From Mentorship to Mastery: RNGD Intern Kameryn Washington’s Journey of Growth and Purpose
Summer Intern Brings Fresh Perspective to Infrastructure Estimating Team While Embodying the Power of Community Investment
This summer, the RNGD Infrastructure Estimating team welcomed Kameryn Washington, a college student whose journey to the company exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, scholarship, and hands-on experience. As both an ACE Mentor Program of Greater New Orleans alumna and Palmisano Foundation scholarship recipient, Washington brings a unique perspective shaped by community investment and determination.
Discovering Resources and Building Community
What has surprised Washington most during her time at RNGD? The depth of resources available to employees and the genuine helpfulness of colleagues across all levels.
“Sometimes I look at the company like its own meta center,” Washington explained. “They have things that you wouldn’t even think of—the Spanish learning app, the simulator, AI chat. But what really stands out is how friendly and helpful everyone is. No one tries to deter you from your learning habits if they’re beneficial. Everyone here is eager to learn new things, no matter how long they’ve been in the game.”
Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones
Working in estimating has challenged Washington to expand her professional skill set in unexpected ways. While she initially expected straightforward quantity calculations, the role required her to step outside her comfort zone as an introvert.
“I had to contact everyone on my own to receive pricing for jobs we don’t self-perform,” she shared. “This was definitely outside my comfort zone, but I had to adjust quickly and learn how to engage with people outside my everyday circle. Every day I get more comfortable speaking with people I wouldn’t normally interact with.”
This growth reflects RNGD’s commitment to developing well-rounded professionals who can navigate all aspects of the construction industry.
Building on a Foundation of Purpose
Washington’s path to RNGD began three years ago through the ACE Mentor Program, where she discovered her passion for the architecture, construction, and engineering fields. As the architect on a Go-Kart project, she experienced the full design process—from concept development to material selection to structural calculations.
“What really drew me in was the creative freedom architects have within certain guidelines,” she recalled. “The balance between structure and creativity was something that interested me. When I learned in college that an engineer can do the same, I was officially sold.”
The program instilled in her a crucial principle that she applies daily at RNGD: having a reason or purpose for everything you do. “In life, it doesn’t make sense to do something without logical reasoning, so this allowed me to be intentional about the things I do or say.”
The Impact of Investment
The Palmisano Foundation scholarship has been more than financial support for Washington—it has been validation of her dedication and a catalyst for greater confidence.
“Receiving the scholarship proved to me that hard work is worth having,” she explained. “It reinforced that consistency leads to amazing results, big or small. It’s also a constant reminder that people outside my family circle believe in my potential and see something worth investing in.”
This support has enabled her to pursue opportunities like leadership roles and internships without the burden of financial stress, allowing her to focus on growth and learning.
Connecting the Dots
For Washington, her experiences with ACE, the Palmisano Foundation, and RNGD represent interconnected building blocks in her professional development.
“The RNGD internship is where I felt like everything was coming together,” she reflected. “Here I was able to apply what I’ve been learning, understand how projects operate in real time, and see where I fit in this field. It connected the mentorship and hands-on experience in a way that made my goals come to life.”
Looking Forward with Purpose
While Washington enjoys estimating, her time at RNGD has helped clarify her career aspirations. She envisions a future that balances office work with field experience, seeking variety and new challenges daily.
Her advice to other young people reflects the wisdom gained from her journey: “Become comfortable with the uncomfortable—that’s the only way you’ll be able to seek out great opportunities and grow. Learn to separate yourself to stay focused, and never let anyone tell you that you’re too serious about your future at a young age.”
Investing in Future Industry Leaders
Washington’s story exemplifies how RNGD’s internship program serves as more than summer employment—it provides a platform where young professionals can apply their knowledge, challenge themselves, and discover their career path. Her growth from introvert to confident communicator, her appreciation for comprehensive professional development resources, and her evolving career vision all demonstrate the program’s impact.
The connection between the ACE Mentor Program, Palmisano Foundation scholarships, and RNGD internships illustrates a comprehensive approach to workforce development that extends from high school mentorship through college support and into meaningful professional experience.
For more information about RNGD internship opportunities, visit rngd.com/careers.
