The internship experience at DRMP shares a common thread among former interns now working at the firm full time. They felt trusted, supported, and had opportunities to contribute to projects that built confidence and capability. Former interns who joined full time said they thrived when treated as true professionals, included in design work and field visits, and mentored by senior staff who were genuinely invested in their growth and development.

This National Internship Awareness Month, DRMP is celebrating the experiences of its intern alumni. The firm remains committed to investing in its interns through mentorship, professional development, and hands-on opportunities with the goal of becoming their firm of choice when full-time roles become available.

To support this growth and celebrate their contributions, DRMP also creates memorable experiences for interns each year. During National Intern Day, celebrated on the last Thursday in July, the firm brings interns together to recognize their participation in the program. Last year, the day included a welcome breakfast and networking, pairing up with experienced professionals, and interactive activities such as a team-based Family Feud-style game that encouraged collaboration and connection.

Interns face off in a lively game of Family Feud for National Intern Day 2025.

From Interns to Professionals  

The impact of DRMP’s investment is reflected in the experiences of the interns themselves. Erin Downing, EI, now a traffic design engineer in DRMP’s Charlotte, N.C., office, described how the responsibility she was given helped her grow professionally and feel like a valuable member of the team during her internship.

“I could tell this was the right fit when I realized I was being treated like a team member, not ‘just an intern,’” she said. “Being included in project discussions and trusted with design tasks made it clear this was a place where I could grow without limitations.”

Similarly, Traffic Analysis Engineer Lexie Huber in Virginia, said being trusted with ownership of her work during her internship boosted her experience and confidence.

“There was a turning point when I was asked to take full ownership of a parking analysis project,” she said. “It showed that my work was trusted, and that level of responsibility pushed me to grow. I saw that DRMP invests in its interns as future professionals, not just temporary help. That made a lasting impression."

Other former interns noted how quickly they felt welcomed and included.

“From day one, even though I was meeting everyone for the first time, it felt like I had known them my entire life,” said Frank Roberts, now a roadway engineer in the firm’s Tallahassee, Fla., office. “That instant connection made me feel right away that this was the place for me.”

Project Engineer Jade Palmer, EI, who works out of DRMP’s Tampa, Fla., office, described a similar sense of inclusion and the value of being trusted with responsibility.

“I realized DRMP was the right place for me when I was included in field visits and client meetings,” she said. “Being trusted with that level of exposure demonstrated DRMP’s commitment to hands-on learning and their genuine investment in preparing interns for full-time engineering roles.”

Drainage Engineer Jade Palmer and Structures Engineer Casey Gonzalez join in on the Family Feud fun for National Intern Day 2025 at DRMP’s Tampa office.

Maggie Reed, now an environmental scientist in the firm’s Merritt Island, Fla., office, praised the flexibility offered at DRMP during her internship.

“What impressed me most about DRMP was the firm offered strong mentorship and meaningful project work, all while supporting me as I completed my master’s degree,” she said. “The team at DRMP was incredibly flexible and understanding.”

DRMP’s Unique Culture  

DRMP’s commitment to interns is part of the firm’s overall culture, which many interns recognize as a defining factor in their decision to stay and build a career at the firm.

Kadeem Cuffy, EI, now a roadway engineer at DRMP’s Orlando, Fla., headquarters, began his career with the firm nearly four years ago as an intern. He credits DRMP’s flexible, understanding, easygoing, and fun culture as a key reason for his choosing to stay. Because he spends much of his time in the office, being part of an environment where he feels comfortable and supported is especially important to him, he said. 

Roadway engineers Kadeem Cuffy and Amit Lalchan show off the bike they assembled for the Bike Build charity event hosted by DRMP.

Transportation Project Engineer Peter Badr, EI, who works in DRMP’s Tampa office, also began his career at DRMP as an intern in 2022. He credited his supervisor, Tampa Assistant Roadway Group Leader Bruno Arriola, PE, ENV SP, with creating an environment where he felt comfortable asking questions and growing professionally.

“I appreciated the variety of projects I was involved in, particularly within municipal and Florida Department of Transportation work, and I even had the chance to go on field reviews,” he said.

Transportation Project Engineer Peter Badr takes part in Clearwater Beach Cleanup Day with his DRMP colleagues.

Badr also highlighted the firm’s willingness to extend internships beyond the typical three-month period.

“For students, that’s a big deal because it’s hard to learn and grow meaningfully in such a short time,” he said. “With most internships, by the time you start gaining confidence and getting involved in real projects, the internship is already over.”

Across the firm, this culture of inclusion, mentorship, and responsibility allows interns to develop professionally while feeling genuinely valued. By fostering these connections and offering opportunities to explore a wide range of projects, DRMP ensures its interns are well-prepared to transition into full-time roles and contribute to the firm’s ongoing success.