This summer, I had the privilege of interning at Cyclone Energy Group through their “Emerging Engineer” program. The program mirrors the onboarding process for new hires and provides a few weeks of specialized training (depending on the department) and offers opportunities to meet various team members, giving me a comprehensive understanding of Cyclone’s operations.

As a rising fourth-year architectural engineering student at Illinois Tech, I came into the internship with a broad background in building systems and building sciences. My studies often felt like a blend of civil, architectural, structural, and MEP engineering, but I developed a growing interest in high-performance building systems. Encouraged by one of my professors, I chose to pursue this interest further during my internship.

Even though it is still relatively early for my academic specialization journey (working towards a 4+1 degree), my HVAC systems design class proved unexpectedly valuable. I had previously questioned the need for such niche knowledge, but I quickly realized its importance. On just the second day of my internship, I found myself on-site, applying this knowledge by checking cooling and heating load discharge temperatures from diffusers and using my understanding of pneumatic systems to conduct benchmark analyses for a Rush Medical professional building. This experience of being immediately immersed in real-world work was both exhilarating and enlightening, and the humbling realization of how helpful my HVAC class turned out to be added a touch of irony to the whole experience.

At Cyclone, I was able to form genuine relationships with my colleagues, rather than feeling forced into networking. Jed and Pete, my supervisors, were particularly inspiring. Pete guided me through site visits during the first few weeks. As the summer progressed, I worked more closely with Jed on workflow management and understanding the organizational aspects of being a commissioning agent.

The industry can feel overwhelming, with so much to learn in the field that isn’t covered in the classroom. However, I found comfort in the opportunity to be a lifelong learner, continually discovering new things every day. This passion for learning is a core value at Cyclone; everyone there is committed to continuous growth and development. Though they mention in the classroom that every project is different, it wasn’t until I got to engage with drawing sets and participated in project meetings that I truly realized how unique and challenging each project can be.

I also enjoyed exploring different teams within the company. Jason and Karl were enthusiastic about introducing me to sustainability projects, and I gained insights into the LEED process and Green Globes certification—experiences that are hard to replicate in an academic setting. Frank consistently invited me to join him on site visits, offering a glimpse into specialized projects and the vast expertise required in this field. It was inspiring to see how seasoned professionals, like Frank, possess such a breadth of industry knowledge.

Although this summer I primarily worked with the commissioning team, I valued the chance to connect with the energy engineering team. Despite Cyclone’s hybrid and remote work options, I made it a point to be in the office as often as possible, a practice I highly recommend for future interns. It was rewarding to engage with colleagues like Emmy and Greg and learn about the unique aspects and specializations of each team. Emmy even became my Olympics correspondent, and we collaborated on organizing an “Olympic lunch” where we enjoyed watching some of the day’s swimming highlights together.

One aspect of my experience that stood out to me the most during my time at Cyclone Energy Group is the team’s high-achieving drive in their respective fields, coupled with their well-rounded lives outside of work. As a music enthusiast, I enjoyed hearing about my colleagues’ musical tastes and concert experiences. This aspect was particularly refreshing, as being a full-time student at a tech institution can sometimes feel all-consuming and overwhelming. It was inspiring to see how Cyclone’s team members balance their professional pursuits with vibrant personal lives, filled with diverse interests and hobbies.

As my internship comes to a close, I leave with a deep appreciation for the company’s culture of continuous learning and the opportunity to be a part of a supportive, dynamic team. The experience has not only enriched my understanding of high-performance building systems, but also given me a glimpse into a balanced, fulfilling professional life. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned at Cyclone into my future education and career.  I am excited about the prospect of continuing to explore new challenges and opportunities in the field of building systems engineering.

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Taken at 817 W Fulton, it’s always fun to see each building’s view and snag a quick picture for the parents!

Mission 94 Education Arms Center was the coolest site visit this summer. It was super interesting to see all the equipment that goes into a properly ventilated gun range, something that is rather niche. Additionally, checking out the nearby Pritzker Military Museum and Library made the visit to Wisconsin even more worthwhile.

As a collegiate swimmer, it’s always fun to snag a quick look to see if any of the multi-family residential sites we work on has a pool.

The Chicago team at our Summer Happy Hour.