Meet Our Former Interns

"I joined the Dormitory Authority for the internship program in 1992, while I was working on an Associate’s degree in Building Management and Maintenance at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY.  My objective as an intern was to advance within the Dormitory Authority and apply my knowledge, contribute ideas, and gain practical experience.  During my career with the Dormitory Authority I have progressed through a number of positions in the Construction division such as Field Representative Intern I and II, Field Representative I, II, and III, to eventually become a Project Manager. The internship program provided me with early experience as a Dormitory Authority representative for various clients, consultants, contractors, and construction management firms."

"I started with DASNY as a summer intern when I was pursuing an Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology at NYC College of Technology. Before joining DASNY, I thought my only options in the industry were design or actual construction work. My internship exposed me to a new category of professionals: a Construction Manager as an Owner. I was able to work on all phases of projects, from concept to project closeout; on different types of project deliveries such as design, bid-build, and design-build, as well as with various participants, both in the field and office environment.

The internship experience helped me select my niche in the industry and develop technical and management skills, such as blueprint reading and working in a team. Our job as Field Representatives not only provides continuous learning and experience, but DASNY supported me in pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  I chose to work at DASNY after the internship and returned after a year of teaching at my alma mater, NYC College of Technology. I returned because I missed the day-to-day, hands-on experience of working in the field.  Not only did my time at DASNY propel my career, but it defined it."

"DASNY provided me with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience as well as further my knowledge of business. During my time as an intern, I was given responsibility and assignments that were essential to the function of my unit. Beyond career-related activities, I gained experience in building relationships with my colleagues and learned a lot about organizational culture and team-building.  My internship at DASNY allowed me to experience business in the real world and in doing so, that experience validated my decision to choose my particular field of study. DASNY is a great organization to work for and would be a great opportunity for any prospective intern."

"Through my summer internships at DASNY, I gained hands-on experience in all facets of construction project management.  I was afforded the opportunity to obtain real world experience by coordinating the work of trades, building rapport with architects, engineers, local officials, vendors, and clients.  Throughout my three summers as an intern, I worked with talented professionals who encouraged me to problem-solve, walked me through policies and procedures, and allowed me to experience every aspect of construction projects. 

It was apparent that enthusiasm and professionalism were common threads throughout the entire DASNY organization.  My experiences and skill sets gained through my internships prompted me to pursue and secure a career with DASNY as a Field Representative in construction project management."

"As an intern in DASNY’s Construction division, I gained a wonderful insight on the procedures required to meet the clients’ needs. To me as an architectural student, it provided the opportunity to apply and test my knowledge and skills on the project sites and at the office. The Authority offered me a golden opportunity to develop my professional skills in the construction world and encouraged my personal and professional growth. I was fortunate to meet and work along with the key individuals in the corporate environment and at construction project sites.

The internship helped me shape my future as a professional within the Dormitory Authority. I have been with the Authority for nine years; the Authority is not just an organization to me, it is part of my family. The growth and coaching that I have received from individuals from project-to-project throughout my career have been very rewarding both professionally and personally. I'm proud of the buildings that the Dormitory Authority has given me the opportunity to be part of and manage. I will continue to deliver satisfaction to our clients and to those who shape our State of New York.  Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it, for this I give a special recognition to the Human Resources department for their guidance in effective management and support."

"It was the summer of 1994 that I chose the path least taken. I chose and never once looked back. I was embraced by a family of professionals at all levels and my education continues until this day.  That summer, I was an Architecture student at the City College of New York, with the hopes of one day becoming a famous Architect… maybe like Zaha Hadid?? But, just then, I walked into a construction site and my life changed.  I loved the excitement, the movement, the rush of making that piece of paper turn into reality. DASNY has provided a forum where I could apply my knowledge and continue my education. The path I chose that summer of 1994 has been an adventurous one!"

"While I was a student at the City College’s School of Architecture, my intention was to apply for an internship position at a design firm. However, after being accepted at DASNY, I decided to give it a try. After my first summer internship I was so captivated by the variety of projects that the Authority was involved in, that I decided to apply for a second internship with DASNY during the following year. After graduating from School of Architecture I was offered a position with DASNY’s Facilities Management unit and later was transferred to work in the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp. and NYC Courts programs.

During my internship I had the opportunity to observe and learn from dedicated professionals, and I am thankful to them for taking the time to explain and share their knowledge of construction project management.  The exposure to projects under construction was very stimulating because it helped me better understand how systems such as roofing, masonry, curtain wall, etc. are constructed. Being able to take photos at various stages of construction, take notes at construction meetings, and interact with design professionals was an invaluable experience."

"My first experience working within the public sector was gained when I was an intern in DASNY’s Human Resources department during the summer of 2002. The experience was fulfilling in that I was fortunate to have worked with a great supervisor and mentor, Luisa Niazi, in an environment that was challenging, enriching and fun. Working in the busy Human Resources department involved executing multiple interactions and responsibilities including prioritizing, multi-tasking, and providing excellent customer service to our internal and external customers.

I always wanted to have a career where I would be involved in something greater than myself. Interning at DASNY exposed me to the great influence public agencies have on the infrastructure of the State and the overall well being of its residents. The internship experience at DASNY demonstrated to me that working within the public sector can fulfill career ambitions, increase social consciousness and responsibility, while providing beneficial services to the State. My summer internship with DASNY was a great opportunity that I’ve continued to appreciate; it initiated my career aspiration to establish a profession within the public sector."

"While I was pursuing my Bachelor of Architecture degree at the City College of New York, I was accepted to the Dormitory Authority’s summer internship program as a Construction Project Management intern.

Upon graduation from City College, I was hired by the City University of New York to work as a Campus Facilities Database Assistant. Later, I was promoted to the position of University Assistant Architect. I gained excellent work experience at the construction site, in the office, and while working with my colleagues at the Dormitory Authority. This was my first position working in architecture, and it was the key to open the door to my successful career."