Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our student interns, Cara Toney, to discuss her experience with our ETM Accelerator Program. This program is designed to provide mentorship for students and young professionals to help them develop their skills for their future careers. Cara has been part of the program since 2019 and has found it to be an invaluable resource throughout her educational journey. We are excited to announce that following her graduation in May, Cara will be working full-time with our Land Development team in Jacksonville.
How did you find out about the ETM Accelerator Program?
I first heard about the ETM Accelerator Program through a mentor I shadowed in a high school program called ACE. She took me to ETM where I met Grant Bledsoe, a Project Manager, and learned all about the company and program.
How long have you been a part of the ETM Accelerator Program?
I have been part of the ETM Accelerator Program since June 2019!
What part of the ETM Accelerator Program do you feel has been the most beneficial?
It is hard to pick just one benefit of the ETM Accelerator Program because there are so many! If I had to pick, the most beneficial part of the program is the opportunity to work on current projects and contributing to them. Having this hands-on learning approach has given me a foundation that I will use throughout my entire career.
What are some things you are hoping to get out of the ETM Accelerator Program?
When I first joined the ETM Accelerator Program, I was hoping to increase my knowledge of what I have learned in my engineering classes. I had also hoped to be able to learn how to work on a professional team. This experience has done more than that and I feel that I have been set up to be successful when I start my professional career.
What would you tell others who are interested in interning with the ETM Accelerator Program?
I would tell and encourage every student pursuing a career in the AEC Industry to take part in the ETM Accelerator Program! It is an amazing program that supports and develops students through their studies. For me, being in the program helped me confirm that I wanted to pursue civil engineering and has given me the support I needed during my studies. I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to be part of such an incredible company!
About the ETM Accelerator Program
The ETM Accelerator Program accelerates the education and career of students by immersing them in the day-to-day tasks and routines of a real civil engineering, planning, geospatial technologies, and surveying firm. Students gain hands-on experience while working directly with industry professionals on real-world projects.
We are currently working with universities throughout Florida on co-op internships, summer internships, and part-time employment both in-office and remote. Our firm currently has corporate offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Ormond Beach, and even has an Accelerator Office in Gainesville for students attending the University of Florida.
How to Get Involved with ETM’s Accelerator Program
If you are currently attending the University of Florida and interested in applying for the ETM Accelerator Program, please email HR@etminc.com.