High School Intern

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking a creative, highly talented High School Intern for immediate employment in the Virginia Beach, VA  office.

AECOM is proud to support high school students who are interested in Engineering or Architecture as they transition into the college.  This position offers students the opportunity to explore career interests and gain practical experience that can help guide their college and career decisions.

This position is expected to start in November 2026.

Internship Purpose:

The proposed internship would provide a high school student with meaningful experience in multidisciplinary building design, with primary emphasis on electrical engineering and Revit. The high school student must be a senior in high school. The internship would begin in November 2026 and continue through May 31, 2027. The high school student will complete at least 140 documented hours which is a typical requirement through the EBA academy program with the Virginia Beach Public School system (VBCPS) and would typically work approximately 6 to 8 hours per week, with additional hours when his or her academic schedule, office workload, and available supervision allows.

Proposed Activities:

- Learn workplace expectations, safety, professional communication, and the building-design process.
- Learn Revit and Bluebeam using approved training files or nonconfidential project material.
- Develop basic electrical layouts, including lighting, receptacles, panels, equipment, circuits, and schedules.
- Perform introductory lighting and electrical load calculations under professional supervision.
- Spend time with the mechanical department to learn basic HVAC layouts, equipment coordination, and introductory calculations.
- Receive brief exposure to architecture, structural, civil, plumbing, and fire-protection coordination when staff availability permits.
- Participate in design reviews, address markups, and learn the quality-control process.

Defined Project and Measurable Outcome:

The high school student’s primary project would be the development of a simplified, coordinated Child Development Center building design. This project is similar to a multidisciplinary design exercise recently completed by college interns and would allow the student to apply the skills learned during the internship.

Expected work products would include:

- A coordinated Revit model and preliminary drawing package.
- Basic lighting, power, and selected mechanical layouts.
- Introductory lighting, electrical-load, and mechanical calculations.
- A coordination log identifying issues found and revisions made.
- A final project summary and material supporting his school capstone presentation.

Progress would be measured by completion of the assigned model and drawing elements, calculation accuracy, review comments addressed, coordination issues identified and resolved, and the quality of the final presentation material.

Supervision and School Requirements:

- A designated mentor would provide ongoing supervision, establish monthly goals, review assignments, and gradually increase responsibility as the student demonstrates proficiency.
- The mentor would verify hours monthly, complete required evaluations, support the student’s research using only permissible information, and communicate with the VBCPS Internship Coordinator as needed.
- AECOM would complete the required Worksite Safety Evaluation and Standard Training Agreement through Schoolinks before the internship begins.
- The mentor would be invited to participate in or attend the student’s capstone presentation in May 2027.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

- Must be a High School Senior.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is a plus.

Additional Information

- The student internship will be restricted to working in the office. Remote working will not be available.
- The student will be available to work at the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday and will work with their supervisor to determine the appropriate weekly work schedule. 
- Completion of a parent permission form, VBCPS required screening process, VBCPS worksite safety evaluation, and training agreement.
- Relocation assistance is not available for this position. 
- Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options ,  well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.