A Summer of Growth: Insights from Yaeger’s Interns

“This internship has truly helped me grow in more ways than I could’ve imagined. I feel confident asking questions to my peers. Acknowledging that I’ll always have room to grow has helped me stay curious.”

– Hannah L., summer 2026 intern

Each summer, Yaeger Architecture welcomes interns who bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Internships provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build professional relationships, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects. As this summer comes to a close, I had the opportunity to sit down with our interns, Hannah and Lauren, and reflect on their experiences, lessons learned, and professional growth during their time at Yaeger.

Building New Skills and Confidence

For Hannah, one of the most rewarding aspects of her internship was expanding her technical knowledge and becoming familiar with industry tools and processes.

“I was introduced to new programs such as Bluebeam where I learned how to analyze a set of drawings and coordinate with team members to complete certain tasks. I learned a lot of new terminology and abbreviations that I can apply to my day-to-day vocabulary and will help me with communicating with fellow designers.”

Beyond technical skills, Hannah emphasized how much she grew professionally through collaboration and continuous learning. Throughout the summer, Hannah strengthened her proficiency in programs such as Revit, InDesign, and Photoshop while gaining valuable experience in team coordination. She also took advantage of opportunities to connect with industry professionals through lunch-and-learns, site visits, IIDA events, and networking activities.

“I’ve met so many incredible people in the Architecture and Design field and I hope to continue building these relationships!”

Learning Through Diverse Experiences

Lauren’s internship experience was shaped by exposure to a wide range of projects and project management styles. Working alongside different project managers allowed her to see firsthand how professionals approach organization, communication, and problem-solving in unique ways.

“My favorite part of my internship with Yaeger this summer was the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and experience different project management styles and workflows.”

She found particular value in learning from professionals at all stages of their careers, gaining insight into how varying levels of experience influence project execution and leadership styles.

At the same time, Lauren appreciated the collaborative culture that Yaeger fosters.

The close-knit office environment provided a strong support system where she felt comfortable seeking guidance, asking questions, and learning from colleagues across the firm.

“That combination of being exposed to different ways of working while still having a strong support system made the experience especially valuable to me.”

The Power of Asking Questions

When asked about the most valuable lesson she learned this summer, Lauren pointed to a common theme echoed by many successful professionals: never be afraid to ask questions.

“Throughout my experience, I realized that even when I felt confident in a particular workflow or task, there was always an opportunity to learn from those around me.”

Lauren discovered that curiosity and a willingness to seek guidance not only improved her efficiency but also opened doors to new learning opportunities and professional relationships.

“More importantly, I learned that asking questions is not a sign of uncertainty, but rather a willingness to learn, improve, and become a more effective professional.”

By engaging with mentors and teammates, Lauren gained insight that helped her work more effectively, broaden her project exposure, and build meaningful connections within the industry.

“Ultimately, this experience taught me that growth comes not only from the work itself, but also from being curious and willing to learn from the people around you.”

Looking Ahead

A common thread throughout both Hannah’s and Lauren’s experiences was the value of curiosity, collaboration, and professional connection. Whether learning new software, participating in site visits, working through project challenges, or networking with industry professionals, both interns embraced opportunities to grow beyond the classroom.

At Yaeger Architecture, investing in future design professionals is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. We are proud of Hannah and Lauren for all they accomplished this summer and grateful for the energy, dedication, and fresh perspectives they brought to our team.

We look forward to seeing where their careers take them next and are excited to watch both continue making an impact in the Architecture and Design community.