EDSA internship program develops lifelong employees and careers

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fl. ?EUR??,,????'??? EDSA, the largest landscape architectural firm in Florida, has a long and successful history with its internship program. Over the past 30 years the internship program has developed into a unique educational work experience for the students and a source of talent for the firm, stated Cindy Eden, director of human resources for the firm.

EDSA recruits third and fourth-year undergraduates as well as graduates from all accredited landscape architecture schools for the intern program. Students who participate in the EDSA internship program are exposed to a wide range of projects with expectations, responsibilities and experiences comparable to entry level landscape architect positions. They become engrossed in the planning and design and develop their team and creative problem solving skills. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, working side-by-side with the firms experienced principals, project managers and associates.

EDSA even offers an international program that allows the students to spend several months in the firm?EUR??,,????'???s Beijing office.

The internship program has been a great recruiting tool for the firm, as it is common for interns to join the team upon graduation. More than one-fourth of EDSAs landscape architects were former interns that accepted full time positions with the firm. Of those who have joined the EDSA family, more than 75 percent have advanced within the company and now hold the position of associate or higher, said Eden.