ABERDEEN, S.D. – Two Northern State University business students have been selected for competitive summer internships with Wight & Company, a nationally recognized design-build firm based in the Chicago area.
Luana Matos, an international business major, and Ethan Russell, a business administration major, will intern in the architecture and construction management departments, respectively.
Wight & Company’s internship program provides hands-on experiences with professional mentors in an interdisciplinary environment. Interns work as valued members of project teams, gaining real-world exposure to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction.
The opportunity was made possible through the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation, located in the NSU library.
“These new Wight-Cramer internships aim to deepen the understanding of design and innovation in business,” said James P. Cramer, Northern alum and founder of the Cramer Center. “They will provide weekly career coaching and mentorship, highlighting valuable career opportunities in design and construction.”
“The Cramer Center board members are creating connections between Northern and their companies that are opening up opportunities for Northern students,” said Dr. Erin Fouberg, associate vice president for academic affairs and a Cramer Center board member.
Wight & Company set aside two paid summer internships specifically for Northern students. The opportunity was open to all majors and did not require prior experience in architecture or construction management. Applicants completed an on-campus application and interview process, with finalists advancing to interviews with Wight & Company representatives.
“I am thankful and excited for this great internship opportunity with Wight & Co. through the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation,” said Russell. In his role, Russell will work alongside superintendents and tradespeople on-site and assist project managers with estimates, schedules, contracts and other management tasks.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Wight & Company’s summer internship program,” said Matos. “Learning from both marketing and architecture professionals at such a prestigious firm is an exciting next step in my journey. I look forward to gaining hands-on experience, expanding my skill set and immersing myself in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.”
During her architectural internship, Matos will work closely with project managers while gaining hands-on experience with leading technologies such as Revit, Enscape, 3D printing, and drone surveying. She will also spend several weeks collaborating with the firm’s marketing team.
To learn more about the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation at Northern State University, visit northern.edu/library/cramer-center.