INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Gianna D'Aprile Expands Knowledge Base At Elkus Manfredi Architects

INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Gianna D'Aprile Expands Knowledge Base At Elkus Manfredi Architects
Posted: Oct 31, 2019

INTERNSHIP MODEL | GULL2GULL MENTORING PROGRAM | STUDENT STORIES

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Gianna D'Aprile (Millis, Mass.), who is a senior on the women's rugby team and an interior design major (minor in business administration) at Endicott, is currently interning at Elkus Manfredi Architects (EMA). Here's a look into her internship experience.

ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience. 

D'APRILE: For my semester-long internship, I am working for Elkus Manfredi Architects, which is a large architecture and interior design firm located in Boston. EMA completes large commercial projects for many well-known brands and companies. 

ECGULLS: What have you learned from your internship?

D'APRILE: So far, I have learned a lot about how a large firm operates and handles so many projects of such a large scale. I have also learned a lot about the resources in my field that designers use to specify furniture and materials. Additionally, I have learned how architects and designers work together to complete projects. 

ECGULLS: How will this internship help you in your career moving forward?

D'APRILE: This internship is giving me the experience of being a part of a larger firm. I was really interested in learning more about large scale projects and teams. Elkus Manfredi is also a great name to put on my resume for future positions. 

ECGULLS: What kind of networking have you done at your internship?

D'APRILE: I have attended training sessions and lunch-and-learns that have taught me about relevant topics in the design industry. I also participated in our office's donut club! 

ECGULLS: Do you have a favorite experience or story from your internship? If so, what was it?

D'APRILE: One of my favorite stories from my internship so far is a time when I was taking the shuttle on my morning commute. I was sitting next to a coworker and we were talking about the buildings in the Seaport District. I pointed out the one I saw every day during my commute that I really liked. And my coworker said "Yup, we designed that one!" It was really cool to know I'm working at a firm that creates beautiful pieces of architecture that caught my eye as I'm driving around Boston! 

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

  • Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
  • Develop competencies for careers and community service
  • Explore career options and gain field experience
  • Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
  • Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

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(Photo Credit - Mike Conners)