TREKK Intern Summit: Building Connections, Culture, and Future Leaders

The 2024 TREKK Intern Summit was an experience that our interns will never forget. Over three days, we brought together bright, emerging talent from across our offices for growth, learning, and connection. From June 30 to July 2, we gathered in Kansas City to nurture the next generation of engineering professionals and showcase what makes TREKK unique.

This summit was about professional development and building bridges between people, projects, and purpose. By investing in our interns, we’re shaping their futures and ensuring the growth of our industry and communities.

“The experience at the intern summit was energizing and insightful. It was amazing to learn about so many projects and different Teams and their coordination and challenges they face.” – Neha Patel, Intern

A Journey of Growth and Discovery

The summit kicked off Monday evening with interns meeting face-to-face, many for the first time. The energy was infectious as connections formed instantly.

Tuesday and Wednesday were packed with purpose. Interns dove into a hands-on program designed to provide real-world insight into engineering. Impactful presentations by our leaders sparked meaningful discussions about the future of engineering, addressing key challenges and opportunities in the field.

“Whether it was the water resources team, the transportation team, the survey team, or any of the others, I learned a lot about all the different areas that TREKK is involved in. My favorite part was just being able to ask questions and have genuine conversations with the speakers. Whether it was a general question about a team as a whole, or a specific question about a technical aspect of a project highlight, the speakers were happy to answer and share more about the work they enjoy doing. The speakers were very passionate about the work they were sharing.” – Eddie Hacker, Intern.

Meanwhile, an inspiring I-70 tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation, dedication, and hard work that drive the creation and maintenance of lasting infrastructure, showcasing the incredible teamwork and advanced techniques involved. Every moment blended learning, exploration, and discovery, leaving interns motivated and more connected to the field.

“My favorite part was probably the I-70 site visits, it was great to get to see different projects actually being built.” – Tehya Cox-Potter, Intern.

Memorable Moments That Matter

What made the summit truly special were the experiences beyond the traditional. While presentations and knowledge-sharing were key, the rocket-building competition stole the show. Teams collaborated to design, build, and launch rockets, capturing TREKK’s spirit of creativity and teamwork.

Shared meals and casual conversations gave interns the chance to connect with each other and TREKK staff, reminding us that people are at the heart of everything we do.

Living Our Values, Together

The summit wasn’t just about learning or networking. It gave the interns a real-life example of TREKK’s core values. Collaboration, passion, and improving lives came to life in every activity and conversation. Interns left with professional insights, confidence, and a true sense of belonging in the TREKK family.

“As the first woman engineer in my family, TREKK has given me a platform and family to reach out to with any life or career questions I might face now and in the future. The intern summit highlighted the TREKK core values for sure!” – Anika Thakur, Intern. 

Building the Future, One Experience at a Time

At TREKK, we believe in investing in people. The 2024 Intern Summit reminded us how shared experiences can build a stronger culture and future. By creating spaces where young professionals can learn, grow, and connect, we’re not just preparing tomorrow’s leaders. We’re creating a legacy of collaboration and innovation.

The success of this summit isn’t just in logistics; it’s in the enthusiasm we saw, the relationships we built, and the passion for engineering reignited in all of us. As this event becomes an annual tradition, we can’t wait to see its impact on the future of our industry. When culture is built intentionally, everyone benefits.