fair season approaches, students find themselves asking: Where can an internship at this company really take me? It’s easy to find opportunities that offer a few months of experience, but harder to find the right experience that can help clarify your career path. 

Internships at GTA are not resume fillers but hands-on experiences that introduce students to real work and real career possibilities. In fact, many of the professionals helping lead GTA today started their journey the same way: interns trying to figure out their next step.

That culture of opportunity has been part of GTA for decades. As Executive Vice President Tom Wirth explains, “If there’s anything I wanted to seek out, there was never a no. There were always opportunities.”

From Intern to Leader: Tom Wirth’s Story

The culture interns experience at GTA today is deeply rooted in the company’s leadership, many of whom began their own careers as interns.

Tom Wirth’s journey is an example. He started at GTA as a 16-year-old lab intern, helping with concrete and soil testing. Over time, as both his skills and the company grew, his role evolved. He advanced through engineering positions, became a partner, and now serves as Executive Vice President for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Looking back, Tom credits much of his growth to the mentorship and encouragement he received early in his career. That experience shaped not only his path, but his approach to leadership. “Over the years, I have really come to love supporting people, bringing other people along with me, teaching them, and providing that mentorship so they can advance in their career,” Tom says.

Because leaders like Tom have walked the same path, they understand the impact an internship can have. They know firsthand that early opportunities, combined with guidance and trust, can shape a career for decades. 

What Makes a GTA Internship Different? 

One of the biggest differences interns notice right away is the level of responsibility they’re given. The work that they do is not limited to observation. They’re actively involved in projects, taking on tasks that challenge them early in their experience.

Former intern and now Project Scientist, Angelo Parolari, recalls how quickly that trust was established during his internship: “They’ve given me very complex sites, but the fact that I would do sites by myself after a few weeks showed a level of trust.”

Interns learn by doing, whether that’s assisting with site assessments, collecting field data, working in the lab, or supporting construction observation. Supervisors remain closely involved, offering guidance and feedback, but interns are encouraged to take ownership of their work.

Another experience interns frequently mention is mentorship. Questions are welcomed, conversations about career goals are encouraged, and managers take the time to explain not just how something is done, but why it matters. The responsibility and support given create an environment where interns feel both challenged and valued.

What Interns Learn at GTA Beyond the Job Description

Internship descriptions can outline responsibilities, but they don’t always capture the full scope of what interns actually gain. Learning at GTA extends far beyond what’s written on paper.

Interns develop technical skills through hands-on experience in both the field and the office. They gain exposure to lab testing, site assessments, construction processes, environmental work, reporting, and data analysis. This real-world application helps them understand what’s taught in the classroom and how it translates into professional practice.

Equally important is the balance many interns experience between fieldwork and office responsibilities. Angelo appreciated that balance early on: “I didn’t want to be in the office all day, but I also didn’t want to be in the field every day either.”

That mix of both office and on-site work gives interns a realistic picture of what a career in the industry can look like. No two days are the same, and that’s the exciting part—an opportunity to explore what works best for them. Over time, they begin to understand which environments they enjoy, what type of work keeps them engaged, and how different roles contribute to larger projects.

Beyond technical knowledge, interns build professional confidence. They learn how to communicate with team members, manage time in a fast-paced environment, and adapt when conditions change. These skills often prove just as valuable as technical expertise as interns move forward in their careers.

There’s No “One Path,” And That’s the Point

Many students enter internships feeling pressure to have their career path fully defined. Our internship program challenges that expectation. Cameron Linger’s experience shows how flexibility and open communication are part of the GTA culture. 

After interning and later joining GTA full-time in the geotechnical engineering department, Cameron realized that role wasn’t the right long-term fit for him. Instead of feeling stuck, he found support.

“This is what’s really nice about GTA. I wasn’t just stuck being a laborer, essentially. They were actively giving me a lot of opportunities to progress my career in the direction that I wanted to go.”

With encouragement to explore other opportunities within the company, Cameron transitioned to the natural resources department. He started as a staff-level team member, gained experience across multiple disciplines, and earned a promotion to Project Scientist within two and a half years.

It’s okay not to have everything figured out, and it’s okay for goals to evolve. What matters is having a company that values adaptability, supports growth, and helps you discover the path that fits you best.

Advice From Former Interns to Future Ones

For many interns, their time at GTA becomes the foundation for a long-term career. That’s not by chance. GTA provides clear paths for advancement, ongoing mentorship, and investment in professional development. Interns who transition into full-time roles are supported through training opportunities, certifications, and continued education. 

Sydney Conboy, who started as a summer intern and is now a Geotechnical Professional, offers this perspective: “Be a sponge.”

Internships are an opportunity to absorb as much as possible. Not just technical knowledge, but lessons learned through experience. Many aspects of the job aren’t taught in classrooms, and those who stay curious and engaged tend to gain the most.

Asking questions, observing how teams collaborate, and staying open to new challenges can make an internship far more impactful. Those habits carry forward into full-time roles and long-term career growth. 

Thinking About an Internship at GTA?

You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out. What matters most is a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. As Tom Wirth puts it, “If they have that work ethic, then that’s all I need because I can turn them into good engineers and good leaders.”

If you’re preparing for career fairs or exploring internship opportunities, GTA offers mentorship and the chance to build a foundation for your future! Explore GTA’s internship opportunities and see where they might lead you: www.gtaeng.com/careers