This summer, we were thrilled to welcome 10 talented interns across the Howell companies. They had the chance to contribute across multiple departments at Howell and balance office projects with fieldwork as they gained hands-on experience. As the season wraps up, we asked four of our interns, Bridget, Jimmy, Jack and Anna, to share their reflections and highlights from their summer with us…

Bridget Howe, Civil Engineering Intern

"Remember me? My name is Bridget, and I am going into my junior year as an environmental engineering major at Pitt. This is my second year interning with the Howell companies. After continuing work with Howell throughout the school year when my classes allowed it, I couldn’t resist coming back (I just missed George and Roscoe too much!). In all seriousness, the people and culture at Howell made returning an easy decision. Plus, who was going to give my brother hell during his first internship, if not me?

This year, I reoriented my focus from civil engineering to the environmental side of things, learning the ins and outs of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). Assisting Amanda and Rebecca with ePhase work, conducting site visits with Tom Plasket, writing reports, gathering information and even creating new templates opened a new window for me into the inner workings of the environmental field. I was able to gain real-world context for much of the ecological, geological and engineering knowledge I’ve learned in school, as well as a broader understanding of how the remedial process is set into motion. Learning how to dissect the history of a property gave me the “why is everything the way it is?” explanation I’ve been looking for my whole life. I got to be outdoors in a new location every site visit, exploring an abandoned industrial warehouse one day and working with a former Eagles player the next.

I also spent a portion of my time working to acquire my Remote Pilot certification with a small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS). Put simply, I am training to fly drones. Although this might not help me with my degree, it’s fascinating and a lot of fun. Other side quests included infiltration testing with Colen, and the highlight of the summer: file reviews at the Chester County Health Department (riveting).

My favorite part about working at Howell is that we are given the flexibility to expand our skillsets and knowledge independently, while also having resources to consult if needed. You really get out of it what you put in when you’re an intern, and this year I enjoyed using the know-how from last year to explore my capabilities at a deeper level. Coming out on the other side, I feel confident in my problem-solving ability, independently navigating the world of engineering and the environment. I am extremely grateful to Howell for giving me the opportunity to come back and work in a culture that values integrity, collaboration and fun. Stay tuned, you might see me again!”

Jimmy Howe, Civil Engineering Intern

"Hi, my name is Jimmy, and most people know me as Bridget’s brother. I am going into my sophomore year as a civil engineering major at Pitt, and I was a recipient of the Ted Gacomis scholarship. The first thing I was asked when I got here was “are you smarter than your sister?” to which I responded yes but quickly found out the challenges of the real world of engineering.

This summer, I made a goal of learning as much as I could in CAD, since it is used so often in civil engineering. My first project I worked on it felt like D3 was speaking another language when he was describing grading, layers, and other basic CAD functions. Over time, I was able to familiarize myself with the software with help from D3, Schmidt, Amanda and other mentors. Denny has also provided me with guidance with stories about Ted Gacomis, passing the FE exam twice and getting wisdom teeth out.

My favorite part about working at Howell is the variety in my responsibilities, which keeps me engaged and able to develop a wide range of skills. I enjoyed going out into the field whether it was infiltration testing with Colen, droning with John, or surveying with Ed and Paul. On hot summer days, nothing beats wrapping up fieldwork with a Wawa slushy. This also inspired me to pursue a Remote Pilot certificate for droning so that I can continue being out on the job. I also conducted Phase I Environmental Site Assessments where either Tom, Bridget, Amanda, Jack and I investigated potential hazards. I also had the opportunity to meet a former NFL champion, which was exciting being an Eagles fan.

After persisting through CAD difficulties and continuing this internship, I found a lot of value in my experience. I not only gained technical skills, but also a deeper understanding of how both field work and design fit into land development. This summer reaffirmed my interest in civil engineering and strengthened my confidence in pursuing it as a career. I’m grateful for the guidance and advice I received from everyone at Howell and look forward to future opportunities.”

Jack McEvoy, Civil Engineering Intern

“I’m Jack McEvoy, and I came to Howell in May after finishing my first year at Villanova University. With only one year of civil engineering coursework under my belt, I wasn’t expecting to get much experience this summer. However, after a very generous exchange with Denny, I was blessed with this amazing opportunity.

Coming in, I didn’t know much about the work that goes on behind the land development process, but through the amazing people here at Howell, I had the chance to experience it all. From the very beginning stages I was able to go on several Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, groundwater infiltration testing, tagging along with professional land surveyors, getting in the nitty, gritty details of zoning ordinances and countless design processes; the list goes on. Needless to say, I had the full experience for sure. Seeing and experiencing all the different aspects of this process was immensely beneficial in getting a full understanding so that when the time comes to make my own impression, I can acknowledge the impact of my work on the other sides of the process.

During my time in the office, I’ve been blessed with so many mentors, there was never a time I could say “I’m stuck”. The community-feel allowed me to be comfortable asking anyone and everyone as many dumb questions as I had. In my first few weeks, getting started on different projects was a challenge for sure, but after a slight learning curve, I was able to work on things like grading permits, storm water management systems, subdivision zoning, etc.

I truly had learned so much in such little time, I was blown away. More than a sheer engineering firm, Howell is a family that looks out for each other and is passionate about the work they do; I am forever grateful for my experiences with them this summer.”

Anna Bondar, High School Shadow/Intern

"My name is Anna Bondar, and I moved from Ukraine three years ago. I joined Howell as an intern at the end of summer 2024, right before my senior year of high school. This fall, I will be starting my freshman year at Penn State University, majoring in civil engineering.

Starting the internship was a bit scary at first. I did not have any background in engineering, and as a high school student, I was not sure how much I would be able to contribute. But I was excited to learn, be part of the team, and help however I could. From the first day, the company welcomed me and made me feel supported. Everyone was patient with my questions and encouraged me to speak up. I had the chance to sit in on meetings, visit job sites, and little by little, learn CAD, which I struggled with at first.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was working with different departments and seeing how civil engineering, surveying, and environmental work all connect. I helped with small tasks like organizing archived documents and creating site sketches in CAD. I also got to be part of a water infiltration test, which taught me how to understand the type of soil by holding it in my hands. I used equipment like a metal detector, and a surveying tool called a “gun” to help locate property lines for property boundary surveying. I even got to observe how engineers communicate with clients and local officials, which showed me how much responsibility the profession truly involves.

This experience helped me feel confident about my future and showed me that I had chosen the right path. I am incredibly thankful for everything I have learned and for everyone at Howell who took the time to guide and encourage me along the way. As I head into college, I carry this experience with me and feel more excited than ever for what is ahead.

And then there is the little fish in the tank, always cuddling up to the corals. He became an unexpectedly important companion while I was sorting through archival documents.”