Breckyn Donate is a senior completing a for-credit internship in interior design at Muhlenberg Greene (MG) Architects, an architectural design, planning and construction company located in Wyomissing. Under the guidance of MG Architects' Jacob Sockel, Breckyn is currently working to design the set up of a major fundraising event, the Souper Bowl for the Opportunity House, which will be held at Penn State Berks in February. MG Architects is proud to offer internships for both college and high school students, and finds value in the experience: "The internship program has been a huge success for everyone at the firm," said Mr. Sockel. "Breckyn has done an incredible job becoming a part of the design team and providing different perspectives on a variety of different projects. She's been able to gain real-world experience in the field of architecture by assisting on technical drawings, developing industry software skills, and attending project meetings and understanding how crucial a great relationship is with our clients and the firm." He continued, "Having an intern in our design firm provides us with the opportunity to have early-stage career professionals mentor the up-and-coming designers of the future. The exchange of fresh ideas keeps our firm relevant and in touch with the changes in society. Additionally, in this particular experience, our interns are able to assist our nonprofit clients with real-world projects, providing professional services that would otherwise be financially out of reach with the added benefit of giving our interns an actual client experience. In the case of Souper Bowl, everyone wins. The firm gets to support an important cause in our region, and provide learning experiences for our young designers and interns at the same time."

Breckyn, can you tell us a bit about what your plans are for after graduation? Have you selected a college and a major?
After graduation, I plan on attending a four-year university while majoring in Interior Design to complete a BFA. I haven’t decided what school I'll attend yet.

Can you tell us a bit about your internship? What does a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day, I check my email and schedule, then begin working on one of our active projects. I’m currently designing a layout space in ArchiCAD for the Souper Bowl. This is an event held by the Opportunity House, one of MGA’s non-profit connections.

How did you select your internship? Did someone help you select it? Did you seek out the opportunity on your own? Were you asked to do the internship?
Two years ago, I was searching for a design opportunity in our internship program and, sadly, we didn’t have any. Last year, I reached out again to the school's internship coordinator, Mr. Ricketts, and learned about Muhlenberg Greene Architects' intern program.

Do you think your internship is helping you feel more confident about your decision to go to college and pursue your major?
It is! My internship is definitely highlighting all aspects of this career field and ensuring my decision. I’m grateful to be getting this experience for my future in the design world.

What do you like most about your internship?
The environment in the workplace is something I really enjoy. The team is so nice and always willing to help. There is always something to do and something going on.

And finally, what would be your advice to a high school student who's thinking about Exeter's internship program?
I’d advise any student to take advantage of all opportunities they may have. This program is really beneficial for future careers, networking, and can really help determine what you like and don’t. There is such a wide range of businesses and schools that want interns; you never know until you reach out and try.

To see an interview of Breckyn on BCTV, please click YouTube.