One of the most important challenges an employer faces is finding talent with the right skillset and the right fit for the company’s culture. Design and engineering consulting firm, Kimley-Horn’s internship program pairs students like Sarasota local, Emily Griffiths with a mentor to guide them through the job portion and a buddy who can acquaint them with the company environment.

This past summer, Emily, a University of Florida Engineering student landed an internship at the Sarasota office of Kimley-Horn working on a variety of projects including public park improvements, drainage system design, a tiny house development.

Emily grew up in Sarasota and spent a lot of time around the water. After graduating from Sarasota Military Academy, she began her first year of college as an Environmental Science major at the University of Florida, but shortly after decided to change her major to Environmental Engineering.

One of Emily’s Kimley-Horn mentors was Project Manager, Trenton Strackbein. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Civil Engineering and was a mentee himself back in 2013.

“Emily has the ability to pick things up quickly,” says Strackbein. And in his experience, the more outgoing students tend to do better in business. The New Engineer approach utilized by UF College of Engineering puts the focus on developing creative, innovative problem solvers with the qualities of a dynamic leader. Strackbein stresses the importance of understanding the business side of engineering since engineers are often called on to meet with city staff and officials and in some cases are the last word when it comes to things like drainage disputes.   

Emily graduated in December from the University of Florida and has accepted a full-time position as a Civil Analyst with Kimley-Horn. She is excited to begin a new chapter backed by a network of support she has already.

Kelley Klepper, a Vice-President with Kimley-Horn’s Sarasota office, sums up the synergy between homegrown talent and the local company, “The program provides us with high-quality interns who have local knowledge and relationships which positively impacts our office as a whole.”