Sometimes people begin as interns or start their careers at a company and then quickly move on to a new opportunity. But what makes them stay?
This National Intern Day, we’re looking at five employees whose early experiences at RICK helped solidify their careers and made them want to build those professional futures here at RICK.
Ricardo Elias, Assistant Engineering Designer
After graduating from college, Ricardo joined RICK’s Las Vegas office, where he was eager to continue learning from experienced engineers and grow in his career. Early on, he worked with the Colorado team on the Grantsville project in Utah. This gave Ricardo the opportunity to develop new Civil 3D skills and get to know teammates outside his home office, giving him the chance to collaborate with designers and managers from different offices across the company.
“One thing that made this project and experience so memorable was the way the entire team worked together and how they welcomed me to the team from day one. Everyone on the team, from designers to managers, helped me grow tremendously.” —Ricardo Elias, Assistant Engineering Designer
Before joining RICK, Ricardo interned with CALTRANS and WSP. When he graduated, he chose RICK as his first job because of the opportunities he saw for growth and to learn from leaders and experts in his field. Today, Ricardo says he still comes to work excited to learn something new because there is always room to improve as an engineer.
Allyson Serafico-Tran, Principal Project Engineer
After interning with RICK while attending San Diego State University, Allyson joined the company full time as an Engineering Designer. Early in her career, she became part of the team working on One Alexandria Square, a 22.2 acre-biotechnology research campus in La Jolla. Over the past 8 years, she has helped guide the 22.2-acre biotechnology campus through multiple phases, designing site utilities, grading, drainage, and surface improvements while supporting the project from design through construction.
“Who you surround yourself with truly makes a difference.” —Allyson Serafico-Tran, Project Manager
Outside of her project work, Allyson is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and the San Diego chapter of Asian American Architects and Engineers. She also volunteers each year with Future Construction Leaders and MESA, mentoring students through hands-on STEM workshops and sharing her story, all in the hope it helps others find their own path.
Callum McRae, Associate Water Resources Designer
While completing his master’s degree at San Diego State University, Callum interned with RICK for more than a year and a half. Instead of limiting his internship to a single summer, RICK worked around his class schedule, giving him the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while finishing school.
As he wrapped up his master’s program, Callum submitted his research to present at the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Conference in Sacramento. When his presentation was accepted, RICK supported him in attending the conference alongside members of the Water Resources team.
“They just helped support me and put my name out there. I was fresh and didn’t really know anything at that point, and they were introducing me to people and saying, ‘Hey, come meet this person.’ It felt like everyone on my team had my best interest in mind.” —Callum McRae, Associate Water Resources Designer
As a new master’s graduate, spending the week at CASQA gave Callum the opportunity to network with so many different industry professionals from across California. The experience made networking feel less intimidating and encouraged him to become more involved in professional organizations. Today, he serves as the mentor lead for the American Public Works Association (APWA) Young Professionals Committee, passing on the torch and helping to support the future of engineering.
Olivia Gee, Assistant Engineering Designer
Olivia joined RICK’s Public Works group as an Engineering Intern in June 2024. Like many interns, everything felt unfamiliar at first. RICK San Diego is a large office with new routines and new expectations to learn every day, and at first she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a full-time job. As she stayed longer, strangers became friends and projects started to feel personal, and over time she became much more confident in her role and could imagine a career at RICK.
During one week of her internship, Olivia wasn’t performing at her best. Everything was behind schedule, she wasn’t getting enough sleep, and things slipped her mind. At the time, she was working with Kevin Nguyen, who sat down with her after noticing a change in the quality of her work.
“Rather than criticizing me, Kevin took the time to coach me. That showed me the team was invested in my growth and helped me understand the responsibility that comes with being part of the team. I want to be reliable, both in the quality of my work and in my willingness to learn. When someone takes the time to teach me something, I want to make sure I apply it, so they don’t have to tell me twice.” —Olivia Gee, Assistant Engineering Designer
Olivia also remembers spending two days organizing the office library during her internship. At the time, she was eager to jump into engineering work, but hadn’t expected to take on projects outside of engineering. Looking back, she realized her team just wanted to keep her involved and trusted with work, whatever the task. This was a sign that people were investing in her.
Yefri Organis, Assistant Engineering Designer
Yefri joined RICK’s Public Works Department as an Engineering Intern in June 2025. Early in his internship, he had the opportunity to assist with the Paseo Del Norte Guard Rail Project, helping design the guardrail from start to finish. It was the first time he could point to something he helped design that people could visit and see for themselves, and it’s an accomplishment he says he’ll never forget.
“The Paseo Del Norte Guard Rail Project showed me that the work we do becomes part of people’s everyday lives. Seeing something I helped design and knowing people use it gave me a new appreciation for engineering. It motivated me to always give 110% in my work.” —Yefri Organis, Assistant Engineering Designer
As his internship continued, Yefri found himself reflecting on how much he had grown. One day, while talking with Principal Edgar Camerino in the breakroom about his progress, he found himself looking back on everything he had accomplished since his first day. The conversation reminded him of everything he had learned in a short time, and it was the moment he realized RICK had become more than an internship. It was the place he could see himself building a career.
So, what made them stay?
There wasn’t one answer. For some, it was a mentor who took the time to teach them, and for others, it was being trusted with significant work early in their careers or being welcomed into a team from day one. For these five employees, their early experiences were just the beginning of their careers at RICK.