Michael Rossi is an Associate Project Manager in Marietta, Georgia who has been with Atwell since 2021 when he was hired as an intern. What started as a conversation at a campus career fair blossomed into a fulfilling experience that set a solid foundation for his professional relationships and progression in civil engineering. We sat down with Michael to learn more about his intern experience and transition into full-time work, as well as his goals and advice for future interns.
Where did you go to school and how did you hear about the Atwell internship?
I attended Kennesaw State University and learned about Atwell from the Marietta office near our campus. It was only 10 minutes away and I noticed it nearly every day on my walk home from campus.
During a career fair, I was able to connect with the Atwell team and learn about the impressive internship they offered. It was particularly exciting to learn that they offered an internship extending beyond the summer months. I had also heard great things from friends who had interned with Atwell in the past, from the flexibility in hours to the firm’s willingness to establish mentorships for interns.
Why did you decide to accept an internship at Atwell?
It was important to find an internship that was more than a single summer experience; not many companies offer that. The close location to my campus was also very appealing because it meant I could optimize my time by learning and gaining experience, rather than commuting a great distance. The direct contact we had with leadership from as early as the career fair was unique. Atwell did not seem to exist within a strictly hierarchical culture. Most importantly, the work I would be exposed to during the internship was not limited to just one department. Every intern was encouraged to build relationships across departments and get involved with commercial and residential projects. It was clear I would learn the most to help my overall career through an internship with Atwell.
What was it about your internship experience that motivated you to come on full time?
The decision to come on full time was easy to make. The people at Atwell were the biggest reason I wanted to stick around. I’d developed many friendships, benefitted from numerous mentorships, and could see my career continuing to evolve through the endless possibilities provided to me. Atwell does an excellent job of connecting people at all levels–despite being an intern, I was still able to have lunch with executive leadership! I was also included in corporate events and team building experiences, and I appreciate that I was considered and invited.
The teams at Atwell are diverse in knowledge and work styles, so people had the capacity to answer my questions, help me develop my technical skills, and assist with big projects. For example, I was able to design a utility system, study a hydrology report, work on the permitting process, and develop client relationships.
After a two-year internship with Atwell, the transition to a full-time position was seamless thanks to the opportunities I’d had to integrate myself within the company. Whether it was the full-time work over the summer, or the part-time continuance during the school year, I was supported by my supervisor, knowing there would always be work waiting for me and new opportunities to seize. Atwell is not shy about giving interns a shot, and they want to set us up for success and help us along the way. That made the experience extremely rewarding. Now, as a civil engineer, I have a career path that I’m confident in pursuing and I’m excited to discover what else is possible for me at Atwell.
What are your goals for your time at Atwell?
My first goal is to become a project manager. After that, I would like to move into senior leadership within the company. There are tremendous opportunities to gain experience here, and I fully intend to stay with Atwell for as long as I can.
What advice would you give students looking at internships with Atwell?
Don’t be shy and ask questions! By getting curious and asking questions, you can really put yourself in control of your professional development. There was a lot of training available to me during my internships, but the technical skills I developed were because I asked questions and intentionally connected myself with the most skilled person in the office. This was helpful in differentiating myself during my internship and as I transitioned into a full-time position. Ask questions, make connections, and stay curious!
