As the weather dips down, KNA Structural Engineer’s summer interns Ryan Millward and Nick Slavin have left us to return to Cal Poly SLO for their junior year in the Architectural Engineering (ARCE) program. Earlier this year, a number of us from our firm attended events where students had an opportunity to talk with us while we learned about their career plans. For the last sixteen years, KNA has given students the opportunity to collaborate with senior-level engineers and experience the day-to-day culture of our firm.
“Nick brought a lot of knowledge to his job, so he learned very quickly. I needed help with shop drawings and calculations, which he did effectively. I’ve been with KNA for over twenty years and every summer I get a chance to help students work on real projects that we see get built.”
Jason Smith, KNA Senior Project Engineer
5,889 Miles to KNA
Nick and Ryan were both super-busy this summer, studying abroad at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU), the biggest technical university in Lithuania, for an intensive five-week course. 23 American ARCE students went on the trip, which was more than double the amount of students last year. Students took three classes, all focused on structural analysis and computing.
“Working at KNA has been an awesome experience. From working on gravity and lateral calculations to visiting multiple job sites, I’ve been able to see how a structural engineering office works and understand how everything comes together. I’m thankful for the new set of skills I’ve learned from some great engineers that I’ll be able to apply both in my future classes at Cal Poly and in my career after college.”
Nick Slavin, Cal Poly SLO ARCE Student
Keeping it Local
Ryan, a local Orange County native, was able to get first-hand experience with Principal Ben Pitts for two months this summer.
Both students were able to put in significant time assisting Ben in a number of projects, from doing calculations to 3-D structural computer models and preparing CAD/BIM drawings. Going to project sites is especially helpful to engineers, and Ryan got to see first-hand a number of projects under construction.
“I am so grateful for the time I have been able to spend at KNA. It has given me an opportunity to see how much more there is to this job than just the engineering aspect. My internship taught me concepts and lessons that will benefit me throughout the rest of my schooling, and confirmed in my mind that I have chosen the right field.”
Ryan Millward, Cal Poly SLO ARCE Student
Spending time together outside the office is always a welcome event. We shared a meal and toasted Ryan and Nick to another successful summer for the KNA internship program. We look forward to meeting other students in 2019.
We wish to thank Nick and Ryan for their commitment to KNA this summer and to ARCE for their educational opportunities that help prepare engineering students for their careers.
We have a deep respect for Cal Poly SLO and for the quality of the university’s engineering programs…after all, many of us are alumni of the school and recognize the value of their mission “learn by doing.” Besides our internship program, KNA participates yearly in the
Senior Grant Program. We hope to see Nick and Ryan apply for this grant in their senior year.
