When Bisrat Yismashewa first walked into VHB’s Boston and Watertown offices through the CREST Internship Program, facilitated by KAGE Growth Strategies, he wasn't just starting a summer job; he was embarking on a journey that would help shape his future. This 10-week internship, designed to introduce minority and women students to various career paths in commercial real estate, offered Bisrat the ideal blend of hands-on experience and learning opportunities, providing him with valuable insight and direction for his career.
Bisrat first learned about the VHB internship from last year’s CREST intern, Lily Liu, during a research panel they both attended. At the time, Bisrat had just committed to pursuing a degree in civil engineering but was still unsure about which specific field to focus on. Lily shared her experiences at VHB, particularly emphasizing the rotational system that allowed her to explore different areas within the field.
VHB’s rotational program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive experience across multiple disciplines within the company that impact commercial real estate development. Throughout the summer, the intern rotates through various departments, including civil engineering, structural engineering, survey, permitting, and planning & landscape architecture. Each rotation offers hands-on opportunities to work closely with experienced professionals, attend meetings, participate in fieldwork, and contribute to ongoing projects.
As Bisrat began the internship, the rotational system proved to be beneficial.
"It helped me narrow down my interests—I’m currently leaning toward structural engineering, though I’m still keeping an open mind," he said.
Gaining Insight Through the Rotational Program
Through this experience, he gained a clearer understanding of the various disciplines and how VHB’s integrated team collaborates to move developments forward. For instance, his time with the Land Development team gave him a fresh perspective on how survey data is collected and applied in the development of new projects and sites.
"It made me realize that engineering isn’t just about sitting behind a computer; it involves real-world, hands-on work," he added.
Building Skills and Confidence
Through Bisrat’s internship, he was able to build skills practically, technically, and interpersonally.
"I definitely improved my technical skills, especially in using software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit, which are essential tools in civil engineering," Bisrat said.
One important skill that was significant for him was communication.
"In school, we focus a lot on technical knowledge, but here, I learned the importance of effectively explaining concepts and designs to others,” he said. “Whether it's communicating with clients, architects, or other engineers, being able to clearly articulate your ideas is key."
Bisrat’s Lesson in Collaboration
During his internship, Bisrat faced an impactful learning opportunity with a project on the Structures team that involved a new software program. He understood the concept, but wasn’t familiar with the software, so instead of struggling alone, he decided to seek guidance.
"My supervisor identified a minor issue I was facing, and once that was resolved, everything made sense. It was a valuable lesson in the power of collaboration and asking questions when needed."
Experiencing the VHB Culture
One of the best parts of Bisrat’s experience at VHB was the welcoming and supportive culture. Initially unfamiliar with the concept of ‘company culture,’ he felt welcomed and supported from day one. The inclusive environment, which encourages collaboration and prioritizes learning, left a lasting impression on him.
Reflecting on his internship, Bisrat learned the importance of asking questions. "As an intern, it can be intimidating to ask for help, but it’s essential," he said. "Not asking questions can make you miss out on learning opportunities."
The mentorship and guidance from his supervisors and colleagues significantly impacted his experience, helping him navigate challenges and creating a lasting network of connections.
“Interning at VHB has been an incredible journey,” he said. “Working with different teams gave me a holistic view of the industry and my role as a civil engineer.”
VHB is proud to be part of the CREST program and looks forward to hosting more students like Bisrat in the future. Special thanks to VHB leaders Mark Junghans and Sara Forbes, who spearhead the CREST Internship Program, and to all the departments that supported and mentored Bisrat throughout his 10-week journey.
For more information about VHB’s involvement with the CREST program, contact Sara Forbes, Sr. Communications Manager.
To learn more about internship opportunities at VHB, contact Day Perez, Talent Acquisition Manager.
Explore a range of careers at VHB and view all open positions on our Careers page.
