Interns Join H2M as Full-Time Employees
H2M architects + engineers maintains a longstanding relationship with New York Tech, funding four student scholarships each year and employing nearly 80 university alumni. That employment number is set to grow this year as three School of Architecture and Design students in the Class of 2025 have accepted offers to join the company full-time following graduation.
During the summer of 2024, the consulting and design firm welcomed 58 interns, including eight from New York Tech. From that group, Bachelor of Architecture students Fisnik Kraki, Casey Wagner, and Kaylah Smolenski will soon begin their full-time positions at the firm’s Melville, N.Y., office.
“We have a great relationship with New York Tech—we know the quality of the curriculum and degree programs, and the university’s students receive a well-rounded education,” explains H2M Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Liz Uzzo (B.P.S. ’85, M.S. ’95). Since the company’s founding in 1933, hundreds of employees have come from the university.
Smolenski, who continued her H2M experience through a part-time internship during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters, is excited to begin her full-time position after graduating this May. Along with Wagner, she will onboard as a staff designer, preparing construction documents, assisting with construction administration activities, and developing design and technical solutions.
“I’m looking forward to building on the knowledge and experience I’ve already gained as an intern to grow in my career,” she says. “I’m excited to continue working with my team and everyone I’ve gotten to know while interning.”
Uzzo adds that there is a unique benefit to bringing interns into full-time positions—they’re already acclimated to the company and culture. “Interns have already built relationships with others in the office, and they understand the processes that are needed. They gain well-balanced experience, so they excel quicker when they come on full-time.”
Kraki will fill an open staff designer role, as well. He will work alongside engineers and project managers on design development, drafting, coordinating projects, and ensuring that designs meet technical and client requirements.
“I’m very appreciative to H2M for the opportunity to gain full-time work experience upon graduation,” he says. “As I step into my new job, I look forward to learning all I can and progressing in my skills and career.”
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