Practice ConnEx

Thank you for an incredible externship experience. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and encouragement I received, and for the opportunity to see how theory and practice unite to solve complex engineering challenges.

Navigating an externship is always better with a partner, and I couldn't have asked for a better one. My buddy was the definition of kindness and support, acting as a constant sounding board as we tackled new challenges at SGH. Whether we were decompressing after a deep-dive lecture or exploring the intricacies of New York’s architecture together, having someone so grounded and encouraging by my side made the steep learning curve feel like an exciting climb.

My experience at SGH was shaped significantly by a mentor who understood that growth happens both at the desk and out in the world. From day one, he meticulously planned our schedule to ensure we weren't just observing, but truly experiencing the firm’s inner workings and high-level functions.

He championed a holistic approach to professional life—whether it was ensuring we sat in on specialized learning lectures and technical programs or encouraging us to blow off steam and build connections over a game of foosball. He pushed us to view New York City as a living laboratory, urging us to tour the streets, immerse ourselves in the culture, and draw direct inspiration from the iconic builds surrounding us. Perhaps most impressively, he opened doors to the academic side of the industry, exposing us to key publications and personally encouraging us to reach out and engage in dialogue with the authors. I’m walking away with more than just technical notes; I’m leaving with a blueprint for how to stay curious and connected in this field.

Working behind the scenes at SGH, I was constantly inspired by the caliber of projects that come through our doors. Most clients arrive seeking a definitive solution to complex challenges, and watching the Building Technology department rise to those demands was a masterclass in engineering ingenuity.

Beyond the blueprints and technical calculations, my time at SGH New York was a masterclass in intercultural competence. In a city as diverse as NYC, the office acted as a microcosm of the global engineering community, bringing together brilliant minds from countless different backgrounds.

The culture is defined by a team that is as passionate and enthusiastic about engineering as they are about supporting one another.

A standout moment was our walking tour of the city, where our supervisor took us to see The Shed. Beyond the impressive architecture, he used the visit to ingrain a vital professional mantra: "Trust, but verify." This philosophy perfectly encapsulates the SGH approach—combining confidence in our colleagues with the technical rigor required to ensure excellence.

Experiencing this externship alongside Jainan made the week feel more grounded and meaningful. Having someone from the BAC going through the same first impressions, questions, and moments of discovery created an easy sense of support. We checked in with each other throughout each day, compared what we were learning, and helped one another stay on track when things felt new or unfamiliar. That shared experience made the whole environment feel more approachable.

Over the course of the externship, my mentor Gamze Kahya played a huge role in making the experience feel grounded and meaningful. She approached every explanation with patience and clarity, and always encouraged us to think through each step rather than rushing to the answer. Her style emphasized independence, but with a strong safety net of support.

From the reading, a good mentor is someone who provides guidance, shares technical insight, and pushes a mentee toward growth. A good mentee listens, asks questions, and shows initiative. At RVA, mentorship happens naturally through conversations at desks, impromptu design discussions, or simply observing how people solve problems collaboratively.

One project that came up in conversation at the office this week was the Tokyo International Forum. It's an iconic civic complex known for its dramatic glass hall and its role as a major public venue in the center of Tokyo. What interested me most wasn’t just its architecture, but how the client behind it, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, shaped the project’s direction by prioritizing openness, accessibility, and cultural exchange. Their goals pushed the design toward a space that invites people in despite being located between two of the busiest transit hubs in the city.

When I asked someone in the office about how a client like this influences RVA’s culture, they explained that working with mission‑driven public clients encourages the firm to think beyond aesthetics. It creates a culture where social impact becomes part of the design conversation. Where circulation, usability, and community experience matter just as much as form.

Intercultural Competence is the ability to navigate cultural differences through awareness, listening, and intentional understanding. At RVA, this shows up in the way people communicate across teams and disciplines. The office brings together individuals from many backgrounds, and the environment encourages asking questions, exchanging perspectives, and learning from each other.

What stands out most is how often people explain not just what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it. That layer of openness creates an atmosphere where different viewpoints are not just heard, but genuinely valued. Whether we were reviewing project models or observing coordination conversations, there was a clear effort to ensure everyone (including us as visitors) stayed on the same page.

Day one at Rafael Viñoly Architects flew by in the best way! We arrived to a warm welcome, and Lindsay helped us get oriented with paperwork, office logistics, and some great recommendations for exploring New York. After settling in, we toured the office with Lal and Anna, who made sure we knew where everything was (especially the coffee machine!)

Once we got started on the project we were assigned to, everyone was incredibly open and helpful. Any time we felt stuck, someone was ready to guide us, which immediately showed how supportive and connected the workplace culture is here. RVA’s environment is fast‑paced, design‑driven, and highly collaborative, but what stood out most was how intentional people are about making newcomers feel included.

Huge thanks to AECOM for such an inspiring externship week! Getting to experience the firm up close and see the impact of the large scale projects they are working on was an amazing experience. It was great hearing everyone’s individual stories, learning about the projects currently in progress, and having the chance to connect with so many professionals across the firm.

Thank you to everyone at AECOM who took the time to present their work, share their experiences, knowledge, and energy throughout the week. I’m feeling really grateful for the opportunity and motivated to keep growing as a designer.

Inspired by the reading, I commit to actively seeking and maintaining a mentor outside of my immediate workplace who can provide honest feedback and broader perspective on career development. I am ready to commit to this because I recognize the value of guidance beyond day-to-day supervision and want to be more intentional about my professional growth. Building this relationship will help me better navigate workplace culture, expand my network, and prepare for long-term advancement.

Describe important skills and qualities of a mentor and a mentee. How does mentorship and sponsorship happen at your host office?