Cleared for Takeoff: How Connico Interns Landed Full-Time Roles

At Connico, we understand that interns are not just temporary team members; they are our future colleagues, innovators, and leaders. By investing in interns, we welcome fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a contagious enthusiasm that invigorates our projects and enhances our team dynamics. Often, we invest in our interns even further by having them return for multiple semesters and eventually bringing them onto our staff full-time after graduation! 

Today, we’re excited to share the journeys of two former interns, Caleb Ponting and Veronica Takacs. After graduating, they joined our firm as full-time teammates, and now both hold the title of Analyst II at Connico. Their smooth progression from interns to full-time employees exemplifies our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes professional growth through all career stages.

Seamless Transition from Intern to Full-Time Engineer

A little over a year ago, Caleb Ponting graduated from the University of Cincinnati (UC) and embarked on his full-time career as a civil engineer here at Connico. Caleb's journey with us began before that, however, in our Hebron office during his two final co-op semesters.

"Connico immediately made the other interns and I feel like valuable members of the team, truly making a difference in the projects we assisted on," Caleb recalls. During his internship, he worked on cost estimates, construction schedules, and on-site projects, all while participating in team-building events and office rotations between different locations.

The sense of inclusivity didn't end when his internship did. "Even before I accepted my full-time offer, I received invites for team events, lunches, and the Annual Meeting dinner," Caleb shares. This ongoing connection and inclusion as a true part of the team solidified his decision to join Connico full-time.

When Caleb started his full-time role in May 2023, the transition was seamless. "I was billable in my first week back," he says. The familiarity with the team and the projects allowed him to contribute meaningfully right away. His advice to current co-op students? "Stay connected with your coworkers even when you're not working there, and say 'yes' to any and every opportunity you’re given. Constantly looking to stay busy and gain new experiences helps you grow quickly as a valuable employee."

An Early Start Leads to a Lasting Career

Veronica Takacs joined Connico much earlier in her educational journey, during her second year at UC in 2020. She had no idea what to expect as it was her first professional employment (and Connico’s first ever intern!). "Despite having no experience, I was taken under the wing of a mentor and was given the space and trust to learn and prove myself," Veronica recalls.

Although her internship came to an end, Connico’s investment in her continued over the next 3.5 years, culminating in an offer for a full-time position. Although the company had grown significantly, her transition back was also seamless. "It felt like I had never left," Veronica notes.

Her time in the co-op program at UC allowed her to explore multiple employers, but she never quite felt the same level of inclusivity and belonging as she did with Connico. "The best advice I would give to co-op students is to pay attention to how you feel about yourself at work," she says. "You should feel confident, intelligent, and valuable, and I’m lucky to have found that at Connico."

Embracing the Future Together

Both Caleb and Veronica are testaments to Connico's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Investing in interns not only benefits them but also enriches the team and clients’ projects.

If you’re a co-op student or an intern looking for a place where you can grow professionally and personally, take a page from Caleb and Veronica’s book. Stay connected, embrace every opportunity, and find a workplace that makes you feel valued.

At Connico, we’re not just building the future of aviation construction; we’re building the future careers of talented individuals like Caleb and Veronica, and we’re excited to continue this journey together. Interested in learning more about our internship opportunities? Get in touch with us today by visiting our open positions at connico.com/careers.