Inside the Internship: Darwin Hanson, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

Darwin Hanson
Senior, Environmental Engineering
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
Environmental Intern

Learning By Doing

Darwin Hanson (EnvEngr'26) embraced the challenge of stepping outside her comfort zone during her internship at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services. While she began the summer with a clear role as an environmental intern, she didn’t let her title limit her experience. Hanson actively sought out projects beyond her direct responsibilities, diving into a variety of disciplines, from environmental site assessments to geotechnical fieldwork.

“You get out what you put in, especially with internships. The more energy you put in and the more questions you ask, the more you’ll gain from it. Don’t be afraid to ask for more work or to try something new that seems interesting.” – Hanson

Throughout the internship, Hanson contributed to Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, gaining firsthand experience interpreting technical data to assess potential environmental risks. But she didn’t stop there—she also joined fieldwork projects, including performing geotechnical soil borings, and exploring areas she hadn’t anticipated working in. These experiences expanded her perspective on the environmental engineering field and opened doors to future possibilities she hadn’t previously considered.

Building Skills and Relationships

While Hanson gained invaluable technical experience, she also understood that engineering is about more than analysis and data — it’s about collaboration, communication and connection. She made a point to engage with colleagues beyond her immediate team and emphasized the value of asking questions, seeking feedback, and learning from others in the field.

“The best advice I could give is to network and put yourself out there. Ask colleagues to have coffee chats, and talk with them about their experience in the industry or any advice or connections they have.” – Hanson

Hanson also credited LinkedIn and CU Boulder career fairs for helping her find opportunities, setting goals to apply consistently and reaching out to professionals to learn more about their work.

By the end of the summer, Hanson had not only developed her technical skillset but had also learned how to navigate the professional world with confidence and curiosity. Her initiative, both in the field and in the office, helped her gain more from the experience than she ever expected.