Finding a path to the right job can be challenging but ultimately lead to the role that will turn into a fulfilling career.
Katelyn Laistner is following that path as she joins the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District as an intern while attending her junior year at the University at Buffalo.
As an engineering student, Katelyn wisely utilizes her time working as an intern each year to gain hands-on experience and find the right career for her. Katelyn took a few moments to talk about her experience and let us get to know her better.
Q: Where are you from?
Katelyn: I’m proudly born and raised in Lancaster, New York. I’ve traveled to Quebec and Jay’s Peak in Vermont quite a bit for the love of snowboarding. but Lancaster is home.
"The flexibility was also a factor. I’m in the Buffalo District office two days a week while I’m taking classes, and my work with the district is considerate of my education. They make sure I’m on track to learn as much as possible while not overloading me."
Q: What are you studying?
Katelyn: I’m currently in my junior year of the Civil Engineering program at the University at Buffalo. The program is interesting and I’m enjoying what I’m learning through UB, and I’m excited about the possibilities of what the Corps of Engineers will bring through this internship.
Q: How did you find out about the internship with USACE?
Katelyn: The university was holding a career fair and I spoke to Civil Engineer, Tori Towndrow. Tori had great things to say about her experience with the Corps of Engineers and had an energy that showed she was happy to go to work with the Buffalo District. She genuinely enjoys her work and, after speaking with her, I had to find out more about the internship and employment opportunities.
I also attended a presentation by New York-Pennsylvania Area Office Chief, Ryan Lenihan, about the Corps of Engineers that included information on what they do, opportunities, and what it’s like to work in the Buffalo District.
Q: What motivated you to take the position as a USACE intern?
Katelyn: With Tori’s enthusiasm and Ryan’s presentation, I was sold on pursuing this internship. I’ve done an internship each year I’ve been in college and I have to say it’s been the best one so far – and I haven’t been in the field to get the full experience yet.
The flexibility was also a factor. I’m in the Buffalo District office two days a week while I’m taking classes, and my work with the district is considerate of my education. They make sure I’m on track to learn as much as possible while not overloading me.
Q: What are your plans following your internship?
Katelyn: I’ll be finishing my degree and my hope is to come back to the Buffalo District to work fulltime. I like the prospects of a career with the federal government, specifically with the district, so I’m working to make that happen.
I’ve met a lot of good people who have built careers here, moved through different departments, and found a role that fits enough to be here for decades.
Providing talented students the opportunity to explore engineering aspirations with hands-on experience, expert guidance, and a flexible schedule, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers internship program is a destination where fulfilling careers begin.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District offers careers within a culture rich with opportunities to reach your full potential. Join a team that puts People First and promotes teamwork. We are a world-class organization working to serve the people of Buffalo and Cleveland, the Great Lakes region, and the Nation. Our jobs offer great tangible benefits, including health insurance, education programs, paid vacation, and a stable path to retirement.
Start your career by applying for USACE jobs at www.usajobs.gov and join our team today.
Send us your resume today: dll-celrb-recruiting@usace.army.mil