From Classroom to Career: Manson Interns Turn Potential Into Experience

For more than a century, Manson engineers have helped shape the nation’s waterways and critical marine infrastructure. Through its Internship Program, Manson is carrying that legacy forward by giving college students a firsthand look at the specialized work, responsibility, and career paths that define marine construction and dredging.

Interns Feiza Agoes-Adenan, Thomas Sullivan, Titus Urban, Shelby Bogen, and Christian Wallace visiting the Phillips 66 Wharf Causeway Replacement project in Ferndale, WA. Photo credit: Jimmie Collins—Proposal and Marketing Manager

The program includes field internships with Manson’s civil construction and dredging groups, as well as office-based estimating internships focused on planning and preconstruction. Each opportunity is designed to reflect the pace, expectations, and responsibilities of a full-time engineering role.

“We treat our interns like entry-level field engineers,” says Project Sponsor Matt Lehmann. “We want them to understand what the role requires and decide whether this career path is the right fit.”

Manson looks for students who are motivated, curious, and ready to learn in a hands-on marine environment. Strong candidates often bring an engineering foundation, construction or related experience, clear communication skills, and a willingness to learn from crews, project teams, managers, and clients.

A team-first mindset and interest in working on the water help interns adapt to project demands while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexity behind marine construction and dredging.

“Standout candidates bring natural drive and motivation to work in the marine environment,” says Dredging Engineering Manager Kyle Dickens. “Strong communication skills are also important, especially on the construction side of engineering.”

Recruiting Future Engineers

Manson connects with students through campus visits, career fairs, and classroom presentations, where employees share the realities of working in marine construction and what interns can expect from the experience.

NorCal Field Engineer Intern Shila Basnet on the USS Pampanito Relocation project at Pier 45 in San Francisco, CA. Photo credit: Shila Basnet—Field Engineer Intern

Once on the job, interns move beyond observation and take on meaningful assignments after shadowing experienced team members. Depending on the project or department, their work may include CAD drawings, material procurement, surveying, production tracking, logistics, planning, estimating, document control, database updates, and support for daily field operations.

This structure helps interns build confidence, apply classroom knowledge in real project environments, and understand the expectations of the role. It also gives Manson an opportunity to identify students who can adapt to field conditions, communicate effectively, and contribute to project teams.

“The goal of Manson internships is to prepare and grow the pipeline of future engineers in marine construction and dredging,” says Talent Acquisition Manager Louisa DuBose. “Our engineers are close to the action and out on jobsites, so we want to give interns a real taste of the work.”

For students who return to Manson in full-time roles, that early experience can make the transition smoother because they already understand the work, expectations, and career path ahead.

As the construction and maritime industries compete for new talent, Manson’s internship program helps students discover career paths they may not have considered before. Through mentorship, meaningful assignments, and active project environments, interns gain a clear view of what it takes to build and maintain the nation’s waterways and marine infrastructure.

Seattle Field Engineer Intern Christian Wallace, Superintendent Kolby Doerge, and Project Manager Madeline Brisson pause for a selfie. Photo credit: Christian Wallace—Field Engineer Intern

For Manson, the program is more than an introduction to the industry. It is an investment in future engineers who will carry the company’s legacy forward.

“We want interns to leave the program feeling that they gained meaningful experience and value from their role,” Matt explains. “It is a two-way opportunity: Manson can evaluate whether they may be a strong fit for the company, and interns can better understand what a career in the field can offer.”

Visit Manson's Vimeo page to watch videos about Manson's internships and early career experiences.