Constructing Your Future through SME’s Co-op and Internship Program

SME^® | Published on March 7, 2025

Can you remember the last time you decided to lean in and learn? The nervous energy that builds with not knowing exactly what you were getting yourself into, but excited to roll up your sleeves and get a bit dirty learning? At SME, every project we work on offers that thrill transforming the way our Team Members and communities experience the world. Each year, SME welcomes a new class of Co-ops and Interns and watch as they open their eyes and minds to hand-on learning during their time with us. SME’s Co-op and Internship program ushers in a consistent stream of adventurous learners who come to SME for an immersive, seven-month work experience supplemented by mentoring and networking opportunities.

As many of us are keenly aware, the construction industry is facing a worker shortage, making recruiting a top priority. Despite industry shortages, in recent years, we’ve seen a steady increase in the percentage of women entering the workforce, and grant programs such as the Department of Labor’s Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) have helped increase awareness and participation in construction. However, women are still underrepresented in the industry, and there is a greater awareness needed to attract and retain female talent. One way SME accomplishes this is through our Co-op and Internship programs.

It was during one of these recruitment cycles that Abby Crocker, Lindsay Parker, and Angelle Gilbert began their respective journeys at SME. Each of them brought unique experiences and perspectives to the program, united by their passion for engineering and construction.

Abby Crocker, inspired by her childhood spent constructing giant structures with Legos, saw the potential in SME’s Co-op program after her father informed her about it. Abby’s love for STEM and construction was nurtured in a family of engineers, and she was excited to explore various specialties within civil engineering. Her journey with SME was transformative, as she balanced her dual degree in Physics and Civil Engineering with hands-on fieldwork and mentorship from experienced professionals. Abby’s leadership skills shone through as she began training new Co-ops, emphasizing the importance of support for women in the field.

Lindsay Parker discovered SME’s Co-op program through an engineering exposition at Western Michigan University. Drawn to the valuable experience, tuition reimbursement, and independence it offered, she embraced the unique challenges and learning opportunities that came her way. Despite facing certain challenges as a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Lindsay remained resilient and determined to prove her capabilities. Her experience at SME solidified her interest in engineering and construction and highlighted the importance of increasing the representation of women in the industry.

Angelle Gilbert’s passion for civil engineering began in high school, leading her to pursue a degree in the field. Her journey began as an Intern with SME when she participated in an early college program that required her to job shadow a company related to her career interests. Angelle’s dedication and hard work paid off as she balanced her studies at Michigan Technological University with part-time work at SME. Today, Angelle has joined SME fulltime as a Staff Engineer supporting projects throughout the Great Lakes region. She admired the strong women on her team and found mentorship crucial to her growth and success, inspiring her to encourage more women to pursue careers in construction.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Abby was aware of the potential challenges she might face. However, she found support from her family, including her mother and sister, who are also engineers. Abby’s initial worries were alleviated by the supportive environment at SME, where team members regularly checked in on her and empowered her to feel comfortable working on construction sites.

Abby noted “Knowing SME has my back; I felt welcome and valued from the moment I stepped onto the construction site. The team at SME has always been there to address any concerns I might have had.” She advises women to have confidence in their abilities and to remember that they are more than capable of doing the job. She believes that colleges, universities, and companies can better support women by including them in training materials and connecting them with industry professionals early in their careers. Abby’s immediate plans include continuing her internship with SME and growing in leadership by training new Co-ops in the field and lab.

Throughout her Co-op, Lindsay embraced the unique challenges and learning opportunities that came her way. She appreciated the hands-on learning and problem-solving aspects of the job, which allowed her to work independently and gain real-time experience. Her role often required her to make quick decisions and solve problems on the spot, which she found both challenging and rewarding.

As a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Lindsay faced certain challenges. She often felt underestimated by her male colleagues, who would sometimes offer unsolicited help, assuming she couldn’t handle the physical demands of the job. Despite these challenges, Lindsay remained resilient and determined to prove her capabilities. She found support among her coworkers, who were always ready to assist her when needed.

Lindsay’s experience at SME has helped her narrow down her career path. She realized that while she enjoyed the hands-on aspects of her job, she preferred a balance between fieldwork and office work. Her Co-op experience also highlighted the importance of having more women in the construction industry to foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment.

Throughout her journey, Angelle initially struggled with confidence but found support and mentorship from her colleagues at SME. Angelle admired the strong women on her team, such as Cecilia Joncheray, PE and Amanda Katt-Cassidy, PE, who inspired her to grow and succeed.

Looking to the future, Angelle hopes to continue exploring different areas of structural engineering, build relationships within the industry, and eventually become a project manager. She is passionate about encouraging more women to pursue careers in construction and believes that mentorship and support are key to their success.

Together, Abby, Lindsay, and Angelle’s stories reflect the power of perseverance, passion, and the importance of support and mentorship in the construction industry. Their journeys serve as an inspiration to other young women considering a career in the field, showcasing the impact they can make and the barriers they can overcome. As they continue to grow and succeed, they remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for future generations of women in construction. For more information about SME’s Co-op and Internship program, visit Civil Engineering Internships and Co-Op Program.