S5: E#9: Value of Student Internships – Student and University Perspectives with Sam Ariaratnam and Mackenzie Schmader

In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink is joined by Dr. Sam Ariaratnam, professor and program chair at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University, and Mackenzie Schmader, a 2024 NAC Scholarship recipient and the 2025 Outstanding Graduate of ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. Together, they share valuable insights on the impact of student internship programs. Mackenzie reflects on completing four internships during her time at ASU and how those experiences helped shape her career path, bridge classroom learning with real world applications, and prepare her for a successful future in construction. Dr. Ariaratnam offers the university’s perspective, outlining key elements of ASU’s internship program that drive its success, including a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. Their insights demonstrate the value of student internships in building a strong foundation for long-term success in the construction industry.